Governor inaugurates 9th edition of Valley of Words Literature & Arts Festival
By Arun Pratap Singh
my uttarakhand news Bureau
DEHRADUN, 25 Oct: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh inaugurated the ninth edition of the ‘Valley of Words’ International Literature and Arts Festival at Hotel Madhuban here on Saturday. The two-day festival features participation from numerous eminent writers, litterateurs, artists and thinkers from India and abroad, who will share their ideas and experiences across various sessions.
The event began with a soulful rendering of Gurbani Shabad, titled Shabd Vani, in commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, which filled the atmosphere with spiritual energy. The Shabad were presented by nine students of Guru Nanak Academy.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the Governor paid rich tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur and observed that such events serve as powerful mediums for dialogue, thought and creative expression within society. The Governor also reminded that Guru Tej Bahadur attained supreme sacrifice not for any personal gains or reasons but for the world, the faith and for the sake of Dharam. He refused to bow down to the tyranny of the then Mughal emperor (Aurangzeb) and chose to lay down his life rather than convert to Islam for which he was being pressurised by the Mughals.
He observed that through ‘Valley of Words Literature & Arts Festival, Uttarakhand’s rich art, culture and literature are gaining fresh recognition at both national and international levels. The governor also noted that in recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in literary, artistic and cultural activities in Dehradun and that this has enabled the state to establish a distinct identity in the field of literature and arts at the national level. He added that providing meaningful discussion sessions and literary activities for the youth reflects the foresight and creativity of the organisers.
He further remarked that literature is a reflection of India’s rich cultural heritage, guiding the thought process of the nation and society. There is a pressing need, he said, to foster awareness, sensitivity and creativity towards literature and art among children and youth. Highlighting the importance of literature, he emphasised that it is essential to project our national heritage, history and culture through literary expression. The governor also reminded the audience that the words hold great power. They have the power to positively influence and inspire the society and to unite the society but at the same time the words can also have negative influence on the people and divide the society and create destruction.
Lt Gen Singh richly lauded the organisers of ‘Valley of Words’ for the successful conduct of the festival and expressed confidence that the deliberations and reflections on this platform would prove beneficial to society. He also praised former chief secretary of Punjab KBS Sidhu and former MP and veteran journalist Tarun Vijay for reminding the audience of the great sacrifice by Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Earlier speaking about life and times of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Tarun Vijay demanded that the Gurdwara Shish Ganj in Delhi, which is dedicated to Guru Teg Bahadur be declared as national monument as it was because of great saints and soldiers like Teg Bahadur that the Sanatan faith and culture could survive the tyranny of Mughal emperors. He also reminded the audience of the sacrifice by the Sikh General Banda Bahadur and lamented the fact that few in the current generation know about Banda Bahadur. He also felt sad that the site where Banda Bahadur laid is life is not also known to the people nor there is any memorial there. Vijay said that while Guru Tegh Bahadur was a great soldier, he was even a greater saint and deeply imbibed spirituality. He asserted that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur should be considered by historians as the first war for independence as it truly was and that more about him and about Banda Bahadur be included in the school books.
Former Chief Secretary KBS Sidhu described Guru Tegh Bahadur as a great Karmayogi who lived not only a true spiritual life but also became a guiding light not just to the Sikhs but for the nation as a whole by standing strongly up to the tyranny of the Mughal Emperors. He also asserted that the supreme sacrifice by Guru Tegh Bahadur came at a time, when the Mughal Empire was at its peak and very strong and it was not easy to fight it, which adds a greater meaning to the sacrifice. He reminded that Guru Teg Bahadur travelled widely in Hindustan in order to unite Indian states to put up joint fight against the tyranny of the Mughals and to save Dharma., instead of fighting among themselves.
During the programme, Director of the festival, Sanjeev Chopra proposed the vote on thanks and also listed a detailed account of the festival’s concept and its objectives. Noted social activist Anoop Nautiyal moderated the session. Among those present on the occasion included Chairman of Hemkund Sahib Management Trust Narender Jit Singh Bindra, Lt Gen (Retd) PJS Pannu, Vice Chancellor of SRHU, Rajendra Dobhal, noted industrialist Rakesh Oberoi, Chairman of Doon International School DS Mann, Dr Alok Ahuja, board members of the festival including Rashmi Chopra and Jyoti Dhawan and several writers, poets, thinkers and literature enthusiasts who had gathered for the festival.
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