SHIMLA: Reliving the memories of Shimla-born eminent writer Nirmal Verma in the capital city, the writers and media persons organised the 2nd Nirmal Verma Smriti Yatra from the courtyard of the long-closed Book Cafe at Taka Bench today. They demand that the government should set up the Chair at HP university, Shimla to honour Nirmal Verma.
As many as 35 writers including many research students and media personnel participated. The journey started at exactly 11 am for Kaithu, where local literature lovers also joined the Yatra from Kaithu, Tara Hall. From there all the writers reached Bhajji House and visited Herbert Villa where Nirmal Verma was born on 3rd April, 1929. He had spent 15 years of his childhood at Bhajji House, said SR Harnot, eminent writer and President Himalaya Manch, a forum of writers.
He expressed his gratitude to Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary, Language and Culture of the State Government and Pankaj Lalit, Director, Language Department. They helped change Nirmal Verma’s Smriti Patal from private property to the government place at the gate of Bhajji House on the demand raised by the writers, Harnot said.
Harnot said they also organized a seminar in Bhajji House in which writers recited many works in memory of Nirmal Verma and passed a resolution that Bhajji House should be established as writer's house in the name of Nirmal Verma, where his books and pictures can also be displayed. Along with, they also demanded from the government that Nirmal Verma Chair should be established in Himachal University Shimla.
Initiating the seminar, Harnot shared many memories of Nirmal Verma's Herbert Villa, Bhajji House, Butler School and Shimla. Dipti Saraswat conducted the stage. Dr. Vidya Nidhi Chhabra read a very soulful letter from Ram Kumar Verma, brother of Nirmal Verma. Dr. Hemraj Kaushik discussed the novel Lal Tin Ki Chhat and discussed his "creation process. Bharti Kuthiala read excerpts from his story Darkness. Ratan Chand Nirjhar read out one of his letters. Prachi who had come from Chhattisgarh talked about the loneliness of Nirmal Verma. Abhishek Tiwari also discussed about the books of Nirmal Verma. Kul Rajiv Pant read the memoirs written by Gagan Gill "Shimla and Nirmal: Some Smritis".
Dr. Devendra Gupta discussed literature of Nirmal in detail. He also read the statement of Nirmal, which he had given while receiving the Gyan Peeth Award.
Describing the basic purpose of this visit, Harnot said that along with remembering our heritage, our eminent writers, we also want to remind the local people and the state government about them so that they also realize that a world famous writer was born in Shimla.
Nimal Verma was born in the valleys of Shimla and considered himself to be related to Himachal. But his memories are forgotten today and his place of birth has become a private property, where Bhajji House has been made the government quarter by the government while it has been converted into the memory of Nirmal. It could be converted into a writer's house and library. By doing this, not only will this world famous writer get respect, but it will also become a center of attraction for literature- lovers and tourists from abroad, Harnot said.
