New Delhi, February 12:

Delhi University (DU) on Thursday inaugurated its maiden “Delhi University Literature Festival (DULF)” at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, marking a historic moment in the institution’s 104-year legacy. The three-day literary celebration opened with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh as the Chief Guest, who underscored the transformative power of literature in shaping informed and responsible citizens.


“Literature Teaches Us to Think, Reflect and Speak”
In his keynote address, Prof. Yogesh Singh emphasized that literature connects individuals to their roots while nurturing critical thinking and expression.


Highlighting the challenges of the digital age, he remarked, “Today we are left with 30-second opinions and fleeting attention spans. Literature teaches us to pause, reflect, understand and then speak.”


He cautioned that a society that loses its ability to think risks weakening its democratic foundations. Referring to Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s prison diary, the Vice-Chancellor urged students to cultivate the habit of reading and writing even in adversity.
Invoking the festival’s theme — “Nation First: Unity in Diversity” — he said that achieving the vision of a Developed India by 2047 requires strengthening national unity alongside intellectual growth.


A First in DU’s Academic History
DULF Convener and Vice-Chairperson of the Core Committee, Anup Lathar, noted that this is the first university-level literature festival in DU’s history. He credited the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership for making the initiative possible and announced plans to elevate the festival to an international platform within the next three years.
The festival features poetry readings, author interactions, theatrical performances, devotional music and cultural showcases, reflecting India’s literary and cultural diversity.

Engaging Dialogue with Vijay Chauthaiwale
A highlight of the opening day was an interactive session between the Vice-Chancellor and BJP Foreign Affairs Department In-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale.
On entering politics from science, he quipped, “Sometimes accidents in life turn out to be good experiments.”
On India in 2047, he stressed that innovation will be central to a developed India.
Naming his inspirations, he cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS leader Balasaheb Deoras.
In a lighter moment, he remarked that if he ever left politics, he would “open a coffee shop.”
Students and faculty actively participated in the discussion, posing questions on science, politics and national development.


Ram Madhav on India’s Global Role
In a special session titled “India and the Global Reset,” noted political thinker and author Ram Madhav described India as an emerging voice of the Global South.
He asserted that India’s stature on the global stage has strengthened despite global instability, urging students to understand history, diplomacy and society through literature. He also referred to his books “Our Constitution, Our Pride” and “Sangh to Nation.”


Piyush Mishra’s Message to Youth: “Act Without Burden”
Actor, lyricist and singer Piyush Mishra inspired students with his message: “Work for the sake of action, not as a burden.”
Reflecting on his journey from the National School of Drama (NSD), he encouraged young artists to pursue theatre passionately but remain open to broader opportunities.


Books, Culture and Intellectual Exchange
Book stalls by leading publishers drew large crowds.
Cultural performances by the DU Cultural Council captivated audiences at the Rugby Stadium.
Multiple panel discussions in the Multi-Purpose Hall explored journalism, Vedic knowledge, competitive examinations and poetry.
Prominent speakers included Smita Prakash (Editor, ANI), David Frawley, Shubhra Ranjan and poet Hariom Panwar, among others.


Massive Institutional Participation
DU Registrar Dr. Vikas Gupta stated that over 200 teaching and non-teaching staff members were directly involved in organizing the event, with preparations underway for the past two months. He acknowledged that the idea of hosting a grand literature festival was encouraged by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.


The inaugural Delhi University Literature Festival not only celebrates literary expression but also signals a renewed commitment to intellectual discourse, cultural dialogue and national integration — positioning DU as a vibrant hub of ideas in contemporary India.