Commemorative Seminar Honours the Legacy of Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh

The Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan organised a one-day seminar in memory of two towering literary figures—Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh at the Nirala Auditorium, Hindi Bhavan, Lucknow. The event commenced at 10:30 a.m. with the traditional lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati, followed by a soulful Vani Vandana presented by Dr. Kamini Tripathi.

Distinguished guests for the occasion included noted litterateurs Dr. Om Kumar Mishra ‘Om Nishchal’, Dr. Vashishtha Dwivedi ‘Anup’, Dr. Mamta Tiwari, and Dr. Ramesh Pratap Singh. They were felicitated with shawls and mementoes by Dr. Amita Dubey, Chief Editor, Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan.

In his address, Dr. Om Kumar Mishra highlighted Dr. Bachchan’s mastery of verse and his unique poetic introspection. “Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a poet of self-exploration. His works like Madhushala, Madhubala, and Madhukalash resonate deeply with the human heart,” he said. He added that Bachchan’s literary creations reflected both imagination and realism and that he could never be confined within any literary ideology.

Dr. Vashishtha Dwivedi described Muktibodh as a poet who drew from profound personal experiences. “Every great work is born out of intense emotion. Muktibodh created a dreamlike world in his poems and captured the grim realities of social exploitation,” he remarked, emphasizing that the poet’s writings reflected strong elements of self-respect and social consciousness.
Speaking on Bachchan’s literary contribution, Dr. Mamta Tiwari said, “Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a vigilant observer of his time and society. His works, rich in simplicity and depth of emotion, hold an unforgettable place in Hindi literature. His poetry exhibits an evolution that mirrors his life’s journey.”

Dr. Ramesh Pratap Singh, reflecting on Muktibodh’s literary legacy, stated that the poet was a symbol of self-struggle. “In poems like Andhere Mein and Chand Ka Munh Tedha Hai, Muktibodh depicted the political and social systems of his time with remarkable precision,” he said, describing him as a fearless voice who never compromised with life’s adversities.
The programme also featured literary readings: excerpts from Muktibodh’s story Khalil Kaka were read by Radhika Rawat, while Saumya Mishra presented portions from Bachchan’s autobiography Need Ka Nirman Phir. Rahul Kumar recited Muktibodh’s poem O Megh, and Jitendra Kumar presented Kai Baar and Bachchan’s Nirman.

To mark the 150th anniversary of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s immortal composition Vande Mataram, a collective rendition of the national song was performed during the event.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks by Dr. Amita Dubey, who conducted the proceedings and expressed gratitude to all the literary dignitaries, academicians, and members of the media for their presence and participation.