The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), under the joint aegis of Rajbhasha Prakoshtha (Hindi Cell), Shivani Centre for the Nurture and Re-Integration of Hindi and Other Indian Languages, and popular audio hosting platform Gaatha, hosted the fourth anniversary edition of the Gaatha Mahotsav – a literary festival, on July 23, 2023. A host of eminent personalities from the field of arts, film, and literature were part of the event.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur by lighting the lamp. He said that Gaatha is doing unprecedented work in taking Indian literature to every corner of the country. He stressed upon IIT Kanpur having a long-term association with Gaatha. Prof. Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources & Alumni; Prof. Braj Bhushan, Dean of Administration; and Prof. Ark Verma, Professor in charge, Rajbhasha Prakoshth & Co-PIC Shivani Centre; shared similar sentiments.

In the first session, Dr. Pradeep Dixit, Director of Utkarsh Academy, discussed the intellectual and social challenges in the age of social media, emphasizing the importance of determining our priorities in this digital era. Following that, renowned actor Shri Akhilendra Mishra, during his session, said that India is a land of stories and they are scattered everywhere. Film makers shall do some more research and get connected to their roots. He further highlighted the need for exploring and connecting with Indian stories to elevate the level of cinema through incorporating human values.

The third session witnessed discussions on women’s empowerment in the present Indian context by eminent litterateurs Smt. Anamika, Smt. Lata Kadambari, and Kanpur's poet and educator Smt. Kamal Musaddi. They stressed that true empowerment is achieved when awareness reaches every last woman in rural areas, and education spreads far and wide.

Subsequently, under the leadership of Shri Jameel Gulrays, a team from Katha Kathan, Mumbai performed a vibrant theatrical adaptation of Munshi Premchand's famous story "Kafan," leaving the audience in awe.

In the next session, Shri Vinod Anupam, a renowned film critic, discussed the possibilities of progress and innovation in Sanskrit literature, saying that there are endless possibilities of progress in Sanskrit; we have to search for it more efficiently. Novelist Shri Navin Chaudhary asserted that discussing progress without holding onto the roots of culture would be futile. Deputy Secretary, Hindi Academy, Delhi, Shri Rishi Kumar Sharma said that innovation should be such that it keeps the core of culture intact. The session was moderated by Prof. Sameer Khandekar of IIT Kanpur.

In the subsequent event, an open mic session was organized, moderated by Ms Pallavi Garg, where seven emerging poets recited their compositions. Following this, Ms Manisha Kulshrestha, the author of more than twelve celebrated books, engaged in a conversation with Shri Anand Kakkad, the founder of the publication ‘Kahkashan.’ Ms Manisha Kulshrestha shared her insights about how stories do not offer ready-made solutions but rather untangle the complexities of life, allowing individuals to choose their paths.

Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati, the former CEO of Prasar Bharati, wrote about the journey of "Mann Ki Baat" in his book "Collective Spirit, Concrete Action" and discussed its impact on Indian society, transforming perspectives and influencing social change.

Shri Amit Srivastava from Varanasi mesmerized everyone with his performance of a dance-drama on the subject of Jatayu's demise. The team from Lakshmi Devi Lalit Kala Academy, led by Smt Kavita Singh, left the audience applauding after presenting soul-stirring Shravani Sangeet and Kajri melodies.

In the final segment, a poetry symposium was inaugurated and moderated by Dr. Shiv Om Amber. He recited lines on Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. Renowned poet Shri Azhar Iqbal, DD Urdu Director Shri Naz Iqbal, popular Lucknow-based humorist Dr. Sarvesh Asthana, recited poetry, ghazals and so on.

Throughout the event, an exhibition titled ‘Beyond the Boundaries’ was curated by Prof. Sameer Khandekar, Prof-in-charge, APPROACH Cell of IIT Kanpur that seeks to motivate our students to engage with Indian culture & sociological roots. The event was highly appreciated by all the attendees.

In the closing remarks, the co-founder and director of Gaatha, Shri Amit Tiwari, expressed gratitude to all participants and announced the culmination of the event until the next edition.

The hosts of the event were Vishwanath Vishwa and Dr. Alpana Suhasini. The event marks a fulfilling partnership between Gaatha & IIT Kanpur in the joint interest of nurturing culture, literature & traditions of the country amongst its students, faculty, staff and others.