Patna Lit Fest will become a la Jaipur fest soon: Gulzar

Patna (PTI): Noted lyricist Gulzar on Saturday said the Patna Literature Festival would soon become as popular as the Jaipur Literature festival. "The Patna Literature Festival will soon become as popular as Jaipur Literature festival," Gulzar said at the festival organised as part of the three-day 'Bihar Divas' celebration marking the 101st foundation day of the state. "The situation has changed in Bihar and literature is being encouraged here. Bihar has a large mass of book readers," the writer-lyricist said. Expressing concern over growing influence of English, Gulzar suggested a literature festival for all languages including Urdu and Hindi. "Books will never be relegated to the background. Importance of books and literature continues despite overwhelming presence of IT nowdays," he said. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said "Bihar has been a land of learning. Budget will be earmarked for organising a literature festival every year." He said along with English focus needed to be made on popularisation of Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and other languages.A Fahmida Riyaz from Pakistani was among the literati participating in the festival.A Gulzar also recited from his works along with diplomat-turned JD(U) leader Pawan Verma.