Raipur: AIIMS Raipur celebrated the 146th birth anniversary of renowned Hindi litterateur Munshi Premchand with a Hindi workshop and a series of literary and cultural programmes organised by its Rajbhasha Cell.
The event was inaugurated by former Executive Director Lt Gen Ashok Jindal (Retd), who lit the ceremonial lamp and paid floral tributes to Munshi Premchand. Dean (Academics) Prof. (Dr.) Eli Mohapatra attended as the chief guest, while Prof. (Dr.) Ujjwala Gaikwad and Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Kumar Gupta were also present.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Gaikwad said the programme provided an opportunity to revisit Premchand’s ideals and imbibe his values. She noted that his writings continue to inspire readers with lessons on human sensitivity, social equality, compassion, sacrifice, and morality.
The workshop featured presentations on Premchand’s life, literary contributions, and inspiring quotations. Discussions were also held on the themes of his acclaimed novel Rangbhoomi and short story Eidgah. Students of the School of Public Health staged a theatrical adaptation of Panch Parmeshwar, highlighting the importance of truth, impartiality, and justice. Participants also discussed selected passages from his works, focusing on their relevance to personal development and social progress.
Representatives from member offices of the Town Official Language Implementation Committee also attended the event. Nitesh Kumar Jain, Personnel and Administration Officer, CIPET-IPT Raipur, delivered a lecture on promoting the use of Hindi in official work and daily communication, encouraging participants to take pride in their mother tongue.
Geologist Upendra Vikram Singh of the Geological Survey of India recited his poem “Nadiyon Ke Kinare Nahin Milte”, while faculty members and staff delivered presentations on different aspects of Premchand’s life and literary legacy. A book exhibition showcasing Premchand’s works along with other notable books on literature and culture was also organised to encourage reading habits.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mohapatra said literature and medicine are both rooted in sensitivity, and that Premchand’s writings continue to offer valuable lessons for both fields. Lt Gen Ashok Jindal highlighted the author’s lasting contribution to Hindi literature and urged the younger generation to read his stories and novels to understand life values, social awareness, and moral responsibility. He also called for greater use of Hindi in both personal and official communication.
During the programme, students of the School of Public Health were felicitated for their performance of Panch Parmeshwar, while winners of the quiz competition on Premchand’s life and works received prizes. A total of 83 participants attended the event. Prof. Rakesh Kumar Gupta proposed the vote of thanks, Nidhi Jaiswal compered the programme, and Gagan Kumar, Farooq Choudhary, and Shivani Kumari assisted in organising the event.
