Moral values need to be strengthened to face emerging challenges: Gurmit Singh

Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) felicitates National Award winning filmmaker Ketan Mehta on the inaugural
day of the third edition of the Crime Literature Festival of India.
Pic: Mohtshim Khan.
Governor Inaugurates the Crime Literature Festival of India 

my uttarakhand news Bureau 

Dehradun, 12 Dec: Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) today inaugurated the “Crime Literature Festival of India” organized by the Doon Cultural and Literary Society at hotel Hyatt Centric, Jakhan. Appreciating this unique initiative during the opening ceremony, the Governor said that the Crime Literature Festival is not merely a source of entertainment, but paves the way for meaningful dialogue on important issues related to society, justice, and security. He said that organizing such an event in the peaceful and spiritual land of Uttarakhand reflects that society is aware, sensitive, and responsible towards contemporary challenges.

Lt Gen Singh said that the nature of crime is rapidly changing today, with new threats such as cybercrime, digital fraud, drug-related cases, and the misuse of online platforms emerging. In such times, it is essential for the youth to strengthen their moral values along with technological awareness. He added that the Crime Literature Festival is an effective medium to promote alertness, sensitivity, and fresh thinking in society.

The Governor also praised the dedication, hard work, and spirit of public service demonstrated by the police force. He said that the police not only maintain law and order but also play a crucial role in strengthening the security and trust of society. The Governor added that literature is a powerful medium to enhance dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between citizens and the police.

Leading Film Director Ketan Mehta was the guest of honour on the occasion. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, he recalled that when he was invited to participate in Crime Literature Festival in Dehradun, he wondered why was he being invited to a literature festival focussed on crime. But then he pondered over his films and realised that though he didn’t make crime specific films, most of his films did carry an element of crime.
Mehta also stated that every person has multiple facets to his personality and crime was one such facet. He asserted that he has come as a learner to the festival.
Festival chairman Ashok Kumar delivered the welcome address. Festival Director Aloke Lal emphasised that this particular literature festival is perhaps the only one focussed on crime literature. Randhir Arora proposed the vote of thanks. Pooja Marwah compered the session.

On this occasion, former DGP of Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Kumar; Retd IPS Sharad Sachan; Retd IFS Vijay Kumar; Madhukar Zende of Charles Sobhraj fame; writers Kulbhushan Kain; and Sunita Vijay, along with many writers, thinkers, and intellectuals, were present at the program.