Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s capital Dehradun has created a heaven for writers and poets to help them in their creative pursuits. India’s first-of-its-kind ‘Lekhak Gaon’ or ‘Writer Village’ opened in Dehradun in October this year for the writers and poets, providing a peaceful place to create literary marvels amidst Himalayas.
This village also has cottages for stay, along with a library and a museum to assist writers. Moreover, this village has also hosted writers and poets across the world for its first festival.
Built in the outskirts of Dehradun
This unique village was recently inaugurated in the Thano in Raipur, an outskirts area of Dehradun. This inaugural event was attended by ex-president Ram Nath Kovind, Uttarakhand governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd), chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with Censor Board Chairman Prasoon Joshi.
All the amenities for writers
This ‘Writer Village’ has been built in the 25 acres area and provides a creative place along with many facilities for writers and poets. Apart from having a huge building for accommodation, this village has library, museum, writer’s cottages, and an ‘eatery’ serving traditional cuisines of Uttarakhand.
This idea was conceptualized by former CM Nishank
This innovative idea to create a heaven for writers and poets is the brainchild of Uttarakhand’s former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ who himself has a nationwide recognition as a writer and poet. According to the Nishank, he was inspired by a comment of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he had expressed concern over deteriorating value of writers in the society, lacking respect and proper space for worthwhile creation in the field of literature. Nishank played a key role in turning this dream into a reality.
Participants from 40 countries
The first event in this village was ‘Sparsh Himalaya Mahotsav-2024’ held during inauguration, witnessed attendees from over 40 countries with virtual participation from 25 nations.
The ‘Pahadi’ architecture makes this structure more attractive
The building’s design made in the ‘Writers Village’ has been built in a ‘Pahadi’ style, using traditional stones and woods. During the inaugural event former president Ram Nath Kovind praised this innovation calling it a first-of-its-kind project to address the challenges faced by writers and poets in the country. He also mentioned that no other state in India had ever established a dedicated village for writers.
CM Dhami also praised the initiative
Uttarakhand’s CM Pushkar Singh Dhami also praised this unique initiative aimed to provide a peaceful environment for free flow of ideas for writers. He also envisioned this space as a heaven where literature can thrive and inspire future generations.
