A new Hindi literary work by lyricist, author and educationist Dr Avnish Rahi was unveiled in Aligarh, drawing attention for its blend of poetry, technology and social commentary. Titled “Main Bhookh Hoon: A Yuga-Kavya Samhita (From Bread to the Conscience of the Nation)”, the project introduces an immersive, three-dimensional reading experience anchored in the theme of hunger as moral conscience.
At the press conference, Dr Rahi outlined the book’s philosophical framework and creative process, describing it as an exploration of the links between individual dignity, society and the nation. He positioned hunger as a metaphor not only for the absence of food, but also for justice, compassion, opportunity and ethical responsibility.
Three-dimensional epic with integrated media
Spanning nearly 300 pages, the epic comprises 71 interconnected poems, each paired with an Epoch Inscription, a Hunger Dialogue and a Poet’s Note—creating a structured literary architecture across 71 sets. A key innovation is its three-dimensional format: every composition is linked to a QR code that enables readers to listen to the poem in the author’s voice and view a visual interpretation, combining text, audio and video.
Recognising the format’s novelty, the Golden Book of World Records has acknowledged “Main Bhookh Hoon” as the world’s first three-dimensional song epic.
Launch event and reactions
The official poster and video trailer were jointly released by former MLA Vivek Bansal, Mahakavi Amar Singh Rahi, educationist Vishal Kumar, mind trainer Rohitash Kumar ‘Vicky’, and Dr Avnish Rahi. Attendees included writers, educationists, journalists and invited guests, who termed the work a notable contribution to contemporary Hindi literature.
Former MLA Vivek Bansal said Dr Rahi is advancing Aligarh’s literary legacy in the tradition of Gopaldas ‘Neeraj’ and expressed confidence that the work would gain national attention across literature and cinema. He called the epic timely and socially pertinent for foregrounding the human dimensions of hunger and prompting reflection on present-day realities.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Rahi said, “When hunger becomes words, literature is born. When hunger becomes compassion, humanity awakens. When hunger becomes consciousness, nations transform. Main Bhookh Hoon is the poetry of that journey.” He added that if the book encourages readers to engage with their conscience and become more sensitive to society, his literary effort would feel meaningful.
Publication and distribution
The organisers announced that the book has been published by HubHawks NuVoice Press, with global distribution handled by Penguin Random House. The team also acknowledged the support of Advocate Devaraj Singh, playback singer Vinay Kumar and Shiv Kumar in organising the event.
Context and significance
Positioned as more than a song epic, “Main Bhookh Hoon” seeks to document contemporary India’s social consciousness and moral responsibility through a fusion of literary craft and multimedia. By integrating text, author-narrated audio and visual elements via QR codes, the work extends the possibilities of Hindi literary expression beyond the printed page.
