BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA, 15 APRIL 2023:
It was in the year 1913, that the indian vernacular language literature has bagged the world’s biggest award, Nobel Prize and thus Gurudev Rabindranath tagore has still remained the biggest inspiration for vernacular literature of India and also in Rajasthani literature, felt Padma Shri Dr. Chandra Prakash Deval, a living legend in the present sahitya era of indian and Rajasthani literature at Kolkata yesterday.
Rajasthan Sahitya Academy, Udaipur Rajasthan Information Centre, Kolkata Rajasthan Foundation and Agra Bondhu have jointly organised Meet the writer ( Lekhak Se Miliye) interaction and cultural programee at the Rajasthan Information Centre Hall in Commerce House in Kolkata on Friday evening.
The Bengali language literature has given proper recognition to the Rajasthani literature, he said. He recalled how Mr. Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, when he was the chairman of Sahitya Academy fought for recognition of Indian vernacular languages.
Still  in the eighth schedule, Rajasthani languages have not received recognition, he added. “  Recently the Rajasthan government has announced new awards for literature. It is a pity that despite Rajasthanis being so rich, very few awards have been given for Rajasthani literature. For me an award is a recognition and both writers and Rajasthani literature needs that for further development,”he added.
Presently Rajasthani literature has been translated in 13 languages. He also said how the writings of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay inspired the freedom movement during the British Raj. From Chandidas to other eminent bengali writers including legendary bengali children litterateur, Satyajit Ray have inspired  and recognised Rajasthani culture and literature, the Padma Shri award winner said.
Mr. Onkar Singh Lakhawat, former Rajya Sabha MP and former Chairman of Rajasthan Heritage Preservation and Promotion Authority and an eminent writer also spoke on the tremendous cultural and literary heritage of Rajasthan.
He has also mentioned in his speech how Bengal and Rajasthan had  so closely worked together for  India’s  struggle for freedom. Even the Rajasthani and the marwari community people  who have settled here have worked hard towards the prosperity  and development of Kolkata and Bengal, he said.
“ Even the Goddess  has also showered her blessings on  Rajasthan and in the Rajasthan’s Temple Of Mirale-  famous Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer border not a single bomb exploded after being hurled by the Pakistani soldiers,” said Mr. Onkar Singh Lakhawat.
Mr. Kailash Singh Ratnoo, youth poet also recited some of his popular and famous poems and has enthralled the audience.
In the beginning the audience was captivated by the Rajasthani welcome song which ultimately set the tone of the rest of the programme in the evening.
A new book of  Bengali translation of Rajasthani literature, edited by Bengali writer Amar Chakraborty was also launched through the hands of  Dr. Chandra Prakash Deval.
Mr. Malchandra Tiwari, famous poet, litterateur,writer and critic was also present and spoke on the occasion about Rajasthani literature.
Mr. Ratan Shah, Mr. Rajendra Kedia and many other eminents persons were also present.
Mr. Hinglaj Dan Ratnoo, Assistant Director, Department of Information and Public Relation of Government of of Rajasthan, gave the introductory speech and said that it was a real pleasure to have such a galaxy of stars of Rajasthani literature in the podium here. “In the coming days more such events will be organised to promote the vast heritage of Rajasthani literature in the cultural capital of the country, Kolkata,” informed Mr. Hinglaj Dan Ratnoo.
Smt. Neha Chatterjee, marketing officer and PA of Rajasthan Tourism Kolkata office was also present.
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