Nagpur Literature Festival Kicks Off with Cultural Emphasis
The Zero Mile Literature Festival launched successfully on Sunday in Nagpur, marking a significant component of the ongoing nine-day Nagpur Book Festival. The event opened with powerful discussions about cultural heritage, the importance of reading habits, and India's historic knowledge traditions that continue to resonate in modern times.
Government Support and Digital Age Challenges
Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar addressed the gathering, highlighting the increased relevance of reading in today's digital landscape. He expressed concern that digital media potentially threatens traditional reading practices while emphasizing the urgent need to cultivate reading culture among younger generations.
The festival, jointly hosted by the National Book Trust (NBT), Government of Maharashtra, and Zero Mile Youth Foundation, attracted substantial crowds of young readers on its opening day. With more than 300 publishers and over 15 lakh books on display, the event provides exceptional opportunities for students and citizens to access diverse literature.
Historical Perspectives and Cultural Reclamation
'Shiv Kathakar' Vijayrao Deshmukh delivered a compelling speech about the prolonged struggle to preserve India's intellectual identity. He described nearly five centuries of cultural disruption, noting how foreign invasions significantly impacted Marathi language and traditions.
Deshmukh explained that Marathi culture faced pollution while the language and spirit weakened during these challenging periods. He identified Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation in 1674 as the crucial turning point, when the ruler granted elite status to the Marathi language, revitalizing cultural pride.
The speaker also criticized British colonial practices, accusing them of stealing Indian textbooks and attributing scientific principles from figures like Aryabhatta to Western names rather than creating original educational materials.
Contemporary Writing and Digital Responsibility
Strategic analyst and author Nitin Gokhale addressed the audience about discipline in writing and responsible digital behavior. He stressed the critical importance of verification before sharing content on social media platforms, noting that accuracy safeguards national security.
Akshat Gupta, author of The Hidden Hindu, discussed his approach to making mythology accessible to contemporary readers. His work creatively blends science fiction with Hindu mythology, helping younger audiences connect with ancient wisdom. He described his method as bringing the past into the present rather than taking readers backward historically.
Writer Prashant Pole highlighted India's historic global trade connections, architectural achievements, and ancient universities. He described India as a traditional storehouse of knowledge that continues to attract global interest through yoga, Ayurveda, cuisine, and cinema.
Cultural Performances and Festival Conclusion
The evening concluded with a powerful musical performance by the Sadho Band, which presented an innovative fusion of folk, Sufi, bhajan, Kabirvani, and Marathi musical traditions. The event was formally introduced by NBT President Milind Marathe, with the session moderated by Vedika Mishra. Yuvraj Malik delivered the vote of thanks, wrapping up the successful inaugural day of the four-day literary celebration.
