Himachali writers gather at Gaiety Theatre to discuss language and literature preservation
A state-level writers’ conference was held at the Gaiety Theatre, drawing around 20 writers from across Himachal Pradesh. The event featured Padma Shri awardee Vidyanand Sarak and former administrative officer and senior writer R. Bharati as special guests. The program was moderated by Kangra-based senior writer Ramesh Mastana, while Deputy Director Kusum Sanghaik welcomed the scholars to this collaborative gathering.
During the seminar, celebrated writer Sudarshan Vashishtha presented a thought-provoking research paper on “Mountain Language and Literature: Evolution, Development, and Achievements.” This sparked an engaging discussion among attendees, including literary figures like Om Prakash Rahi from Sirmaur, Anant Alok, Dilip Vashishtha, Ramlal Pathak from Bilaspur, and Dr. Ratan Chand Nirjhar from Kullu, among others. Scholars exchanged views on the importance of a unified grammar and language standardization for mountain dialects.
Dr. Surat Thakur highlighted the role of folk literature, songs, and stories in preserving local language, while Shanti Kumar Syal suggested developing a simplified common language. Archana Singh stressed creating children’s literature in regional dialects, and Om Prakash Rahi, Dilip Vashishtha, and Anant Alok advocated for engaging younger generations with folk languages through modern technology.
In his presidential speech, Vidyanand Sarak emphasized the importance of establishing standardized signs and grammar for a Himachali language that could be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Department representatives, including Assistant Director Suresh Rana, and Gayti manager Sudarshan Sharma, were present alongside the audience, making the event a meaningful exchange on the future of regional language and literature.
