The Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) organized a grand event on Thursday at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, to commemorate the birth centenary of the renowned Hindi writer Shrilal Shukla. The event, titled Shrilal Shukla Janmashati Utsav, saw participation from distinguished personalities across various fields, including literature, cinema, politics, and media.
The event was graced by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who delivered the keynote address as the Chief Guest. In his speech, he emphasized the literary contributions of Shrilal Shukla and the relevance of his works in contemporary society.
Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, State Minister for Cooperation J.P.S. Rathore, acclaimed Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi, noted author Mahendra Bhishm, and renowned artist Shri Ashok Pathak were among the prominent attendees.
IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani and Managing Director Uday Shankar Awasthi presided over the program, highlighting IFFCO’s commitment to promoting literature that reflects rural and agricultural life.
A special highlight of the event was a reading from Shrilal Shukla’s iconic novel Raag Darbari, performed by acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi and artist Ashok Pathak. The performance brought alive the satire and realism embedded in Shukla’s writing, drawing appreciation from the audience.
As part of the celebrations, a book and art exhibition showcasing Shrilal Shukla’s literary journey and his influence on Hindi literature was inaugurated. The exhibition featured rare photographs, first-edition books, and critical analyses of his work, attracting literature enthusiasts and scholars alike.
The Shrilal Shukla Smriti IFFCO Sahitya Samman, instituted in 2011, continues to honour writers whose works focus on rural and agrarian themes. The award, carrying a cash prize of INR 11 lakh, was conferred upon Chandrakishore Jaiswal and Renu Yadav this year. Additionally, the newly introduced Shrilal Shukla Smriti IFFCO Yuva Sahitya Samman, with a prize of INR 2.5 lakh, was also presented to recognize emerging literary talents.
Shrilal Shukla, a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, remains a towering figure in Hindi literature. His works, particularly Raag Darbari, continue to resonate with readers and serve as an insightful commentary on rural India’s socio-political landscape.
The event concluded with an appeal to literary enthusiasts and citizens to explore and celebrate Shrilal Shukla’s works, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
