25-10-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand at the Inaugural Ceremony of the “Lekhak Gaon International Literature, Culture and Arts Festival 2026”
Hon’ble former President of Mauritius, Shri Prithvirajsing Roopun Ji; Hon’ble former Union Education Minister and Founder of Lekhak Gaon, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ Ji; Hon’ble Tourism and Culture Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Satpal Maharaj Ji; Hon’ble Minister for Science and Technology, Shri Pradeep Batra Ji; Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev Ji; Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, and eminent litterateur, Shri Santosh Choubey Ji; renowned British diasporic writer, Shri Tejendra Sharma Ji; Director of Lekhak Gaon, Ms. Vidushi Nishank Ji; distinguished writers, scholars and artists from India and abroad; ladies and gentlemen!
It gives me immense pleasure to be amongst you at the Lekhak Gaon International Literature, Culture and Arts Festival 2026, being organised on the sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. I extend my heartfelt welcome and greetings to all the distinguished guests.
This confluence of literature, culture and art is not merely an event; it is a meaningful endeavour to connect humanity through ideas, sensitivity and creativity. Literature is the voice of a nation’s soul, culture is its identity, and art is the living expression of its sensibilities.
The glory of Indian civilisation lies not only in its material achievements but also in its pursuit of knowledge, philosophical vision and human values. From the hymns of the Vedas to the reflections of the Upanishads, from the ideals of the Ramayana to the understanding of Dharma in the Mahabharata and the philosophy of Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita, our literary traditions have continually provided direction to human life.
The Rig Veda gives us the profound message:
“Ā no bhadrāḥ kratavo yantu viśvataḥ.”
May noble and beneficial thoughts come to us from all directions.
This mantra reflects the Indian civilisational ethos of intellectual openness and our willingness to welcome noble ideas from every direction. The words of great personalities such as Maharishi Valmiki, Ved Vyasa, Kalidasa, Goswami Tulsidas, Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak Dev Ji have inspired society towards righteousness, compassion, harmony and the welfare of all.
It is the same eternal vision that proclaims:
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the entire world is one family.
Amid the challenges confronting the world today, this idea has the power to bring diverse cultures together through dialogue, coexistence and mutual respect.
Ladies and gentlemen,
India’s freedom struggle was not merely a struggle for liberation from political subjugation; it was also a great movement for the restoration of national self-respect, cultural awakening and civilisational pride. Literature, poetry, journalism, folk songs and the arts played a historic role in awakening public consciousness during this movement.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Vande Mataram became an immortal expression of reverence for the motherland. Maithili Sharan Gupt’s Bharat-Bharati strengthened the spirit of national consciousness. The revolutionary poetry of Ram Prasad Bismil inspired young Indians with the ideals of sacrifice, courage and patriotism. Newspapers inspired by the national movement, public songs, Prabhat Pheris and various forms of folk expression carried the message of freedom to villages across the country and helped awaken a deep sense of national pride among the people.
The land of Uttarakhand, too, has been a witness to this glorious history. The contributions of public leaders such as Sridev Suman, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali and Badridatt Pandey continue to inspire us with the values of courage, self-respect and public service.
This history reminds us that the same pen which once awakened the consciousness of freedom can today contribute to building national character, social harmony and cultural confidence. Writers therefore have a profound responsibility: their works should awaken sensitivity, inspire commitment to truth and strengthen a sense of duty towards the nation.
Uttarakhand is a land inspired by the divinity of the Himalayas, the sacredness of the Ganga and the spiritual consciousness of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Its mountain ranges, rivers, forests and village life are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for literature and art.
Our cultural memories are preserved in Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari and other local languages and dialects. Folk songs, folk narratives, the Jagar tradition, Pandav Nritya, folk theatre, music, painting and handicrafts keep our collective memory alive and carry our cultural identity from one generation to another. Preserving these traditions not only keeps the memories of our past alive but also connects the younger generation with its cultural roots.
We must encourage literary creation, translation, research and publication in local languages. At the same time, the conservation of the Himalayan environment, water sources, biodiversity and traditional knowledge should become an important part of literary discourse. A balance between development and nature is the foundation for a secure future for generations to come.
Friends,
The vision of Lekhak Gaon is an inspiring initiative that brings literature, knowledge, nature and creativity together on a common platform. Facilities such as the library, Lekhak Kutir, Takshashila Bhawan, Prakriti Ki Pathshala and ‘Nishank Rachna Sansar’ provide an important foundation for turning this vision into reality. I congratulate Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ Ji and his entire team for this creative endeavour.
Dr. Nishank Ji’s literary journey reflects a powerful engagement with the Himalayas, human sensitivity, national consciousness and social concerns. It is this creative vision that gives special inspiration to the concept of Lekhak Gaon.
I hope that Lekhak Gaon continues to evolve into a vibrant centre for study, literary dialogue, research and the nurturing of emerging talent, where experience and innovation come together in a meaningful manner.
The international presence at this festival is also particularly significant. Writers from Mauritius, the United Kingdom and several other countries represent a living example of the global reach of India’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Language transcends geographical boundaries, while literature creates a bond of empathy between the experiences and sensibilities of different societies.
Hindi is not merely a language of communication; it is a powerful carrier of India’s cultural consciousness, collective experiences and knowledge traditions. The growing interest in Hindi in different parts of the world reflects the wider acceptance of our linguistic heritage. We must continue to promote translation and literary exchange among Indian languages and strengthen the stature of Hindi on global platforms. At the same time, our objective must be to promote Hindi while also strengthening the richness and mutual respect of all Indian languages.
The future of any nation depends upon the knowledge, values and creativity of its younger generation. Today, there is a need to cultivate among young people the habit of reading, original thinking, respect for their mother tongue and an appreciation for literature. Schools, colleges and universities should promote literary activities and provide emerging talents with opportunities to express themselves and grow.
Modern technology and Artificial Intelligence can prove valuable in the preservation, translation and dissemination of literature. They can also enable the preservation of rare manuscripts and folk literature on a much wider scale. However, we must remember that technology is only a means; the true strength of literature lies in human sensitivity, originality and truthful thought.
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the country is moving forward with the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. A society enriched with knowledge, culture, scientific temper and ethical values will play a crucial role in achieving this vision.
Through its folk arts, literature, spiritual heritage and natural wealth, Uttarakhand can make a distinctive contribution to the journey towards a Viksit Bharat. By connecting cultural tourism, local handicrafts and traditional knowledge with sustainable livelihoods, we can accelerate the creation of a self-reliant and prosperous Uttarakhand.
Distinguished writers,
I urge all of you to use your pens and your art to strengthen the consciousness of national unity, human compassion, social harmony and environmental protection. Let us create literature that draws inspiration from our glorious traditions, presents the challenges of the present with wisdom and insight, and opens a path of hope for the future.
Our ancient prayer says:
“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah.”
May all be happy; may all be free from illness.
This concern for the welfare of all is the soul of Indian culture, and it is also the highest purpose of literature.
I am confident that this festival will become an effective platform for the exchange of ideas, the rediscovery of India’s knowledge traditions and the encouragement of new literary creation. The literary discourse taking place here will contribute to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage and infuse new energy into the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Uttarakhand.
With these शुभकामनाएँ, I extend my heartfelt wishes for the grand success of this festival.
Jai Hind!
Jai Uttarakhand