Nagpur: Turning the virtual space into a vibrant cultural adda, the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, organised a unique online symposium on the theme ‘Literature of Indian Music (with special reference to Folk Music)' on Monday.Far from being just an academic discussion, the session blossomed into a melodious affair as two renowned folk artists — Rakesh Tiwari from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and Sanjay Mahajan from Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh — shared not only their insights but also soulful renditions of folk songs from their respective regions.Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Rakesh Tiwari captivated the audience with his rich knowledge about Chhattisgarh's folk singing traditions and the literary nuances woven into its folk compositions.

He spoke passionately about how the region's songs echo daily life, struggles, and joys of its people, turning folk music into a living literary treasure. He said that the folk literature, songs, and their various versions must be documented as this is a real treasure of India.Equally engaging was Sanjay Mahajan, who brought alive the essence of Nimar's folk culture. He spoke about traditional songs like Gangaur and other folk melodies of the Nimar region, highlighting their poetic beauty and cultural significance.

His talk, interspersed with live singing, added a lyrical charm to the session.Broadcast live on SCZCC's official Facebook page, the symposium drew over 850 viewers who enjoyed not just the discussion but also the spontaneous musical interludes that turned the event into an immersive cultural experience.The symposium concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ganpatlal Prajapati, expressing gratitude to the artistes and the enthusiastic online audience for making the event a resounding success.In its innovative format and vibrant performances, the SCZCC's symposium beautifully reaffirmed how folk music is not merely a musical expression but an invaluable chapter of India's literary and cultural heritage.