Celebrating Literary Diversity: 33rd Ram Swaroop Anakhi Memorial Katha Goshti in Dalhousie
A Tribute to Literary Legacy
Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
The 33rd edition of the Ram Swaroop Anakhi Memorial Katha Goshti, an annual literary event organized by a Punjabi literary magazine, took place successfully at the Youth Hostel in Dalhousie. This gathering, dedicated to the esteemed Punjabi author Ram Swaroop Anakhi, has been a cherished tradition for over thirty years.
The event commenced with senior storyteller and Director of Punjabi Sahitya Sabha, Delhi, Kesra Ram, moderating the session and introducing the participants. Professor Dr. Krantipal from the Department of Modern Indian Languages at Aligarh Muslim University shared heartfelt memories of the Goshti's evolution since its beginning, continuing the legacy of his late father, Ram Swaroop Anakhi.
During the first session, notable Hindi author and critic Dr. Abdul Bismillah, a Sahitya Akademi Award winner, along with fellow writers, paid homage to Anakhi with floral tributes. Rajkumar Mehra recited Anakhi’s poignant story, “Parchhaiyon Ka Moh.” Dr. Bismillah remarked on Anakhi's unique position as a Punjabi storyteller whose works resonated widely and were translated into various Indian languages, emphasizing the emotional depth and relatability of his narratives.
Over the course of three days and sessions, ten storytellers from diverse linguistic backgrounds, including Punjabi, Hindi, Santhali, Gujarati, Dogri, and Rajasthani, showcased their works. Notable contributions included Kamal from Ranchi with “Dayan”, Rameshwar Godara from Rajasthan with “Highway Ka Kauwa aur Kesu”, and Gurmeet Arif from Punjab with “Kashmakash”, among others.
Scholars and critics such as Dr. Mukesh Mirotha from Jamia Millia Islamia, Kesra Ram, and others engaged in discussions analyzing contemporary storytelling themes, including superstition, human psychology, social inequality, the valor of soldiers, corporate challenges, economic disparities, and technology's influence on literature.
Dr. Abdul Bismillah, who presided over the event, highlighted the significance of narrative structure, language, and authenticity in storytelling. He encouraged writers to explore global literature, absorb experiences, and cultivate narrative insight, asserting that the essence of a story lies in the storyteller's reflective depth.
As the Goshti concluded, Dr. Krantipal expressed gratitude to all participants and hoped that this platform would continue to spotlight emerging storytellers from various languages. Each participant received mementos and certificates of appreciation for their contributions.