The Gujarat Sahitya Parishad and the Vidyamandir Trust co-hosted the 31st Gnyansatra of the Parishad at the Kanubhai Mehta Sanskrutik Bhavan on the Vidyamandir Campus in Palanpur from December 26-28, 2019. The conference was attended by noted literary and cultural personalities from across the state. 

Renowned writer from the North East Prof Theyiesinuo Keditsu, President of the Gujarat Sahitya Parishad Sitashu Yashwashindra, General Secretary Prafulla Rawal, Vice-President of the Parishad, Madhav Ramanuj and others were present at the opening.

Over the few days there were a number of informative sessions, including presentations by noted writers and scholars, as well as panel discussions on different aspects of literature and culture. Some of the themes discussed on Day One included the impact of English on traditional Gujarati literature; issues related to ‘Karyatri Pratima’; literary appreciation of poets such as Valmiki, Kalidas, Narasimha Mehta, Dante, Bertolt Brecht, Umashankar Joshi, Osip Mandelstam, Chinua Achebe and others.

The first day concluded with a special evening interactive session with world renowned painter Atul Dodiya.

On Day Two, other relevant issues were taken up for discussion. The session on the impact of digital technology on print publishing covered a vast array of issues from use of computers in preparing manuscripts to e-books and audio books. Another popular session focused on the folklore of Bhadarkantha and the literary traditions of Banaskantha.

The evening session featured a breathtaking cultural programme presented by the children of the various institutions on the Vidyamandir campus.

The third day concluded with an Open Session, with much discussion on how the autonomy and independent functioning of the Parishad could be maintained and strengthened. A special Youth Forum was also convened in which nine young writers and litterateurs participated.  

The members of the Parishad deeply appreciated the efforts of the Vidyamandir team in making the event a grand success.