A Tribute to Dr. K. Vikram Rao : Remembered at National Book Fair

Lucknow : On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, a special discussion titled "The Journalist's Journey, to Author and Writer" was held at the 22nd National Book Fair to honor the legacy of the late Dr. K. Vikram Rao. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to a man who not only enriched Hindi journalism but also elevated it to new literary heights.

The event began with a powerful statement: that Hindi is not merely a language, but the very soul of India’s culture and identity. Dr. K. Sudha Rao, Dr. Rao's wife, shared a touching account of their seven-decade-long journey together, giving the audience a glimpse into the life of the man behind the legendary words.

Renowned actor and theater artist Anil Rastogi was the main speaker, reminiscing about his friendship with Dr. Rao since 1978. "I knew him since 1978 and he had vast knowledge about films. He reviewed many of my plays," Rastogi said, adding that he was always amazed by Dr. Rao's intellect. "His articles on the famines of Bundelkhand and Gujarat are historical," he added, highlighting Dr. Rao's ability to turn journalistic pieces into timeless literature.

Uttar Pradesh Information Commissioner P.N. Dwivedi referred to Dr. Rao as a "father figure." He asserted that every journalist is, at their core, an author, a truth Dr. Rao proved by giving Hindi a multifaceted identity. Another Information Commissioner, Dilip Agnihotri, called Dr. Rao "an institution of journalism" himself, noting his deep understanding of the craft and his skill in making analysis sound like literature.

Senior journalist Sudhir Mishra shared an anecdote about Dr. Rao's unique practice of personally calling journalists to congratulate them on a well-written piece, a habit that always gave them a new boost of energy. Rajiv Srivastava, a senior journalist with 62 years of experience, described Dr. Rao's career as a "sadhana" (spiritual practice) that took him to the highest peaks of journalism.

The discussion was expertly moderated by senior journalist Shilpi Sen, who celebrated Dr. Rao's dedication to educating young journalists on the correct use of spelling and grammar. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from senior journalist and editor Shivsharan Singh, expressing gratitude to all the attendees for honoring the remarkable legacy of a man who truly was a guiding light for the world of journalism and literature.