Books Give Direction to Life: Manoj Kumar

The poster for the third edition of Mewar Talk Fest (MTF 3.0) was unveiled across four key locations in Mewar: Udaipur, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh. MTF 3.0, scheduled for 11-12 January in Rajsamand, will feature hundreds of book titles from various publishers for exhibition and sale, along with author discussions on significant works.

Release in Rajsamand:
At a release ceremony held at Hotel Keshav Inn in Rajsamand, Manoj Kumar emphasized that books and conversations about books provide valuable ideas to society. He highlighted that such festivals should present diverse perspectives, particularly India-centric views, as they help differentiate between fact and fake narratives.

Retired Additional Commissioner of the Commercial Tax Department, Padmaesh Tailang, who was also the chief guest of the event, noted that Rajsamand is an ideological, literary, and pilgrimage hub of Mewar. Hosting MTF here will inspire the youth to engage with books that offer intellectual insights.

The event was introduced by Satish Acharya, patron of the festival; Gopal Kumawat conducted the ceremony, and Naveen Choradia gave the vote of thanks.

Discussion at Library in Udaipur:
In Udaipur, Dr. Kamlesh Sharma, Joint Director of the Information and Public Relations Department, along with MTF patron Madan Mohan Tank and Manoj Kumar of Sahitya Parishad, unveiled the poster at the Information Center office. During a discussion with the team members and the youths, Manoj Kumar appealed to bridge the gap between books and the youth by participating in literary festivals.

Poster Release in Chittorgarh by the collector:
In Chittorgarh, Naveen Sharma of the Readers Club informed that a meaningful discussion on books, reviews, and their diversity in the Cooperative Bank’s conference hall by the club members. They expressed a desire to increase efforts for organizing workshops focused on reading techniques and writing skills. Following this, District Collector Alok Ranjan released the MTF 3.0 poster alongside the event’s organizers at the district office.

Bhilwara Student Discussion:
In Bhilwara, Deepak of the Vichar Mimansa Discussion Group led a session with the students aiming at competitive exams at a coaching institute, discussing the significance and goals of literary events like MTF. The students expressed that such events offer valuable opportunities to learn new ideas and stay updated on contemporary discussions. The poster was launched by Manoj Kumar, coaching director Prashant Parmar, and the students.

Dr. Sunil, the event coordinator, revealed that the two-day fest will carry the theme “Bharat Ke Swa Ki Kahani”. The festival will include workshops on ‘how to read’ and ‘creative writing’, and competitions of drawing, painting, and storytelling, along with literary dialogues, and cultural programs.

Notable speakers in the literary sessions include author Surendra Singh Rao, Murari Gupta, Umesh Chorasia of Vivekananda Kendra, IIMC Professor Sangeeta Pranavendra, Prof. Amitabh from Rajasthan Central University’s Film Department, Prof. Kunjan Acharya of Sukhadia University’s Journalism Department, author Chandresh Taylor, and social media expert Yogesh Rajpurohit.

MTF 1.0 coordinator Vikas Chhajed introduced the festival as an event that brings together authors, publishers, and readers on a single platform. The fest primarily aims to promote literature, education, and knowledge. It offers a chance for readers to buy books, interact with authors, and participate in various literary workshops and activities. Vikas mentioned that complete details about the MTF are available on the website mewartalkfest.com, and pre-registration is required and it is free for all.

Exhibition on the 75th Anniversary of the Constitution:
A special exhibition will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, set to open on the evening of 10 January.

Stage Play on Ahilyabai Holkar:
To mark the 300th anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, a cultural drama will be staged on 12 January 2025 evening.

Previous Editions:
1. Mewar Talk Fest 1.0 was held on 23 January 2023 at Maharana Pratap Agricultural University, Udaipur, themed “Parakrami Bharat” that coincided with Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti. Whereas 1.1 was held in the month of September 23 on a session on "Historical Victory: Diwer Yudh"

2. Mewar Talk Fest 2.0 took place on 30-31 March 2024 themed "Udiyaman Bharat" at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, with a focus on India’s global cultural identity and a discourse over the role of Indianness in the Constitution. Whereas 2.1 was held in Chittorgarh with a session on Cultural Heritage.