Chandigarh, March 29-Twenty authors of Haryana were honoured for their outstanding books for the year 2009 and 2010 at a “Sahitya Puraskar Samaroh” organized by Haryana Sahitya Akademi here today. Haryana Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Minister, Pt. Shiv Charan Lal Sharma conferred Sahitya Samman Puraskar upon them and each award comprised Rs 21,000 in cash, a shawl and a certificate. While speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that litterateurs play a vital role in shaping the public opinion and their literary works are the mirror of contemporary society. He appreciated the activities of Haryana Sahitya Akademi and said that these included holding of literary seminars, Kavi samelan and story competitions in the towns and villages of the state to create awareness about literature. He urged the litterateurs of the state to make their recognition also at the international level. While presiding over the function, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. K. K. Khandelwal said that litterateurs could only show the right path to the society. He said that the year 2011 is a historical year as this year is also birth century year of many renowned litterateurs. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda , the Haryana Government has taken many steps to encourage the litterateurs and literature. The budget of Haryana Sahitya Akademi has been enhanced from Rs. 30 lakh to Rs. 3 crore. He advised the Haryana Sahitya Akademi to encourage the students of schools and colleges towards literary activities and provide outstanding work of renowned writers to them in their schools and colleges. He also highlighted the analysis of the contents of the literary works awarded in the function.
Director, Haryana Sahitya Akademi, Dr. Mukta spoke about activities of the Akademi and said that Haryana Sahitya Akademi has touched a new height under the leadership of Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda. She said that the Akademi has organized 35 literary functions and provided grant to 12 institutions during the last year. Akademi has increased participation in the schools and colleges by organizing various activities. Akademi has made a new record of selling literary books of worth Rs. 10 lakh in a month, she added. On this occasion Inspector General CID, Mr. Rajbir Deswal, highlighted various aspects of English translation of the Saang “Hoor Menka” of Pt. Lakhmi Chand. Mr. Madan Gopal Shashtri of Hisar presented Haryanvi Ragni on female foeticide and urged the people to save the girl child. The Minister also released a collection of four books written by Mr Madhu Kant of Rohtak. Director, Haryana Sahitya Akademi Dr. Mukta presented a memento to Pt. Shiv Charan Lal Sharma and Dr. K. K. Khandelwal. Joint Director, Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs, Mr Arun Johar presented vote of thanks. The writers honoured on this occasion included Mr Rajender Sarthi of Sonepat for the book “Kahin Kuch Jal Raha Hai”, Mr Mahender Nain Singh of Faridabad for the book “Aryavart Ka Samrat”, Prof. Rohini Aggarwal of Rohtak for the book “Samkalin Katha Sahitya Sarhadain Aur Sarokaar”, Mrs Monika Gupta of Sirsa for the book “Main Hoon Mani”, Mr Jagbir Rathi of Jind for the book “Yudhbir”, Mrs Rama Kanta of Rohtak for the book “Haryanavi Lok Geeto Ka Paramparik Sambandh Reet Aur Geet”, Dr Kamlesh Malik of Sonepat for the book “Sirf Apne Liye”, Mrs Anju Dua Gemini of Faridabad for the book “Morche Par Satrri”, Dr Veenamani of Rohtak for the book “Sathotari Hindi Kahani”, Mr Hari Krishan Dwivedi of Kurukshetra for the book “Bol Baqat Ke”, Ms Pratibha of New Delhi for the book “Tisra Savar”, Mr Madhu Kant of Rohtak for the book “Blood Bank”, Mr I.J. Nahal of Hisar for the book “Abhinandan Karva loo”, Mr Lalit Kumar Jain of Sirsa for the book “Tarkved”, Mr Madan Gopal Shastri of Hisar for the book “Haryanvi Ramayan”, Mr Manoj Chhabra of Hisar for the book “Abhi Shesh Hai Inderdhanush”, Mr Sumer Chand of Sonepat for the book “Dorupeya”, Mr Ghamandi Lal Aggarwal of Gurgaon for the book “Yeh Kyun Hota Hai”, Mrs Kiran Kapoor of Karnal for the book “1857 Ki Karanti Main Haryana Ka Yogdaan” and Dr Deepika Rani of Kaithal for the book “Vastrabhushan Aur Haryanvi Lokgeet”.