By Radhika Nagrath
Haridwar, 24 Dec: The Lekhak Gaon in Thano village in Dehradun will come alive on 25 December with eminent writers, intellectuals, ministers and national think tanks as the second series of deliberations and discourses under the Atal Smruti VyakhyanMala begins.
The lecture series was first launched a year ago to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Several distinguished personalities, including Union Ministers, are expected to participate in this year’s programme.
The announcement was made by the founder of the unique Writers’ Village, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. Notably, participants from over 40 countries took part in the first edition of the Vyakhyan Mala.
About Lekhak Gaon
First of its kind in the state, this Writers’ Village, is a tranquil retreat nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas—away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet still connected to it. Rapidly emerging as an ideal weekend getaway, it attracts those who cherish mountains, greenery, and serenity. Soft music drifting through the gardens and rolling hillocks creates a soothing aura for visitors. The approach road, lined with trees on both sides and passing by Kallu Sidh Temple, sets the tone perfectly, creating an atmosphere that gently ushers visitors into this haven of calm and contemplation.
For poetry lovers, the village offers an inspiring space where thoughts can flow freely. As Wordsworth said, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity”. The inner emotional storehouse gets its proper vent at such a place. A vast library housing thousands of literary works invites writers and readers alike to immerse themselves in creativity. Framed on one of the walls is a poem by Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, former Education Minister of the Government of India, reflecting one such moment of poetic outburst. “We are attempting to have Pandulipis become a part of this Nalanda library. Tagore’s creation ‘Geetanjali’ for which he received the Nobel Prize had its seed in Uttarakhand. It was conceptualised in Ramgarh of Uttarakhand. This state is a writer’s haven and Lekhak Gaon derives its inspiration from such eminent creators.”
Navgrah Vatika for positivity
This enclosure in Lekhak Gaon has special trees, each dedicated to the 27 Hindu lunar mansions or Nakshatras for spiritual, medicinal and ecological benefits. Ashwini linked Kuchla, Bharani to Amla, and Rohini to Jamun, fostering well-being by aligning cosmic energies with nature. At the entrance of this village is installed a statue of Lord Dhanwantri, the Lord of Ayurveda, who has given the science of healthy long life.
Himalayi Rasoi offers typical hill food with multigrain roti, Jhangora kheer, seasonal vegetables to choose from amongst other Pahadi cuisine. A spiritual corner in the entire landscape with wooden décor has Lord Narsingh – half man, half lion avatar of Lord Vishnu – gives a peaceful ambience as one enters the temple. The sheer tinkle of bell in the temple arouses positivity in one’s self and energy of the space around.
The visitors speak:
Captain Kunal Bhatt, a visitor to the place with his family was all smiles having spent the moments in tranquillity. Over a hundred engineers and their families from BHEL Haridwar spent their Senior Citizens’ forum together in Lekhak Gaon this weekend. One could listen to the songs by these old adults, spot some kites in the sky by the grey haired retirees and a jubilant atmosphere around.
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