Kolkata : In a momentous celebration of India’s cultural and literary heritage, the Jatiya Sahitya Prakashan Trust is hosting a major international literary and cultural festival in Kolkata, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the patriotic anthem “Bande Mataram.” The third episode of the year-long mega event will take place at the Vivekananda Hall, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture (Golpark).
The program brings together over 400 dignitaries and delegates from across India and the globe, making it the first of its kind in the city. Among the honored guests is Nagathihalli Ramesh, a prominent Kannada poet, environmentalist, filmmaker, and social thinker, whose presence will add immense value to the proceedings.
A Life Rooted in Literature and Social Thought
Nagathihalli Ramesh, born in 1967 in Mandya district, Karnataka, is a true renaissance figure. With a BSc and Law degree from Bangalore University and a Journalism diploma from Mysore University, his academic credentials match his creative pursuits. A winner of more than 150 inter-collegiate debate competitions in his youth, Ramesh later served as editor of the Kannada magazine Spardha Prapancha for over 12 years.
Widely respected for his work in literature, environmental activism, short films, and music-poetry collaborations, Ramesh has received numerous accolades including the Karnataka State Youth Award (1988-89), the Environment Award (2001-02), and recent national honors like Vishwa Bharatiya Jeev Jyothi Rashtriya Puraskar (2022) and Shri Krishna Premamrutham Samman Award. His poetic works have been translated into many Indian and international languages, and his music albums, such as Tili and Jeeva Jeevada Haadu, bridge the gap between lyrical tradition and contemporary soundscapes.
A globe-trotter with cultural missions to over 30 countries, Ramesh continues to inspire through his unique blend of activism and artistry. His short film The Roots and translated poem collections like The Sea and The Rain stand testimony to his universal appeal.
Festival Highlights
The event will honor the historical legacy of “Bande Mataram”, a song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1876 and first sung at the 1896 Indian National Congress session in Kolkata. The celebration will also feature a display and discourse on the Bande Mataram Flag, also known as Sister Nivedita’s Flag, originally designed between 1904 and 1906, symbolizing purity, strength, and the spirit of India’s freedom struggle.
Organizers from the Jatiya Sahitya Prakashan Trust emphasize the festival’s mission to foster national integration, cultural exchange, and global harmony, themes that align seamlessly with Sri Nagathihalli Ramesh’s lifelong contributions.
The gathering is expected to spark deep intellectual discussions and artistic expressions, with distinguished speakers sharing insights on India’s literary and cultural journey from past to present.
