The second day of the 'Bazm-e-Virasat' festival in Prayagraj transformed into a vibrant celebration of the city's soul, weaving together threads of history, literature, and sport. Packed halls and animated discussions marked an event that offered a deeply engaging cultural experience for all attendees.
Echoes of a Glorious Past: Stories of Our City
The day commenced on a nostalgic note with the iconic voice of Asha Browne, the former All India Radio announcer now in her 90s, who dedicated decades to the institution. The session, aptly titled 'Stories of Our City', was introduced by Zafar Bakht and served as a heartfelt tribute to Prayagraj's rich intellectual and cultural legacy.
Eminent lawyer Gopal Chaturvedi took the stage, offering fresh insights and sharing lesser-known anecdotes about figures synonymous with the city's heritage. His stories illuminated the lives of legendary advocate Tej Bahadur, the witty poet Akbar Allahabadi, and the literary giant Firaq Gorakhpuri, bringing their personalities and contributions closer to the audience.
Literature and the City's Composite Culture
The literary baton was then passed to a compelling conversation between Prof. Neelam Saran Gaur, a 2023 Sahitya Akademi Award recipient, and Prof. Dhananjay Chopra of Allahabad University. Prof. Chopra set the stage with a profound monologue on the city's unique 'Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb' – its composite culture that blends diverse traditions seamlessly.
This provided the perfect backdrop for Prof. Gaur's evocative storytelling. She drew skilfully from both imagination and memory, narrating tales that captured the essence of life and letters in Prayagraj, further emphasising its status as a crucible of Indian literature.
From Allahabad's Lanes to Lord's: Cricket Connects
The afternoon session saw cricket taking centre stage, shifting the focus from poetic verses to sporting glory. In a lively interaction moderated by veteran sports journalist Ayaz Memon, former India international Mohammad Kaif was joined by Ashish Winston Zaidi and former Indian cricketer and UP Ranji captain Gyanendra Pandey.
The panelists shared personal experiences and behind-the-scenes stories from their careers. Kaif, reflecting on his roots, poignantly remarked that "Khiladi jo hai, galiyon se banta hai" (A player is made in the lanes), tracing his journey from the bylanes of Allahabad to the historic grounds of Lord's in England.
The second day of Bazm-e-Virasat successfully highlighted the multifaceted identity of Prayagraj. It proved that the city's legacy is not confined to history books but is a living, breathing tradition carried forward through stories, poetry, sport, and spirited discussion. The festival continues to be a significant platform for revisiting and rejuvenating the intellectual heritage of one of India's most historic cities.
