Tripura News Correspondent Anupam Pal: The two-day State-Level Atal Poetry and Literary Festival 2024, organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of Tripura, commenced today at Unakoti Kalakshetra. The festival aims to showcase the creative dimensions of the state’s literature and culture while encouraging young writers and poets.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the chief guest, Minister for Social Welfare, Social Education, Youth, and Sports Affairs, Tinku Roy. Other notable attendees included Minister for Scheduled Caste Welfare and Animal Resource Development Sudhanshu Das, Sahitya Akademi award-winning poet S. Gambhini, Diganta Biswas Sharma, an Executive Board member of the Sahitya Akademi from Assam, and Unakoti Zilla Parishad President Amalendu Das. The event was presided over by Bimbisar Bhattacharya, Director of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.
The festival was inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. A documentary on the life of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was screened, and a commemorative souvenir was released. Renowned poet and writer Milon Dutta was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which included a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a memento. Poets S. Gambhini and Diganta Biswas Sharma were also felicitated for their literary contributions.
In his speech, Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya remarked, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an extraordinary poet, political leader, and a devoted servant of the nation. His literary genius and unwavering love for the country continue to inspire us all.”
Minister Tinku Roy said, “Atal Ji was not only a successful Prime Minister but also a philosopher and poet. Under his leadership, India made a strong mark on the international stage. This festival is a significant initiative to showcase the state’s rich literary and cultural heritage to the nation.”
Minister Sudhanshu Das highlighted, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first to deliver a speech in Hindi at the United Nations, presenting Indian culture to the world. His historic initiatives for the development of the northeastern region, including the establishment of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), remain relevant even today.”
The first day of the festival featured poetry recitations, literary discussions, and a special competition for young poets, providing them with an opportunity to display their talents.
The inaugural edition of the festival was held last year in Udaipur, Gomati district. This year, the second edition is being hosted at Kailashahar in Unakoti district. With the participation of poets and writers from various states, Unakoti Kalakshetra has become the vibrant center of the festival.
Organizers have announced that more exciting events and workshops are scheduled for the festival’s concluding day. Esteemed individuals have lauded the initiative of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, stating that it will foster interest in literature and culture among the younger generation in the state.
