Literature is a Powerful Medium to Awaken Social Sensibilities: Balram

Udaipur: On the occasion of the 23rd death anniversary of renowned storyteller Dr. Alam Shah Khan, a seminar on the topic “Hindi Short Story: Today and Tomorrow” was organized. Addressing the gathering, noted storyteller Balram, editor of the prestigious journal *Samkaleen Bharatiya Sahitya* published by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, said that literature plays an important role in awakening the dormant sensitivities and consciousness of society.

The program began with a welcome address by Professor Tarana Parveen, coordinator of the Alam Shah Khan Memorial Committee, who highlighted the life and literary contributions of Dr. Alam Shah Khan.

Speaking as the chief guest, Balram said that Dr. Alam Shah Khan was among the rare storytellers of the country who centered the lives of neglected, marginalized, and deprived sections of society in his stories. He noted that Dr. Khan’s writings carried such deep sensitivity that they touched readers directly at the emotional level. He further stated that Dr. Khan was a visionary writer who chose to write on subjects that many authors often avoided.

Distinguished speaker Padma Shri Dr. Chandraprakash Deval remarked that Dr. Alam Shah Khan’s language and literary style were highly impactful and unique. He also mentioned Dr. Khan’s historic contribution to the important Rajasthani literary work *Vansh Bhaskar* and said that he remained a lifelong advocate of human values.

Young novelist Naveen Chaudhary shared his views on contemporary literary creation among the younger generation, stating that the nature of storytelling is changing today and that research-oriented writing is rapidly gaining popularity among young writers.

Prominent critic Dr. Madhav Hada expressed his views on the theme “Storytelling: Today and Tomorrow” and discussed the changing dimensions of story literature. Senior satirist and storyteller Farooq Afridi said that Dr. Alam Shah Khan was a strong supporter of human rights and deeply sensitive toward people standing on the margins of society. He emphasized the need to introduce Dr. Khan’s complete works to new readers and writers.

The program was presided over by Laiq Hussain, Director of Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, while Abid Adeeb also shared his thoughts during the event. The proceedings were conducted by Professor Sarwat Khan. Dr. Tabassum delivered the welcome speech, and Shakeel Khan expressed the vote of thanks.

The event was attended by a large number of literary figures, cultural personalities, and intellectuals, including Professor Sadashiv Shrotriya, Madhav Nagda, Professor Hemendra Chandalia, and children’s writer Vimla Bhandari.