Grand Inauguration of Vishwarang 2025 — A Magnificent Celebration of Global Literature, Art, Culture and Folk Traditions
Bhopal, 27 November 2025’The seventh edition of the international literature and arts festival ‘Vishwarang 2025’ commenced today with a grand inauguration ceremony at the Ravindra Bhavan premises in Bhopal. The event witnessed the distinguished presence of Hon’ble Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel, former President of Mauritius Shri Prithvirajsing Roopun, Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University and Director-General of Vishwarang Dr. Santosh Choubey, Vice-Chancellor of SGSU Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Co-Director Dr. Aditi Vats Chaturvedi, along with eminent scholars, writers, artists, and cultural representatives from India and abroad. The ceremony began with traditional greetings and lamp lighting, followed by a soulful Bengali musical performance by Shubhrato and his team, which set a serene and artistic ambience. A short film showcasing the seven-chapter creative journey and global identity of Vishwarang added a powerful narrative to the inaugural session.
During the inauguration, the ‘Vishwarang Hindi Report’ and ‘Vishwaranjan Clause’ were released. Renowned literary figures Mamta Kalia, Harish Minashru, Chandrabhan Khayal, H.N. Shivaprakash, Laxman Gaikwad and Paresh Narendra Kamat were honoured with the Vishwarang Honorary Awards for their exceptional contribution to literature and the arts. The Indian Postal Department also released a special postal cancellation dedicated to the seventh chapter of Vishwarang, further elevating the cultural significance of the event.
The inaugural addresses delivered during the ceremony emerged as the intellectual core of the festival. Dr. Santosh Choubey, in his profound and insightful speech, described Vishwarang not merely as a festival of literature and art, but as a vibrant platform of civilization, dialogue, multilingualism, and global harmony that strengthens India’s cultural identity and creative consciousness. Former President of Mauritius Shri Prithvirajsing Roopun praised the global potential of Indian languages, emphasising that Indian literature offers the world a unique vision of human sensitivity and cultural balance. Hon’ble Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel highlighted literature and culture as guiding forces for moral and social direction, applauding Vishwarang as a cultural bridge between Indian tradition and contemporary thought. Co-Director Dr. Aditi Vats Chaturvedi explained the philosophy behind the Honorary Awards, noting that the honour celebrates not just individual achievement but also the depth of Indian languages and the spirit of global cultural unity upheld by Vishwarang. These thoughtful speeches added intellectual depth, cultural dignity, and international relevance to the opening day.
A vibrant Shobhayatra (cultural procession) preceded the inauguration, transforming the entire venue into a spectacular celebration of diversity. Cultural groups from Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and several foreign communities participated with their traditional attire, folk rhythms and local musical expressions. Performances of Bihu, Rajwadi, Aada, Khada, Matki and Garba dances filled the atmosphere with energy and festive splendour. Baul music and Rabindra Sangeet presented at the statue of Rabindranath Tagore added a spiritual depth that elevated the procession from a cultural showcase to an emotional experience.
Various exhibitions across the Ravindra Bhavan campus drew significant attention on the very first day. Assam handloom, traditional jewellery, Manipur festival traditions, Malwa’s Matki dance culture, and folk heritage from Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar were displayed alongside handicrafts and traditional cuisines. A unique exhibition showcasing 100 years of newspaper headlines, another highlighting Girmitya history, and an exhibition on India’s ancient Rishi–scientist knowledge tradition also captivated visitors.
As the day concluded, the open-air stage witnessed a mesmerising dance drama “Krishna” presented by the Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Delhi. The graceful choreography, expressive acting and soulful music left the audience deeply moved, offering a sublime aesthetic finale to the opening day.
The inaugural day concluded with a vote of thanks by Vijay Singh, who acknowledged the contribution of all guests, participants, artists, international delegates, students and the entire organising team. The first day of Vishwarang 2025 emerged as a remarkable confluence of Indian identity, global dialogue, cultural diversity, literary depth and creative energy , setting an inspiring tone for the sessions and intellectual journeys ahead.
