New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced the Sahitya Aaj Tak event in the capital today and presented the prestigious Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman. The ceremony celebrated India’s vibrant literary traditions and honored exceptional contributors to the field.
President Murmu extended her heartfelt congratulations to all awardees, with a special mention for the legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar, who was conferred with the Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Lifetime Achievement Award. Commending his profound contributions to literature and art, the President remarked, “Gulzar Saheb’s dedication to the literary world is unparalleled, and his works continue to inspire generations.”
The President lauded the diversity reflected in the award-winning works, which encapsulate India’s rich cultural and historical heritage. She noted that a pan-India consciousness has been a hallmark of Indian literature, from ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to contemporary works.
She observed, “India’s regional literature has always carried a sense of unity in diversity. This consciousness has been a guiding force throughout history, during the freedom struggle, and continues to shine in today’s literary expressions.”
President Murmu appreciated the efforts of the India Today Group in organizing the event and called on them to further expand their reach in promoting regional and subaltern literature. She highlighted the importance of amplifying voices from underrepresented communities and bringing hidden literary gems to the forefront.
She urged the Group to leverage technology to take these works to the masses, while also advocating for enriched children’s literature through original writing and translations. “By nurturing children’s literature, we enrich not just the minds of our young readers but the entire society,” she added.
Delving into the essence of literature, the President emphasized that it must resonate with the joys and sorrows of the people. “True literature connects with humanity’s flow and shares its pains and struggles,” she said. “Works marked by intellectual pomposity and prejudice fail to endure. Literature must empower humanity and adapt eternal values to contemporary times.”
President Murmu further highlighted the transformative role of literature in shaping society, citing the influence of poets and saints on Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts. She underscored the responsibility of writers to inspire societal progress through empathy and humanity.
The Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman recognizes and celebrates literary excellence across genres and languages, reinforcing India’s status as a land of storytellers. The event served as a platform to honor authors who reflect the nation’s cultural and historical tapestry through their works.
For the full text of the President’s speech, please click here.