Why smaller towns need literary societies
THE HOSHIARPUR LITERARY SOCIETY STARTED WITH BABY STEPS BY ORGANISING BOOK DISCUSSIONS
The other day, I attended a first of its kind literary event organised by the Hoshiarpur Literary Society. It was a discussion on a book by Daman Singh, the daughter of former prime minister Manmohan Singh. I would not have been surprised if this event had taken place in Delhi or Chandigarh but such events are rare in our Hoshiarpur town.
I used to think that literary societies are the prerogative of big cities with intellectual and fashionable people throwing their weight around. I assumed people who are ardent readers don’t benefit from their association with such societies. And those who don’t like to read cannot be initiated into the world of books so easily. I had no idea what good a literary society would do to our city which can’t even boast of a decent book shop.
The Hoshiarpur Literary Society started with baby steps by organising a few book discussions and writing workshops. It was successful in creating a buzz among the town’s residents.
The day Daman Singh came over, the turnout was encouraging. The auditorium of the Government College, Hoshiarpur, where the event was held was choc-a bloc. I was happy to see people from all walks of life attending the literary event. They included the deputy commissioner, the member of legislative assembly and the local minister.
The discussion on the book started by highlighting the academic achievements of Manmohan Singh, who rose to become an erudite scholar from humble origins. He was a student of the college where the event was being held. His daughter was an epitome of simplicity. She shared facets of her father’s life with disarming honesty. It was one mesmerising evening when everyone listened to Daman in rapt attention.
Many who attended the event wanted to buy and read the book later. The few who did not intend reading it were also happy to be part of the discussion on the virtues of humility and greatness of a man, who despite being in power, remained down to earth. There was something to imbibe for everyone, about values, integrity and discipline; the qualities that are the mark of great men.
The event went on for three hours but no one seemed to be in a hurry to leave. The effort to keep everyone engaged for the full course of the interaction deserves applause.
I realised that such events do create an interest in books among the uninitiated. No doubt such societies can play a definitive role in small cities to generate interest in literary developments and revive the habit of reading.