Positive criticism good for literary works: Vishnu Dutt

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 22

Healthy and positive criticism enhances literary works of writers, poets and novelists as unless we know about our shortcomings or errors, we cannot move forward. Noted vedic expert and litterateur Dr Vishnu Dutt Rakesh said this while releasing poet Umesh Sharma’s new book of poetry “Yun Hi Nahi..” at Ranipur here today.

Rakesh said today some critics were not fairly reviewing literary works as they feared anger of writers and pressure from publishing houses. This was not good for literature, writers and readers too. “When we fear positive criticism, then it means we don’t want to move forward and are content with our current achievements. Flaws, mistakes and shortcomings are natural as we are human beings. Hence, why we should fear criticism. Acceptance and then improving upon mistakes is the hallmark of a good literati,” said Rakesh, who is well versed in vedic scriptures.

Uttarakhand Sanskrit University vice-chancellor Mahavir Aggarwal said poems were a mirror of our society, and cited numerous poets who had made people ponder over social aspects and issues through their creative and thought-provoking poetry.

City-based litterateur KL Diwan, who was felicitated for his over four decades of poetic works in the district, urged poets to write in such a way that the younger generation also gets attracted towards literary works.

Umesh Sharma attributed his latest work to guidance from the literati, family members and said various social issues that made an impact on his mind were reflected in his poems in “Yu hi nahi…”.

Gandhian Ambrish Kumar said poets through their satirical works kept politicians on their toes, which was positive criticism. This tendency also indirectly made poets a watchdog of politics.

Dr Yogendra Nath Sharma, Akhilesh Mishra Prabhakar, KC Pandey, Kulbhushan Sharma, Mona Verma, Sanjay Verma and a large number of educationists and poets were present at the function.