President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Literary Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan: “Literature is the Mirror of Timeless Human Values”

New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, today inaugurated a two-day literary conference titled “How Much Has Literature Changed?” at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, reflecting on the enduring power and evolving nature of literature in contemporary society.

Addressing a gathering of eminent writers, poets, scholars, and literary enthusiasts, the President expressed her deep personal connection with literature. “Since my student days, I have held literature and litterateurs in high regard. That respect has only deepened with time,” she said, adding that it had long been her wish to welcome writers from across the country to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Sahitya Akademi, the conference is a platform for reflecting on the transformations in Indian literature, especially in the context of social, cultural, and technological change.

President Murmu lauded India’s linguistic richness and literary diversity, affirming that the essence of “Indianness” resonates through all languages and traditions. “I consider all the languages and dialects of this country as my own, and the literature of every tongue as a shared treasure,” she said, emphasizing the unifying spirit of Indian literature despite its myriad forms.

Speaking on the evolving nature of literature, the President remarked, “Societies and institutions change, and so do challenges and priorities. But there is something eternal in literature—it keeps alive the emotional backgrounds of love, compassion, and empathy.”

She described timeless literature as one that remains relevant across generations, helping people dream and transform those dreams into reality.

Acknowledging the dynamic role of literature today, President Murmu said, “Modern literature is no longer didactic or moralizing. Today’s writer is a fellow traveler—observing, experiencing, and helping others experience life.” She expressed confidence that the conference would foster meaningful and constructive dialogue among participants and speakers.