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Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 21 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the book "Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas" at Raj Bhavan, Shimla. The book has been authored by Prithi Pal Singh, Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Backwards Classes Finance & Development Corporation.

The work is a poetic Hindi rendering of the immortal classic Meghadootam by Mahakavi Kalidasa. Through this translation, the author has sought to revive the timeless beauty, imagination, and emotional depth of Kalidasa in a contemporary idiom, making it more accessible to present-day readers, particularly students and youth.

The foreword to the book has been written by former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and noted author Shanta Kumar, who has described it as an outstanding literary endeavour. The cover has been designed by Padma Shri Vijay Sharma of Chamba, an internationally acclaimed miniature artist, adding a unique artistic dimension to the publication.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that Kalidasa's writings are the very soul of Indian literature and culture. He observed that presenting Meghadootam in poetic Hindi is a remarkable achievement, which not only revives Kalidasa's creative vision but also offers a fresh perspective to readers, scholars, and students. He expressed confidence that the book would make a valuable contribution to the world of literature.

Author Prithi Pal Singh said the work was the outcome of his deep study and long-standing literary interest, expressing hope that "Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas" would evoke in readers the same aesthetic delight and emotional resonance that lies at the heart of Kalidasa's masterpiece.

On Wednesday, the Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the poetry anthology 'Dairon Se Pare' at Raj Bhavan, Shimla.

Edited by noted poet and Principal of Government College Ani, Kunwar Dinesh Singh, the anthology features 67 poems, ghazals, and short stories by eleven distinguished contemporary Hindi poets, including Giriraj Sharan Agarwal, Hareram Sameep, Girish Pankaj, Rameshwar Kamboj Himanshu, Ashok Shah, Shivji Srivastava, Subhash Nirav, Sukesh Sahni, Harbhagwan Chawla, Anand Nema, and Singh himself.The volume carries an insightful introduction by Lalchand Gupta 'Mangal', Senior Fellow of the Ministry of Culture and Head of the Hindi Department at Kurukshetra University.

The Governor commended the editor and contributors for their creative expressions and said that such literary works enrich the cultural and intellectual fabric of society. He added that 'Dairon Se Pare' will inspire readers.

- ANI