The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, recalled his close friendship and association with noted author, Mulk Raj Anand, at the release of a special commemorative edition - "The Mulk Raj Anand Omnibus", here today. The commemorative edition comprises three novels - "Untouchable, Coolie and Private Life of an Indian Prince" and has been brought out on the occasion of Mulk Raj Anand's 100th birth anniversary today.

Recalling his association with Mulk Raj Anand, the Prime Minister said, "in remembering Mulk we honour a tradition of scholarship, which views the role of artist and a novelist as a social critic, concerned with inequities, inequalities and injustices, and who believed that the power of pen in the long run might prove to be more powerful than the power of vested interests". Dr. Manmohan Singh also noted that the ideas and ideals presented by Mulk Raj Anand are so powerful that they would continue to inspire many generations of Indians to come.

Eminent educationist, Dr. Amrik Singh and noted social activist, Smt. Indira Goswami were among the distinguished gathering present on the occasion.