Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the Kalidas Festival is a shining jewel in the crown of India’s rich and vibrant culture, literature and traditions. Even today, it stands as an elevated manifestation of Indian knowledge, art, and sensitivity. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that Mahakavi Kalidas’s works are not only splendid in language but also reflect the soul of India. The Kalidas Festival is a celebration of the glorious cultural heritage.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, addressing the virtual inauguration of the 67th All India Kalidas Festival held in Ujjain via video conference from Samatva Bhavan, described Mahakavi Kalidas as an immortal figure in Indian literature, whose creations are a priceless treasure for Sanskrit and a carrier of India’s cultural consciousness. With his imagination, deep sensibility, and exceptional literary skill, Kalidas enriched Indian storytelling and poetry. The Chief Minister referred to Kalidas’s renowned works, Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghaduta, Kumarasambhava, Raghuvamsa, Ritusamhara, and Vikramorvashiyam, which embody literary brilliance and a deep reflection of Indian philosophy, nature and love. Ujjain, he noted, is not only the city of Mahakal, but was also the workplace of epoch-making poet Kalidas. The continuous enhancement of the Kalidas Festival’s stature is a matter of pride for both Madhya Pradesh and the entire country. The government is committed to making this national literary event in Kalidas’s honor even grander and more inclusive.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that literature and culture unite society, and the festival aims to connect younger generations with India’s literary, cultural, and classical heritage. The event features theatrical performances based on Kalidas’s works, instrumental music, debates, and cultural evenings. The 67th festival serves as both an inspiration for writers and artists and a bridge to revive India’s eternal cultural grandeur in the modern era. The Chief Minister highlighted that Ujjain’s soil is sanctified, bestowing high honour; Kalidas’s emergence as a great poet attests to this. The All India Kalidas Festival, dedicated to the memory of literary luminary Kalidas, unites Sanskrit and literature. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, attended the festival’s inaugural event in Ujjain 66 years ago. This year’s festival coincides with Madhya Pradesh’s 70th Foundation Day and Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi, creating a unique triple celebration. On this occasion, Ujjain also received the gift of an airport and air connectivity.