24hnbc Works Like ‘Kohra’ Are a Powerful Medium to Make Society Vigilant and Bring Truth to the Fore: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai*
Sunday, 23 Aug 2026 18:00 pm
24 HNBC News
24hnbc.com
Raipur, August 23, 2026/
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai launched young author Shri Karuna Sagar Panda’s novel ‘Kohra’ at the Mahant Ghasidas Museum auditorium in Raipur on August 23. He said literature is not merely a mirror of society but also a powerful medium for creating awareness, bringing realities to the fore and guiding society in the right direction. Works such as ‘Kohra’, he said, play an important role in bringing sensitive social issues into public discourse.
Congratulating Shri Panda on the publication of the novel, Chief Minister Shri Sai said writing on sensitive and challenging subjects requires courage. When writers address social problems and realities through their work, literature becomes an effective medium of social consciousness. Referring to films such as The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files, he said differences of opinion may arise over difficult subjects. Still, creators have the responsibility to present issues through their own perspective and sensitivity.
Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s literary tradition, Shri Sai said the state has been associated with several distinguished literary figures. He referred to Jnanpith Award recipient Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla, Shri Muktibodh and Shri Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi, saying their works have enriched Indian literature. He expressed confidence that young writers would carry this legacy forward while bringing contemporary issues before society.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of developing a reading culture. He appealed to families to create small libraries at home and encourage children to read. Books, he said, serve as a bridge of knowledge, values and experience between generations, and the richness of a home is reflected not only in its grandeur but also in the culture of learning it nurtures.
*Writers Should Bring Untold Suffering Caused by Naxalism to the Fore*
Chief Minister Shri Sai urged writers and creative professionals to document the suffering and struggles of people affected by Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh. He said many innocent people lost family members, children’s education and future were affected, and several regions remained disconnected from mainstream development for decades.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the courage of the security forces, and the efforts of the State Government have led to decisive progress against Naxalism, and Bastar is moving towards a new era of peace and development. Writers, he said, can bring both the human impact of Naxal violence and the story of a changing Bastar before audiences across the country and the world.
Keynote speaker Shri Sunil Gangaram Garg described ‘Kohra’ as a relevant work on a contemporary subject. Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi Chairman Shri Shashank Sharma said literature promotes dialogue and encourages society to reflect on important questions. Rajbhasha Commission Chairman Shri Prabhat Mishra said the novel not only highlights a problem but also encourages readers to think about solutions.
BBJ Independent Director Shri Jagannath Panigrahi highlighted the role of literature in connecting younger generations with culture and social realities. At the same time, senior litterateur Shri Girish Pankaj described ‘Kohra’ as an example of courageous writing on pressing social issues.
MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Rajya Gauseva Ayog Vice-Chairman Shri Rajiv Lochan Maharaj, Shri Jalaj Kumar Anupam, public representatives, writers, dignitaries and a large number of literature enthusiasts were present on the occasion.
