In a vibrant celebration of regional literature, seven new books delving into the diverse cultural and geographical tapestry of Himachal Pradesh were unveiled on the first day of the New Year. The launch event, held at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla, was organized by the Himachal Literature, Culture and Environment Manch in association with Adhar Publication Pvt Ltd.
A Gathering for Literature on New Year's Day
The ceremony saw a significant turnout of writers, academicians, students, and literature enthusiasts. Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar presided over the programme. The event underscored a collective commitment to preserving and promoting the state's heritage through the written word.
Secretary Kanwar highlighted the challenges facing authors today, noting that writing and publishing books is rarely a profitable venture, especially for new and unestablished writers. He pointed out that this is an even greater hurdle for those writing in Hindi. "The very fact that people have gathered here on the first day of the New Year for the launch of Hindi books shows that passion for literature is still alive," he remarked, offering a note of optimism.
The Seven Books: A Glimpse into Himachal's Soul
The released books, authored by a mix of established and emerging writers, cover a wide spectrum of themes related to the hill state. The titles launched on Thursday, January 1, 2026, include:
- "Sanskriti Ke Saat Adhyay" by Chaip Ram, focusing on the culture of the Lahaul region.
- "Devbhoomi Ki Aatma" by Akhilesh Pathak.
- "Kinnaur: A Cultural Study of the Oral (Undocumented) Traditions of Kinnaur" by Tashi Chairring Negi.
- "Kinnar Kailash se Manimahesh", a travelogue by Sudarshan Vashishat.
- "Mandir aur Lokshrutiyaan" and "Kunjum", both authored by noted writer H R Harnot.
- "Rohtang Aar-Paar" by Ajay.
Ministers Call for Honest Writing in the Age of Technology
In his address, Chief Guest Vikramaditya Singh reflected on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on modern life. He stated that it had become a moral responsibility to encourage new and young talent to take up writing as a counterbalance. However, he strongly emphasized that writers must remain truthful to their subjects.
Drawing a historical parallel, Singh cited the examples of Mughal-era historians Abul Fazl and Abdul Qadir Badauni. "Akbarnama... written by Abul Fazl is the truth but the author only touched the positive aspects... Badauni... touched the negative traits of Akbar which were also very true. I only want to say that authors not only write books but they write history so whatever they write, they should write with honesty," he advised the gathering.
Despite the acknowledged difficulties in the publishing industry, Secretary Kanwar pointed to a silver lining. He referenced reports indicating a gradual increase in reading and writing habits among certain sections of society, suggesting a resilient future for literary pursuits. Young authors like Akhilesh Pathak, Chaip Ram, and Tashi Chairring Negi also shared brief insights into the themes and research behind their respective works during the function.
