Vikramaditya Singh Releases Seven Books on Himachal, Calls Writers the True Mirror of Society
Shimla, January 2, 2026:
The first day of the New Year turned historic for Himachal’s literary world as seven books focusing on the state’s culture, temples and tribal regions were released at the iconic Gaiety Theatre auditorium here.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, along with Principal Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar, released the books at a well-attended ceremony.
The event was jointly organised by the Himalayan Literature, Culture and Environment Forum and Adhaar Prakashan Pvt Ltd.
The function was presided over by Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Secretary (Education) and Secretary (Language, Art and Culture), in the presence of Adhaar Prakashan Director Desh Nirmohi and noted writer and Himalaya Forum president S.R. Harnot. More than 70 senior and young writers, besides literature lovers, were present.
Addressing the gathering, Vikramaditya Singh said the New Year’s first day would be remembered as a landmark moment for Gaiety Theatre and Himachal Pradesh, as seven books by Himachali writers were released together. He said the books document Himachal’s tribal regions of Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul, its temples and rich folk culture.
He remarked that writers are the true mirror of society, as they preserve folk culture, languages, traditions and dialects and present honest history before the people.
Expressing concern over the declining habit of reading due to social media, the minister said while digital platforms provide information, only serious books can nurture deep thinking.
He lauded S.R. Harnot, calling him not only a prolific writer from his own constituency but also a committed cultural activist who continuously promotes literature and provides platforms to young writers.
Vikramaditya Singh suggested organising literature festivals in Shimla, on the lines of Jaipur and Kasauli, to give national recognition to Himachal’s literature, culture and arts.
Presiding over the function, Rakesh Kanwar congratulated the publishers and authors, saying writers are witnesses to their times and present an authentic assessment of society and regional culture.
He highlighted government initiatives for writers, including making the Gaiety Theatre auditorium available free of cost for literary events and opening a “Kitabghar” to showcase books by Himachali authors at one place.
Adhaar Prakashan Director Desh Nirmohi said his association with Himachal spans over 35 years.
He recalled that the first book he published from the state was by short story writer Sunder Lohiya and since then Adhaar has published several Himachali authors.
He announced that another important work on Raja Virbhadra Singh would be published by Adhaar later this year.
The programme began with a soulful folk song by singer Om Prakash, which enthralled the audience.
The books released included Mandir aur Lok Shrutiyan and Kunzom by S.R. Harnot; Kinnar Kailash se Manimahesh by Sudarshan Vashisht; the third edition of Rohtang Aar Paar by Ajay; Kinnaur by Tashi Chhering Negi; Sanskriti ke Saat Adhyay by Lahaul’s young writer Chhep Ram; and Devbhoomi ki Aatma by Akhilesh Pathak.
The authors shared insights into their creative processes and underlined their deep concern for preserving Himachal’s folk culture.
The event was conducted by young poet and critic Satyanarayan Snehi, while the vote of thanks was presented by senior educationist, poet and writer Jagdish Bali.