Date : 15 Nov 2024

“Words steer the mind and heart, revealing the Truth that uplifts and transforms,” said Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, as he inaugurated the Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 15 November 2024.

His remarks set the tone for an evening celebrating literature’s profound role in illuminating truth and shaping society. Honouring the legacy of Ramnath Goenka, the visionary founder of The New Indian Express, the event highlighted the responsibility of writers and journalists as truth-bearers.

Awards recognized excellence in fiction, non-fiction, and lifetime achievement, celebrating storytelling’s transformative power. Ruskin Bond received the Lifetime Achievement Award, with his granddaughter accepting on his behalf. The Non-fiction award went to journalist Neerja Chowdhury for How Prime Ministers Decide, praised for its depth and insight by jury chair Pavan Varma. Debut author Aishwarya Jha won the Fiction award for The Scent of Fallen Stars, a poignant tale of love and longing.

The evening underscored the enduring power of literature to entertain, challenge, and inspire change, honoring Goenka’s legacy of truth and integrity.

For highlights from Swami Swaroopananda’s address: 👉🏻https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Nov/15/responsible-journalists-should-be-daring-and-courageous-to-convey-truth-swaroopanandaji#:~:text=Delivering%20his%20speech%20here%20as,the%20knowledge%20to%20the%20world.%22