Raipur, January 25, 2026 : On the third day of the Raipur Literature Festival, a thought-provoking discussion was held on the relationship between governance and literature, led by retired Indian Administrative Service officers who are actively engaged in literary creation. The session took place at the Lala Jagdalpuri Pavilion and was dedicated to eminent Chhattisgarhi writer and former Member of Parliament, late Shri Keyur Bhushan.
The discussion was moderated by Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh, who set the tone by emphasising that governance and literature are not adversaries but complementary forces. While governance structures society through policies and administration, literature sustains human sensitivity and acts as a mirror to power.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh noted that literature has always held a place within the priorities of governance, and the very organisation of the Raipur Literature Festival stands as evidence of this commitment. He described literature as a reflective surface for the system, guiding it toward ethical functioning and nurturing social empathy.
Senior litterateur and retired IAS officer Dr. Sushil Trivedi elaborated on the core purpose of governance, stating that its fundamental responsibility lies in establishing liberty, equality, and justice. Literature, he said, gives voice to the struggles and emotions of ordinary people. He observed that when writing born out of personal fulfillment transforms into work for the collective good, it truly becomes literature. He described literature as the “permanent democracy” of humanity.
Continuing the discussion, writer and retired IAS officer Dr. Sanjay Alang referred to major global revolutions, including those in Russia and France, asserting that such movements were born from literary thought. Governance, he argued, constantly learns from literature and derives vision from it even after assuming power. He added that whether in governance or literature, standing with the people is essential; failing that, one inevitably stands in opposition to them.
Writer and retired IAS officer Dr. Indira Mishra highlighted the practical challenges faced by governance. She pointed out that governance is universal and powerful, and maintaining law and order sometimes necessitates tough decisions. In certain situations, she said, restrictions are imposed on creative works that pose challenges to the administrative system.
Concluding the session, writer and retired IAS officer B.K.S. Ray offered his definition of an effective administrator, stating that true success in governance comes from an understanding of humanity. He called upon writers to remain vigilant and asserted that if governance ever strays from its path, it is literature’s responsibility to guide it back.
