RANCHI : The Janwadi Lekhak Sangh (JLS), Ranchi, on Friday celebrated the 146th birth anniversary of Munshi Premchand at Safdar Hashmi Hall, Vishwakarma Lane. Speakers at a seminar on "Premchand's Literary World and Communal Frenzy" asserted that the legendary writer's works remain a powerful critique of communalism, religious fanaticism and social discrimination, making them even more relevant in the present socio-political climate.
Presiding over the first session, Kumar Brijendra said the theme of the seminar reflected the need for serious public discourse on the growing challenges facing society.
Introducing the subject, JLS Secretary M.Z. Khan referred to Premchand's stories Hinsa Parmo Dharma, Mandir Aur Masjid and Jihad, saying that the author fearlessly challenged religious orthodoxy, communal hatred and intolerance. He observed that the atmosphere of social polarisation prevailing today made Premchand's writings more relevant than ever.
Khan said Premchand's enduring message was not confined to any single story but lay in his overall literary vision: "Humanity comes first; religion, caste and community come later." He urged society to stand united against hatred and divisive politics.
The speakers unanimously observed that Premchand was never opposed to religion itself. Rather, he questioned injustice, exploitation, superstition and hypocrisy committed in its name. His writings consistently upheld human dignity while opposing caste discrimination, untouchability and communal narrow-mindedness.
The gathering also condemned the vandalism of the statues of Rahul Sankrityayan and Dhoomil, demanding their immediate restoration and strict action against those responsible.
The programme featured a spirited rendition of Praveen Parimal's people's song "Jai Bolo Guru Ghantal" by Suraj Srivastava.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Arun Kumar said the land from which Premchand preached love and harmony was today witnessing an alarming rise in hatred.
Dr Vinod Kumar, referring to Kafan and Sadgati, remarked that Premchand transformed the standards of literary beauty by placing human suffering and dignity at the centre of his writings. He added that the author fearlessly exposed religious hypocrisy.
Dr Jamshed Qamar said Premchand's relevance had increased with time, as his uncompromising stand against communalism continued to inspire society.
Dr Kiran, citing Panch Parmeshwar, said the story promoted communal harmony by placing justice above religion and personal relationships.
Other speakers, including Shrinivas, Siyaram Jha 'Saras', Nandita Das and Rehana Khatoon, highlighted Premchand's enduring contribution to social justice, equality, compassion and communal harmony.
In his presidential address, Kumar Brijendra expressed concern over the growing use of communalism as a political tool and referred to Premchand's celebrated essay Communalism and Culture, saying its message remained deeply relevant in contemporary India.
During the programme, the Nagpuri poetry collection "Hoonwe Raih Geli" by Vicky Minj was formally released by Dr Vinod Kumar, Dr Arun Kumar, Dr Jamshed Qamar, Dr Kiran, Kumar Brijendra, M.Z. Khan, Veena Srivastava, Aparajita Mishra and Dr Ashraf Ali.
The second session featured a reading of "Premchand Tum Kahan Ho" by Dr Ashraf Ali, a story inspired by Premchand's characters that strongly denounces hatred and intolerance in contemporary society.
The second session was chaired jointly by Veena Srivastava, Siyaram Jha 'Saras' and Sukesh Karmakar, while Yasmeen Lal conducted the proceedings.
A large number of writers, intellectuals and literature enthusiasts, including Uzair Ahmad, Samiullah Khan, Moiz Uddin Mirdaha, Mausami Minj, Salo Kumari, Mridula Sahay, S. Chatterjee, Firdaus Jahan, Ravi Kumar, A. Munda, Ramdev Baraik, Divya Murmu, Chhotni Kumari, Narayan Marandi, Ashna Manoram, Shiv Shankar Oraon, Suraj Srivastava and Mohammad Aman, attended the event.
إرسال تعليق