No. 980/2023-PUB 21th August 2025
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the book “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas” at Raj Bhavan today. The book has been authored by Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation Prithi Pal Singh, which is a poetic Hindi rendering of the immortal classic Meghadootam by Mahakavi Kalidasa.
Through this translation, the author has sought to revive the timeless beauty, imagination and emotional depth of Kalidasa in a contemporary idiom, making it more accessible to present-day readers, particularly students and youth.
The foreword to the book has been written by former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and noted author Shanta Kumar, who has described it as an outstanding literary endeavour. Padma Shri Vijay Sharma of Chamba, an internationally acclaimed miniature artist has designed the book cover adding a unique artistic dimension to the publication.
The Governor said that Kalidasa’s writings was the very soul of Indian literature and culture. He observed that presenting Meghadootam in poetic Hindi was a remarkable achievement, which not only revives Kalidasa’s creative vision but also offers a fresh perspective to readers, scholars and students. He expressed confidence that the book would make a valuable contribution to the world of literature.
Author Prithi Pal Singh said the work was the outcome of his deep study and long-standing literary interest, expressing hope that “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas” would evoke in readers the same aesthetic delight and emotional resonance that lies at the heart of Kalidasa’s masterpiece.
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