Mahakavi Kalidas—A Luminous Symbol of Indian Culture: CM Dr. Yadav

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.

Cultural Journey of Mahakavi Kalidas—Renaissance of India’s Rich Culture

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav remarked, tracing Kalidas’s cultural journey that Ujjain is a land of dharma, artha, karma and moksha, as well as art and time/era, knowledge and science. Great scholars have arisen from this city, and Kalidas is among India’s—and the world’s—greatest poets. His works skillfully encapsulate different aspects of human life, nature, love, beauty, and divinity. Eternal creations like Abhijnanasakuntalam, Vikramorvashiyam, Kumarasambhava, Raghuvamsam  and Meghadutam are jewels of Indian culture and literature.

Pandit Suryanarayan Vyas Laid the Foundation of the Kalidas Samaroh in 1958

In 1958, Pandit Suryanarayan Vyas laid the foundation for the All India Kalidas Festival, now a ‘Kumbh’ for artists. This seven-day celebration showcases a diverse array of art and culture, attracting renowned artists and literature enthusiasts from across the country. The event hosts lectures, discussions and scholarly presentations focusing on Kalidas’s life and works.

The launch of the festival in Ujjain was attended by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of State for Skill Development and Employment (Independent Charge) and Ujjain District In-Charge Minister Shri Gautam Tetwal, MLA Shri Anil Jain Kalukheda, Mayor of Ujjain Shri Mukesh Tatwal, along with distinguished scholars, artists and a large number of culture enthusiasts from various regions of India.