The Inaugural Address of the President of India, Shri K.R. NARAYANAN, emphasised that "Writers and literary scholars of South Asia have an underlined commonality that transcends national boundaries. Yet neighbouring countries in South Asia have tended to remain in darkness about each other's literature especially of contemporary writings. Even though we are all aware of the prominent literary figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Mohammed Iqbal, Subrahmanya Bharati, Nazrul Islam, Valatur, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and others, our knowledge about modern writings in the languages of the region remains very scanty.

This is partly on account of the inadequacy of good translation; there is a need to transmit the ideas contained in our literary works through translations. South Asia, with its plurality of languages, can indeed be a translators' paradise, facilitating free flow of literatures within and beyond the region. It is essential that we understand the streams of ideas, thoughts that flow through the minds of the people among the neighbours of South Asia. I am glad that the first ever conference of writers and literary scholars from the countries of South Asian Region is being organized by the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature.

I understand that this event has been adopted by the UNESCO as a flagship event of this International Year of Culture and Peace. Meeting of writers of the region should be a more frequent occurrence. I am confident that this beginning will strengthen the Regional Cooperation and foster greater creativity in this region. I have great pleasure in extending my good wishes and greetings to the participants and organizers for the success of the function."

In the Inaugural Session, the former Prime Ministers Shri V.P. Singh and Shri I.K. Gujral welcomed the participants. Mr. Jaswant Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister for External Affairs addressed the Conference as the Guest of Honour. The President of the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, Shri Khushwant Singh delineated the significance of the initiative. The Founder Chairperson, Ms. Ajeet Cour welcomed the participants and expressed the need for continuation of such creative dialogue for peace in the region.

The Inaugural Lamp was lighted by the Chief Guest Shri V.P. Singh, poet, painter, and former Prime Minister of India. Shri Gulzar and Shri Ahmed Faraz, eminent poets and writers from India and Pakistan also lighted the inaugural lamp, and read out their poems on peace.

Inaugurating the Conference, Shri V.P.Singh stressed on the need of such conferences of writers. "Writers can build bridges. Politicians and governments have often failed to do this". He added that the final test of being cultured cannot be judged by how well we sing or dance but how we respond when someone in need of help knocks at our door. He asserted that the question that is crucial is whether we should give the poor inhabitants of the Region fighter tanks or food and facilities.

In his address, the former Prime Minister Shri I.K.Gujral said, "Inspite of realities of partition of the country, and occasional friction with our neighbouring countries, the meeting of minds will continue. This is the only process that can bring peace in the region. Creativity cannot and will not recognize political boundaries. This is the power of civil societies". He added that writers and intellectuals were part of the civil societies of the region and carriers of well defined civilizations.