“The best of literature and innovation emerge during times of challenge,” emphasized Shri Rahul Pande, State Chief Information Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony of Ramdeobaba University Literature Festival 2026 (RBU Litfest 2026) in association with Vidarbha Literary Foundation (VLF), while highlighting the role of literature during global uncertainty. He observed that conflicts, climate change, and global friction dominate current discourse, “literature has always ignited the right human spirit.” Stressing the power of words, he said, “Through meaningful communication, we can make the world a better place.” Referring to Nagpur’s intellectual and industrial legacy—from Kalidasa’s Meghadootam to the vision of the Tatas—Shri Pandey advocated multidisciplinary learning under the National Education Policy, urging students to ensure that “India’s demographic dividend does not become a demographic liability.” He advocated multidisciplinary learning as a means to gain broader life perspectives and urged budding technocrats to apply their knowledge for inclusive development. He congratulated Ramdeobaba University for hosting a unique event like the Literature Festival.

Welcoming the audience, Dr. S. S. Mantha, Chancellor, RBU, underlined the human relevance of literature in a technology-driven world. “Literature festivals open doors to better communication and a deeper understanding of human beings, especially when disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence dominate learning,” he said. Expressing concern over declining reading habits, he remarked, “Somewhere we have lost the habit of reading. Everything today has become capsule learning.” Cautioning against overdependence on AI, Dr. Mantha added, “You type a few keywords and get perfect language—but what happens to creativity and originality?” He emphasized that books act as “alternate friends” and that literature shapes informed, empathetic, and articulate individuals.

Prominently present on the occasion were Shri Rajendra Purohit, General Secretary, SRSS, Dr. Rajesh Pande, Vice-Chancellor, RBU; Dr. Manoj Chandak, Director, Academics; Dr. Gaurav Goyal, Director, Students’ Welfare; Shri Kailashchand Agrawal, Secretary, SRSS, and Shri Ashish Sharma, Member, VLF. The inaugural ceremony marked the commencement to a 4-Day long literature festival from 16^th to 19^th January 2026.