The Inaugural session of fourth Delhi Lit fest at Delhi Haat saw some of the most prominent personalities such as Aushutosh Rachna (vision 2021), Kapil Mishra (Minister of Art, Culture & Language & Tourism Government of Delhi), Rama Pandey (actor, producer, writer) and Supriya Ramaji (writer, producer, director).
Aushutosh Rachna discussed the issue of bringing the youth together in order to establish peace and prosperity. While peace education is the demand of the hour, it is equally important to understand that violence is inherent in human nature and that is where Vision 2021 comes into frame. The aim of vision 2021 is to encourage people to look at positivity only and to make them understand the importance of peace education.
“Finding purpose in life is the key to success today”, says Rachna. When we have a purpose, we are more focused and we tend to channelize our energy in a positive direction while on the other hand absence of purpose will only lead to destruction.
“Through Vision 2021 we educate people about various platforms to find peace. A lot of young people are coming forward to understand the belief system”, shares Rachna. Talking about the attack on Pathankot, she says that it is all because of a belief system and “If you can change that belief system and teach them to love, this world can surely be a lot better.” It is important to look at the futility of this bloodshed which does no good to anyone.
Moving on from peace to literature, Rama Pandey gives some really motivational messages to the young generation. Commenting on Delhi Lit fest she says “Delhi lit fest is people’s festival and everyone should be a part of it.” Rama shares that in order to preserve literature and culture it is important that we read and write more. She suggests that we should gift people books in order to encourage more people to read and write. “I want the young generation to buy books but ironically they can afford branded goods and not good books!”
Rama argues that while it is good to adapt new ideas and practices from western culture, it is more important to take pride in being an Indian. It is only when one is culturally rooted and has a strong hold on one’s own culture that one can actually preserve literature.
Truly one of the major question that boggles every aspiring writer’s mind is whether he will get published or not and Rama discerns the tension in the air. “Don’t worry about getting published, go ahead and write with total determination.” For Rama it is more important to write than to get published for if you are able to write a good piece it will elevate your senses and bring a different level of satisfaction. “Those who are bothered about getting published do not even know what they want to write and that is strange.”
Adding to the strand, Kapil Mishra says that his government will take every possible action to remove all the restrictions from writing so that one can write freely and readers can access their favorite writers easily. “You are free to write”, says Kapil Mishra. Discussing the power of social media he says that in modern times getting published should not be a major concern since we have so many platforms where we can post our piece of writing and reach millions of people in just a few hours. “In a world of technology, your only concern should be to produce effective content.”
Manish Sharma, Minister of Art, Culture & Language & Tourism Government of Delhi, invites suggestions from people and promises to support the young generation in order to make their dreams come true. “You can share your dreams and suggestions with us and I, along with my government, will try my best to get every possible thing done to support you.”
