Gallery honour to Suryabala, Manoj Rupra, Akriti Vigyan, Basant Tripathi, Janardan, Rajneesh Trivedi
In Akriti’s poems, women carriers of culture: Shishir Somvanshi
Manoj Roopda commentator on ironies of metropolitan life: Basant Tripathi
Suryabala’s stories tilted towards Gandhi: Janardhan

Prayagraj: Famous writers and critics of the country participated in the unique literary event ‘Peedhiyan’ of Vithika Sanstha. This programme of Vithika, focusing on three generations of writers, was held in Allahabad Museum. In this special event, writers recited their works, told about the writing process and learned critics discussed them. On this occasion, Vithika Samman was given to Suryabala (Mumbai), Manoj Roopda (Nagpur), Akriti Vigya (Varanasi), Basant Tripathi, Janardan, Rajneesh Trivedi (Kanpur), theatre artist Praveen Shekhar. Akriti Vigya read some poems from her three poetry collections and stated that the fundamental element of literature is social welfare. She added that the practice of tolerance is a matter of concern at this time. Progressivism speaks to the unspoken words of its time. Renowned poet and critic Dr. Shishir Somvanshi, speaking about Akriti Vigya’s poems, said that Akriti’s works exhibit a beautiful blend of sensitivity and craft. She connects women’s existence with traditional folk symbols, yet presents them with a modern consciousness. In her poems, women are not merely characters but carriers of culture. Her deep affection for nature is also a strong aspect of her work. She portrays nature not merely as a backdrop, but as a living character.
Manoj Rupada said that when a young person begins writing, they possess nothing but spontaneous inspiration. They don’t have to think much about writing because they are filled with enthusiasm, and the flow of the moment drives them. This is why you’ll find more rebellion, new ideas, and imagination in the young writer’s works. He believes in immediate results rather than any long-term goal. Whatever he writes, he writes with a restless desire to change the world. His language is always sharp, experimental, and emotional. Renowned poet and critic Professor Basant Tripathi, speaking about Manoj Rupada’s literary world, said that Manoj Rupada’s stories are an excavation of the darkness within the human being. A conscious storyteller, living through the debris of this excavation, records the nuances of human beings and their activities. Therefore, since his first collection, Manoj Rupada has been increasingly attuned to the ironies of contemporary reality. The human being, shaped by political cruelty, social deviance, and their interaction with it, and their will to live and defeat, are the central focus of his stories. He is not a commentator on rural ironies, but on the ironies of urban and metropolitan life. He is a narrator of life’s complexities, not its simplicity. With the exception of a few stories like “Anubhuti” or “God’s Dwandva,” his stories often feel intimidating to read. And it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this fear itself will save us time.
Suryabala said that literature is a pilgrimage for her, and writing is a pilgrimage. The universality of literature needs to be emphasized. She added that India’s heritage is rich. Her novel, “Kaun Desh Ko Vaas,” depicts the struggle and harmony of three generations. Small towns have preserved Indian values.
Analyzing Suryabala’s works, young critic Dr. Janardan observed that many of Suryabala’s stories feature full families. Neighbors are sometimes also featured in some of her stories. “Baauji and the Monkey” and “Sazayafta” depict a damaged sense of sensibility. The process of becoming insensitive involves even the children of the family, which is deeply tragic. Reading through many of her stories, especially “Sunanda Chokri’s Diary,” reveals the difference between Bharat and India. Ideologically, Suryabala’s stories lean toward Gandhi.
The program was conducted by senior poet Rajneesh Trivedi (Kanpur), guests were welcomed by Praveen Shekhar, and the vote of thanks was given by Shishir Somvanshi. Present on this occasion were Dr. Supriya Pathak, Amitesh Kumar, Laxman Gupta, Anubha Srivastava, Sushma Sharma, Madhu Shukla, Anita Tripathi, Premshankar, Anand Malviya, Priyadarshan, Mithilesh, Kumud Dubey, Shriranjan Shukla, Santosh Shukla, Sushant Chattopadhyay, Santosh Kumar Mishra, Arshad Fakhri, Umesh Chandra, Shivangi Goyal, Naveen Sinha, Alok Singh, Tony Singh, Brajesh Yadav, Aarti Chirag, etc.