Discussion on Baba Nagarjun Held at Mithila Mahotsav, Celebrating His Literary and Social Contributions
New Delhi : The Mithila Mahotsav 8, hosted at the National School of Drama (NSD) auditorium in Delhi, featured an engaging discussion on the life and works of the iconic poet Baba Nagarjun. The event, organized in collaboration with the Maithil Patrakar Group, NSD, and the Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy, saw the participation of prominent literary figures, journalists, and political leaders who shared insights into Baba Nagarjun’s literary legacy and his impact on society.
The program began with recitations of Baba Nagarjun’s poetry by esteemed participants, including senior journalists Deepak Kumar Jha, Narendra Nath, Rahmatullah, Kajal Lal, Sanjeev Sinha, Pratibha Jyoti, Sujit Thakur, Kranti Sambhav, Subhash Chandra, Roshan Kumar, and young student Pratyusha. Veteran theater artist Prakash Jha brought Nagarjun’s poetry to life with a stirring performance.
During the discussion, senior journalists such as Narendra Nath, Sujit Thakur, Subhash Chandra, Rahmatullah, and Roshan Jha reflected on Baba Nagarjun’s life and works. They explored his literary vision, his commitment to social issues, and the profound themes in his writing that resonate across generations.
Baba Nagarjun Yatri par paricharcha pic.twitter.com/GmVvT6rARW
— maithil patrakar (@MaithilPatrakar) December 21, 2024
The event also honored Mahendra Malangia, a Sahitya Akademi awardee, and Neeraj Pathak, former vice-chairman of the Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy, for their contributions to literature. A highlight of the program was the staging of a play based on Baba Nagarjun’s life, written by Roshan Jha and directed by Prakash Jha.
आज दिल्ली के मंडी हाउस स्थित 'राष्ट्रीय नाटय विद्यालय' में "मैथिल पत्रकार ग्रुप" द्वारा आयोजित 'मिथिला महोत्सव -8' और 'बाबा नागार्जुन यात्री परिचर्चा एवं नाट्य मंचन' में 'विशिष्ट अतिथि' के रूप में उपस्थित रहा एवं कार्यक्रम को सम्बोधित किया। pic.twitter.com/vQ9M5U7h3j
— Sanjay Mayukh (@drsanjaymayukh) December 21, 2024
Prominent political figures, including BJP leader Sanjay Mayukh and Congress leader Pranav Jha, also shared their views on Baba Nagarjun’s contributions. They emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of Mithila and Purvanchal and highlighted how Nagarjun’s literary legacy serves as a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
Santosh Thakur, president of the Maithil Patrakar Group, welcomed the dignitaries and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to promoting Mithila and Maithili through literary events aimed at raising awareness and fostering cultural pride.
मिथिला महोत्सव 8 और बाबा नागार्जुन यात्री पर परिचर्चा के दौरान साहित्य अकादमी पुरस्कार से सम्मानित वरिष्ठ लेखक ' महेंद्र मलंगिया ' का पारंपरिक तरीके से स्वागत किया गया एवं साथ ही ' मिथिला पाग ' पहनाकर उनको सम्मानित किया गया. pic.twitter.com/T3DeUftrKQ
— maithil patrakar (@MaithilPatrakar) December 22, 2024
Baba Nagarjun’s literary works were deeply rooted in societal issues, especially focusing on the struggles of marginalized and oppressed communities. His poetry and prose resonate with human emotions, societal inequalities, and the aspirations of common people.
Some of his notable works include poetry collections like Yugdhara (1953), Satrange Pankhon Wali (1959), Pyasi Pathrayi Aankhen (1962), Talab ki Machhliyan (1974), Tumne Kaha Tha (1980), Hazar-Hazar Baanhon Wali (1981), and Purani Jutiyon Ka Chorus (1983). His narrative poems like Bhasmankur (1970) and Bhumija also hold a special place in Indian literature.
Nagarjun’s novels, including Ratinath ki Chachi (1948), Balchanma (1952), Nayi Paudh (1953), and Garibdas (1990), reflect his socialist perspective, while his essays like Himalaya Ki Betiyan provide a broader understanding of his worldview.
Through his writings, Baba Nagarjun championed the struggles and aspirations of all sections of society, making his works timeless and inspiring.