“To make the country special one should keep that invisible fire within the heart burning”. General Vijay Kumar Singh
New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts Kalanidhi and Kaladarsana Division on the occasion of ‘Prakram Divas’ held a book launch of the book “Vatan Pe Kurbaan” and musical presentation by the author of the book Vijaya Bharati. On this occasion books on life of Shri Subhash Chandra Bose published by IGNCA were also launched. The chief guest at the event was General Vijay Kumar Singh Hon’ble Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Road Transport and Highways. The guest of honour was Shri Vindeshwar Pathak, Padmbhushan, Founder and Chairman of Sulabh International. The other eminent guests and speakers at the event were, Shri Buddhinath Mishra, Lyricist and Smt. Vijaya Bharati, Poetess and Folk Singer. The event was chaired by Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA and introductory remarks of the program were given by Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur HoD, Kalanidhi Division, IGNCA and Director, National School of Drama. Shri Dnyaneshwar Mulay Member, National Human Rights Commission of India and former Secretary to GoI was also present at the event. The program was moderated by Suresh Nirav, Journalist and Poet.
General Vijay Kumar Singh while addressing the gathering said that this anthology which has also been composed as songs by the author will be an inspiration for the people of the country. He further added that whatever inspires the people of the country has the highest place in the hearts of the citizens. He said that today there is a lack of literature in the textbooks to inculcate nationalistic and patriotic feelings towards the country. Today children do not know who Subhadrakumari Chauhan and Rashtrakavi or National Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar are! He also stated that “To make the country special one should keep that invisible fire within the heart burning”. Shri Vindeshwar Pathak while speaking at the event said “Those who protect the nation are the people of the first row of the nation”. He further added that IGNCA’s books have been launched and in that context it can be said a person after lots of hardship reaches one’s objective and that’s true for the people associated with literature and culture this event can be kept within the same framework. He also made an analogy of Michaelangelo’s statue and said he made a statue which it seemed would smile anytime and further said he too made a statue (Sulabh International) which would eradicate the wrong tradition of manual scavenging and bring smile to the faces of people. He also quoted John F. Kennedy in this context and said “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” and urged through this that people of the country should come forward to do good for the country. He concluded by saying that he has fulfilled Gandhi’s dream and turned the chapter of history and in witty way said Gandhi ji need not take birth again.
Dr. Sachidanand Joshi while giving his address at the event said that the book ““Vatan Pe Kurbaan” is a creation which is not Vijaya Bharati’s creation but creation of ‘Bharat’ (India). He further said that the soldier of the battle field has encouraged the soldier of the pen. Shri Buddhinath Mishra said that Vijaya Bharati’s book has brought to the fore national fervor and nationalism. He also said that the anthology is confluence of ‘swar’ (music) and ‘sabd’ (word). He at the end extended his thanks to Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA for bringing forward the holistic aspects of the culture. At the end Prof. Richa Kamboj, HoD, Kaladarshna, IGNCA extended vote of thanks to dignitaries and the audience for being present at the event.