“Banaras is not merely a city, but a land of religion, learning, art, and coexistence.” — Shri Harivansh
New Delhi: Under the aegis of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, a one-day symposium centred on the book Kashistha, published by the Nagari Pracharini Sabha, was successfully held on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Umang Auditorium, IGNCA. The keynote speaker of the programme was Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, while the distinguished speaker was Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA. The introductory address was delivered by Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The welcome address was presented by Shri Vyomesh Shukla, Pradhan Mantri of the Nagari Pracharini Sabha, Kashi, and the programme was conducted and concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Abhay Mishra, Convenor of the Nadi Utsav at IGNCA. The book comprises 17 essays by 13 renowned writers focusing on Kashi and has been edited by Shri Vyomesh Shukla.
Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, described Kashi not merely as a city but as the soul of Indian civilisation. He observed that the volume presents, with depth and insight, the multidimensional character of Kashi—religious, philosophical, social, and cultural—and emphasised that such works play a vital role in reconnecting contemporary society with its roots.
Sharing his reflections on the Kashi Nagari Pracharini Sabha, Shri Harivansh said that the institution and its tradition have been a matter of great pride for Hindi language and literature. It is among the rare institutions that have guided society and the nation through language and literature, and have given voice, expression, and vitality to Indian consciousness. He remarked that Banaras, Kashi, or Varanasi is not merely a city, but a land of religion, learning, art, music, and human coexistence. He noted that among the many books written on Kashi, this volume is distinct from all others, as it presents Kashi not merely as a subject but as a living experience. Its lanes, ghats, memories, and intellectual traditions constitute our invaluable heritage.
He further stated that however powerful technology may become, it cannot replace the book. To carry tradition forward in new contexts, he said, is the true task of intellectual endeavour. This book enriches the reader at every level—of propriety, emotion, language, and philosophy—and he expressed confidence that such efforts would further strengthen and enrich the intellectual world of Hindi.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, appreciated the thematic richness and scholarly approach of the book, stating that ‘Kashistha’ is a significant attempt to understand the tradition of Kashi in its entirety and would be valuable not only for the academic community but also for general readers. He remarked that Kashi holds one with an extraordinary sense of enchantment. It has been described through many metaphors, yet it is not merely a city but a concept—not just a place, but something that exists in many places. To become ‘Kashimaya’ is, in itself, a profound noun and a powerful adjective. There is an inherent radiance in Kashi that has always existed and will continue to do so. Elaborating on the distinctive features of the book’s various sections, he noted that identifying and bringing together such writings is an arduous task and the result of sustained dedication.
Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, described Kashi as a living centre of the Indian knowledge tradition. He noted that works such as ‘Kashistha’ strengthen our cultural memory and serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity. He observed that the book is not merely the history of a city, but of a civilisation, and that the ethos of Kashi nurtures a positive and affirmative outlook.
After welcoming the guests, Shri Vyomesh Shukla highlighted the significance of ‘Kashistha’ in accentuating the historical, cultural, and civilisational continuity of Kashi. He informed the audience that the volume brings together 17 essays by 13 scholars, including an unpublished essay by Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi. The book explores the spirituality, intellectual traditions, geography, and enduring legacy of Kashi.
The programme was conducted and concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Abhay Mishra, Convenor of the Nadi Utsav at IGNCA. The event was attended by a large number of scholars, researchers, writers, students, and lovers of culture.
