After the conclusion of the grand event of Lokmanthan at Ranchi, Shri J Nandakumar, national convener of Prajna Pravah spoke to Ganesh Krishnan R, Sub-Editor, Organiser on the success and achievements of Lokmanthan 2018. Excerpts:
Lokmanthan 2018 became a grand success. How do you see the record participation in the Ranchi edition?
This edition of Lokmanthan marked record participation, both regarding the number and geographical representation. Delegates and guests (total 1312 participants) from 26 states, from northeastern states to Kerala, attended the sessions. Another important aspect is the greater participation of students and youth. One of the reasons for their increased participation could be the pre-Lokmanthan events organised at various levels. Altogether, 25,000 students from different universities participated in the preliminary competitions like debates, essay writing, painting etc. After that, inter-university level competitions and state-wise inter-collegiate competitions were also held. After Bhopal edition in 2016, Lokmanthan got wide news coverage and attention from even outside our spectrum. Some leftist organisations conducted some programmes, even in Bhopal, against Lokmanthan. It actually gave more publicity to the Ranchi edition.
What are the significant achievements of this Lokmanthan?
A major achievement was focused and pointed discussions. In contrast with the Bhopal edition, this time the discussions were more focused on the Idea of India, Bharat Bodh (People, Society and Mind). Content-wise also there is a remarkable improvement this time as the participants got more time to interact with the speakers. It was a fusion of culture, literature, art and academic discussions. It became a huge success this year. There were ritual performances in every morning and demonstrations of traditional art forms that provided a new experience for the participants. Because there is an underlying unity in such rituals and art forms, for example: worshipping nature, respecting other beings than humans etc., that we practise in our life, be it is in Bihar or Jharkhand or Kerala. The delegates could easily connect with this feeling of unity in the various rituals.
Could you please elaborate more on deliberations?
There were focused academic discussions on five topics such as Samajavaloka, Vyavasthavalokan, Viswavalakan, Arthavalokan and Atmavalokan. That too was not just a monologue, but there were interactive sessions and audio and video presentations. Films and documentaries on Integral Humanism, Kumbh Mela and rural development-based on the life of great Ravindra Guruji, were exhibited. Two artistic expressions were also presented. Bharat Bodh is an uninterrupted flow of civilisation that has been depicted in a dance form, directed and performed by Gowri Priya. Ajay Malkani’s dance performance on the theme of Bharat Bodh was indeed a great experience.
We have published a coffee table book on our freedom fighters and social reformers. Almost 108 major personalities were featured in the book with their photos and brief biographical sketch.
Another book which was released at Lok Manthan was edited by Prof Kuthiala. It is a compilation of articles on people of Bharat and their culture written by various scholars.
The proceedings of Lokmanthan 2018 and a collection of related articles will be published soon. The planning and discussions aboutthe next Lokmanthan are now underway.
