Himalayan Echoes- Kumaon Festival of Literature and Arts concluded here on Sunday. American author Joshua Pollock spoke on the heartfullness meditation . Informing the gathering about this method of meditation he also involved them in Yoga for some time. Speaking about his book and encouraging the gathering to meditate, he spoke on the difference between mindful and heartful meditation.

During the second session on the Legendary Maps from the Himalayan Club, discussion was held with its author Harish Kapadia. Speaking about his purpose behind writing the book, Kapadia said that in the past it was impossible to get maps of the border regions of Himalaya from the Survey of India. If some maps of such regions were found, the names of places were not mentioned in them. However, getting such maps has become easier now, he said., The third session was held on Anuradha Roy’s book, ‘All the Lives we Never Lived’. The author spoke in detail about various aspects of the book. Various other books were discussed during the sessions held later in the day. At the conclusion, the festival director Janhavi Prasada thanked all the authors and others for attending the literature and arts festival.

Pavan Verma talks on his book on Adi Shankaracharya

The national general secretary of the Janata Dal (United), Pavan Verma opined that the foreign policy of India is not proper at the present. He also said that there is growing interest in knowing about the Hindu religion. He said this while interacting with media persons here while visiting the Kumaon Festival of Literature and Arts on Sunday.

He said that he had written a book on Adi Shankaracharya. Everybody is curious to learn more about Hindu religion. At a time when there are disputes regarding aspects of the religion, he had tried to present the philosophical thought of this religion in simple language for the general reader. Aspects of Adi Shankaracharya’s life from his birth in Kerala to his attaining Samadhi at Kedarnath are mentioned in the book. He opined that there is lack of dialogue between two sides at present, adding that the country needs another Adi Shankaracharya. Fanatical elements in a religion cannot be tackled effectively unless one learns about the liberal aspects of the religion, he said.