VIDYAPATI JAYANTI

                                               

 I was out of Delhi for five days when I had gone to Allahabad to attend the Vidyapati Jayanti, organized by the Mithila Sanskritik Sangam, Prayag on Dec 22, 120013. The forenoon session, with Justice  Dharnidhar Jha in the Chair, was based on the theme, “Pravasi Maithilak sanskritik ksharan aaor sanrakshan”. I had the privilege of being its chief guest.

Over half a dozen of scholars, in their intellectually refined speeches tried to trace the reasons of Maithils, residing in different parts of the country, being lukewarm to their culture.They were of the view that there was no opposition to get their wards educated in English but that does not permit the leniency to ignore Maithili in the family as well. Over and above that, when we know that the man before me is a Maithil, why I should interact with him in any foreign or other Indian language. Similarly, we should strictly observe every minute detail of our ‘karmkand’ while observing festivals and social functions like marriage, sacred threat ceremony or even the post- obituary rituals. The learned speakers also lamented the sorry state of affairs in respect of publications and urged upon all to buy Maithili books and patronize the writers and poets.

A colourful cultural programme was organized in the evening which was presided over once again by Justice Jha with Dr Bindeahwar Pathak, founder, Sulabh Sanitation Movement as the guest in honour. In this session, the organizers honoured Dr Pathak with paag, shawl and garlands. Dr Pathak, responding to the organizers announced to donate Rs 10 lakh for making a building at the Sangam where Maithil pilgrims could stay with proper bed and food. For last couple of years, the organizers have been rewarding (Rs 1,100/- each) to some Maithil  students having performed well in the UP Board examination. Dr Pathak, like a true Bhama Shah announced to give Rs 5,000/- each to 50 brilliant Maithil students performers from next year. Giving a touch of his creativity, Dr Pathak also sang some Maithili traditional songs, in accompaniment of the Sulabh Sangeet Section. The famous Maithili singer, Amod Jha, with his troupe entertained the jampacked house with several famous Vidyapati compositions. Justice Jha, in his concluding remarks emphasized the need of unity and commitment to our cultural heritages, tangible or intangible. He assured of his full cooperation in any such great public causes.