VARANASI: A memorial and research centre in the name of 'Upanyas Samrat' Munshi Premchand was formally inaugurated by minister of state for HRD, Mahendra Nath Pandey, on the occasion of 136th birth anniversary of the author at his parental village in Lamahi on Sunday.
The project to start a 'Munshi Premchand Memorial Research Institute' was announced by the Central government in 2005. The Hindi department of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was given the responsibility to handle the project for which a fund of Rs 2 crore was also released by the government.
The then Union minister for information and broadcasting and culture S Jaipal Reddy had also laid the foundation stone of the institute in Lamahi on Premchand's 125th anniversary. The function was also attended by the then UP chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. But, the project could not be started due to unavailability of land.
During his inaugural address, MoS for HRD, Mahendra Nath Pandey lauded the Central government and BHU's collaboration for construction of the institute and state government for the availability of land. He said, "The stories of Munshi Premchand were a reflection of the society. With his approach and storytelling he brought a revolution against social taboos. Interestingly, the writer's works are believed to be influenced by Mahatma Gandhi while Gandhi was also influenced by Premchand's works."
Later, the minister hoped that the institute would improve the research level of areas adjoining the author's parental village.
BHU vice-chancellor GC Tripathi said the research work on literature of Munshiji was significant for present day's policy framework. The VC further added that the institute was equipped with the necessary infrastructure for research including library, computers, conference hall and manpower comprising research officer, coordinator and director.
VC also informed that efforts will soon be initiated to digitize the documents and also initiate contemporary inter-disciplinary approach for researchers. The institute will also house works of other prolific writers who had written on similar lines as Premchand along with manuscripts and documentaries based on his works, said BHU VC.
The two-storeyed building, built at a cost of Rs. 2.80 crore (Rs. 80 lakh invested by BHU) in 0.49 hectare land, comprises a lush-green lawn, conference hall on first floor and director chamber, scholar chamber and three offices on the second floor.
Meanwhile, an hour-long play based on Munshi Premchand's story 'Kafan' was staged by a group of 12 students of various departments of the university. A monologue on his various novels and short-stories including Surdas, Boodhi Kaki, Lekhak, Bade Bhaisahab and Rangbhumi was also presented by students on the occasion.
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