A significant ceremony in the holy city of Ayodhya on Friday witnessed the celebration of literary talent and the enduring message of communal harmony. The prestigious Mati Ratna award was presented to several distinguished individuals, with a special focus on honouring the legacy of a historic chapter in India's freedom struggle.
Honouring Literary Excellence and Historical Legacy
The event served a dual purpose: recognising contemporary literary figures and commemorating a pivotal moment in history. The award ceremony was held in the presence of Shadaab Ullah Khan, the great grandson of the revered martyr Ashfaqullah Khan. This year's event held profound significance as it coincided with two major anniversaries: the centenary year of the Kakori Action Day and the 98th martyrdom anniversary of Ashfaqullah Khan, one of the key heroes of that action.
Among the awardees, Jansita Kertetta, a tribal poetess from Jharkhand, was prominently honoured. Her work and recognition brought a distinct cultural voice to the fore in Ayodhya. She was not alone in this accolade. The award was also conferred upon Shiv Murti, a prominent litterateur from Uttar Pradesh, and Farhaan Haneef, an Urdu writer and journalist hailing from Maharashtra.
The Message and Mission Behind the Mati Ratna Award
Surya Kant Pandey, the convener of Shaheed Shodh Sansthaan and the promoter of the Mati Ratan award, shed light on the award's deep-rooted philosophy. He explained that the award was initiated 27 years ago with a clear and powerful vision. It was established in the memory of the martyrs of the Kakori Action, aiming to propagate their ideals beyond the pages of history.
The core mission, as stated by Pandey, is to give society a lasting message of communal harmony. By honouring individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions in the shadow of a historical event symbolising sacrifice for the nation, the award strives to reinforce the values of unity and shared heritage.
A Confluence of Art, Remembrance, and Unity
The ceremony in Ayodhya successfully wove together several threads: the appreciation of literary arts, the solemn remembrance of national heroes, and the active promotion of social harmony. Honouring a tribal poetess like Jansita Kertetta alongside writers from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra physically embodied the award's message of inclusivity.
By linking the presentation to the Kakori Action anniversaries, the event ensured that the recognition of present-day achievers was firmly anchored in the respect for past sacrifices. This unique blend made the Mati Ratna award ceremony more than just a literary event; it was a poignant cultural and historical observance held in one of India's most spiritually significant cities.
