Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Delhi Shabdotsav 2026, a prominent cultural and literary festival, on Friday at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. In her keynote address, she highlighted the profound resilience of Indian civilization, which has withstood numerous historical invasions yet consistently managed to re-establish its core identity.
Civilisational Resilience and the Festival's Vision
Despite repeated attacks on its civilization, culture, and systems of education, India's deep-rooted foundations have always enabled a powerful resurgence, stated CM Gupta. She connected this historical perspective to the present, noting that the festival itself embodies a dynamic engagement with the nation's past, present, and future simultaneously.
The theme for this year's gathering is Bharat Abhyudaya, which promotes a model of progress and development intrinsically linked to enduring civilisational values. Gupta stressed that the contemporary era's greatest challenge is to achieve a harmonious balance between rapid modernity and these timeless principles. "We may hold science in one hand, but we must hold our culture and values with equal importance in the other," she advised the audience.
A Platform for Cultural Reconnection
The Chief Minister pointed out that events like Shabdotsav are crucial for bridging the gap between younger generations and their rich cultural heritage. The festival is designed as a comprehensive celebration of arts and letters, featuring an array of activities over its three-day run from January 2 to January 4.
The event's lineup is diverse and extensive:
- Release of approximately 40 new books.
- Classical dance and musical performances.
- Devotional bhajan sessions.
- Conferences for poets and open mic opportunities.
- Panel discussions on relevant topics.
Additionally, the venue hosts publication stalls, dedicated youth forums, food stalls, and continuous cultural performances. The government has expressed its commitment to making Shabdotsav an annual event and plans to expand its scale and reach in subsequent years.
Prominent Attendees and Concluding Notes
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra and Delhi's Minister for Art, Culture, Language, and Tourism, Kapil Mishra. Also in attendance were Art Secretary K Mahesh, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, and representatives from various publishing houses and cultural organizations.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, January 4, after offering Delhi's residents and visitors a vibrant tapestry of literary and artistic expressions rooted in the vision of Bharat Abhyudaya.
