CMD Upendrra Rai Honoured At Ghazipur Literature Festival As BJP Spokesperson Prem Shukla Highlights Literary Awakening

The three-day Ghazipur Literature Festival 2025 began on a high note at Hotel The Clarks, Varanasi, celebrating literature, art, and the cultural essence of India.

The event drew participation from acclaimed writers, poets, academicians, and cultural figures from across the nation and abroad.

The inaugural session saw BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla extending heartfelt appreciation to Upendrra Rai, CMD and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express, for his vision and dedication in promoting Ghazipur’s literary legacy.

Prem Shukla described the festival as a ‘source of inspiration for youth’, highlighting its role in nurturing a new generation of readers and writers.

Prem Shukla, addressing the audience, also remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is a literary figure who deeply values India’s cultural and intellectual traditions.

He added that India’s progress relies significantly on its youth, who must embrace literature as a tool for growth and enlightenment.

He said, “The soil of Kashi is the cradle of literature. It is essential for the youth to read and learn from our literary heritage to contribute to India’s development.”

BJP national spokesperson Shukla further praised Upendrra Rai as ‘the son of Ghazipur’s soil’ and commended him for enhancing the district’s literary identity through this remarkable event.

India’s Literary Icons Grace the Event

The opening day witnessed the presence of notable literary and cultural figures, including senior writer Anjaan Srivastava, celebrated author Neerja Madhav, poets Vyomesh Shukla and Manoj Bhawuk, researcher Mrityunjay Singh, C-Voter founder Yashwant Deshmukh, BHU Vice-Chancellor Dr Ajit Chaturvedi, and Padma Shri awardee Dr Rajeshwar Acharya. Their participation added depth and prestige to the festival’s proceedings.

Moreover, the grand inauguration took place with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Upendrra Rai, marking the beginning of the festival’s journey.

The atmosphere at the venue brimmed with applause and excitement as the audience celebrated the convergence of literature and culture.

Furthermore, the event is a collaborative initiative between Bharat Express and Bharat Dialogues.

The inauguration was graced by Pooja Priyamvada, Co-founder of Bharat Dialogues and Director of the Ghazipur Literature Festival, alongside Vivek Satyamitra, Festival Director.

The first day of the festival centred around the theme ‘Back to the Roots’, reflecting on India’s literary traditions and cultural foundations. Scholars, youth, and literature enthusiasts gathered in large numbers to participate.

The festival’s main events are scheduled to take place in Ghazipur on 8 and 9 November, featuring panel discussions, creative workshops, cultural performances, and special sessions on Girmitiya heritage, exploring the legacy of Indian indentured labourers abroad.

The Ghazipur Literature Festival 2025 stands as a symbol of India’s enduring literary spirit—linking tradition with modern expression—and reaffirming literature’s power to inspire change and unity across generations.

Also Read: Ghazipur Literature Festival 2025 Begins In Varanasi With Cultural Grandeur