By Mewati Sitaram
Mumbai University’s Firozshah Mehta Auditorium at Kalina campus came alive on Saturday as the Benares Literature Festival brought together literature, art, and culture in a memorable celebration. Organized jointly by the Nav Bharat Nirman Committee and Mumbai University, the festival demonstrated that literary and cultural discussions remain vital, drawing a large audience despite heavy rainfall.
The event began with Maharashtra IT and Culture Minister Ashish Shelar, who praised Benares’ rich literary and cultural heritage and pledged to attend the festival in Benares in future sessions.
Discussions explored the relationship between literature and society. Writers Manju Lodha and Geeta Singh highlighted literature’s role in reflecting societal values and emphasized the growing presence of women’s voices. Attendees, including many students, actively engaged with questions and reflections.
A special session commemorated the birth centenary of Raahi Masoom Raza, with senior writer Vibhuti Narayan Rai and scholar Dr. Ravindra Katyan sharing insights on Raza’s novels like Adha Gaon and Neem Ka Ped, which examine social structures, caste, language, and politics in northern India.
The evening featured poetry and ghazals by both young and senior poets, including Akriti Vijnya, Dixit Dankauri, Madan Mohan Danish, Santosh Singh, and others. The launch of Santosh Singh’s poetry collection To Kya Hoga further highlighted literature’s societal role.
Musical performances by Satish Mishra, Sanjay Singh, Deepa Narayan, and dancer Somanka Bhattacharya concluded the festival, blending classical traditions with contemporary expression.
The Mumbai edition showcased how literature, music, and art unite communities, while Minister Shelar’s commitment to attend next year emphasized the festival’s importance in fostering cultural dialogue across regions.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
