In the lush hills of Himachal Pradesh, nestled amidst the serene beauty of Shimla, a literary and cultural extravaganza unfolded in April 2025, capturing the imagination of over 300 students and educators. This vibrant event, known as Mimansa 2025, was the third season of the Children’s Literature Festival. What started as a modest initiative to foster creativity among young minds has now blossomed into an eagerly awaited celebration of literature, art, and storytelling.
Mimansa 2025 was a collaboration between the Keekli Charitable Trust and the Language & Culture Department of Himachal Pradesh, marking a successful continuation of its mission to promote children’s literature and cultural expression. The festival brought together 15+ schools, including prominent institutions such as Swaran Public School, IVY International, SPIPS, Sacred Heart, LCTH, and Sambhota Tibetan School, all of which participated in this grand event, turning Shimla into a hub of creativity for three exhilarating days.
Event Opening: Mimansa 2025: A Celebration of Children’s Literature in Shimla
From the very first day, it was clear that Mimansa 2025 was no ordinary event. It was a fusion of intellectual exploration, artistic expression, and youthful energy that not only entertained but also educated young minds. Let’s delve into the highlights of the event, which unfolded across a series of enriching sessions, workshops, and competitions, all designed to spark the imagination of children and help them explore the limitless potential of their creativity. (CLICK TO SEE ALL VIDEOS)
(CLICK TO SEE ALL PHOTOGRAPHS – Book Panels; Art Panel & Workshop; Declamation Jr & Sr; Special Sessions: Devdutt Pattnaik & Anand Hi Anand; Poetry & Storytelling Workskop; Word Play Sessions)
Day 1: An Energetic Opening and the Start of a Literary Journey
The festival kicked off with a grand opening ceremony, which set the tone for what was to be an inspiring and transformative event. The esteemed artist and author Priya Kuriyan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Her presence was a fitting tribute to the spirit of creativity and artistic exploration that the festival sought to cultivate among the young participants.
The day began with the Declamation Competition (Jr.), where young orators took to the stage with great confidence. Their speeches, full of energy and eloquence, were judged by an eminent panel consisting of Dr. Deepti Panji, Prince Abhishek, and Eta Thakur, all of whom are well-respected figures in the field of education. These young voices demonstrated their growing confidence and oratory prowess, earning applause from the audience.
One of the major highlights of the first day was the Book Session 1 with Jyotsna Atre, who introduced her delightful works The Jungle Book of Rhymes/Captain Subu. The session, led by Principal Vinita Sood, brought together young readers Varahi, Amol, Atharv, and Sajal for an engaging discussion, where they explored Atre’s unique narrative style and her ability to blend whimsical rhymes with adventure.
In the Poetry Reading session, Dinesh Sharma mesmerized the audience with his poetic expressions, while also engaging with young poets who shared their own creations. This heartfelt exchange of verses left the attendees with a deeper understanding of rhythm and the power of words.
Later, the Book Session 2 introduced Kishan Shrimaan and his work देव नगरी, moderated by Vichlit Ajay, which took the participants on a journey through ancient myths and deep storytelling. The young reviewers Manohar Lal, Senha Harnot, Sajal Sharma, and Shaurya shared their interpretations and reflections, adding a layer of youthful insight to the narrative.
Another prominent session on the first day was Book Session 3 with Preeti Sharma Aseem, who captivated the audience with her work सप्त सिंधु भारत, exploring the cultural and historical landscape of India. Through this session, young minds were introduced to the rich tapestry of India’s heritage. Vichlit Ajay moderated the session, and young readers Manisha Sharma, Tarun Sharma, and Sachin Sharma contributed their thoughts and questions.
The Art Panel Discussion led by Upasana Bisht and Priya Kuriyan was a fitting tribute to the role of visual arts in modern storytelling. Their insightful dialogue sparked curiosity about how art evolves and merges with literature in today’s world, inspiring many participants to express themselves through visual forms.
The day concluded with a highly anticipated Word Play Workshop, hosted by Alok Singh. The workshop featured twelve teams of three students each, who were encouraged to use words in creative and playful ways. This engaging exercise in linguistic fun set the stage for the following day’s Word Play Competition, where the teams would compete in creating imaginative stories.
Day 2: Continuing the Momentum with Diverse Sessions and Workshops
As the festival moved into its second day, it only grew in vibrancy and engagement. The sessions continued to cover a wide range of topics, including literature, storytelling, poetry, and art. The Declamation Competition (Sr.) saw senior students from classes 8-12 delivering compelling speeches on various themes. Their eloquence and creativity were awe-inspiring, and the competition was a true testament to the intellectual caliber of the participants.
The first Book Session on Day 2 featured Manoj Kumar Shiv and his book गीत गाते अक्षर, moderated by Veena Sood. This session blended lyrical storytelling with music, offering young readers an opportunity to explore the connection between rhythm, language, and expression. Arin, Muskaan Bhardwaj, Manisha Sharma, and Kamal joined the session to share their thoughts, deepening the discussion on the creative use of words in storytelling.
In the Storytelling/Writing Workshop, Dr. Usha Bande took participants through the nuances of writing compelling narratives. She introduced them to various techniques to enhance their storytelling skills, which was especially beneficial for budding writers looking to hone their craft.
Another standout was Book Session 2, where Harini Srinivasan presented her works Lovestruck & Confused and The Curse of Anuganga. Moderated by Jasleen Gulati, this session explored themes of young love, adventure, and mystery, sparking intense discussions among the young reviewers Dia Chandel, Aahana Chandel, Swati Thakur, and Rudra Laul.
The Poetry Session with Prof. Meenakshi F. Paul was another highlight, where she led an exploration of the art of crafting meaningful poetry. Young poets shared their creations, and the session offered valuable insights into the subtleties of poetic expression.
The Art Workshop conducted by Priya Kuriyan was the centerpiece of Day 2, inspiring attendees with her innovative techniques in visual storytelling. The hands-on session allowed participants to explore their creative instincts and experiment with various forms of artistic expression.
The day culminated with an immersive Audio-Video Narration session by Sohaila Kapur, who presented Anand he Anand, a creative storytelling experience that captivated all in attendance with its unique blend of narration and multimedia.
Day 3: A Grand Finale with Thought-Provoking Conversations and Celebrations of Talent
The final day of Mimansa 2025 was a fitting conclusion to the three-day celebration of literature and creativity. One of the most anticipated sessions featured a thought-provoking discussion between renowned mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik and esteemed writer Shriniwas Joshi. Their engaging conversation explored the role of mythology in contemporary literature, with a special focus on how mythological themes are adapted for young readers in today’s world.
The morning session included a dramatized reading of the children’s book Koko and Nanhi Nav penned by Sohaila Kapur, where young readers Snehal, Dhruv, Sraagvi, and Aardhya brought the story to life with their expressive performances. Their heartfelt reading underscored the importance of cultivating a love for reading among children.
The final highlight of the festival was a session on the works of Dr. Sona Sharma, featuring her books Mandeep Meets Mandeep and The Adventures of Boonda and Boondi. The session, moderated by Mimanshi Chaudhry, saw young reviewers offering their perspectives on these captivating stories, providing a fresh and youthful take on contemporary children’s literature.
As the festival drew to a close, an awards ceremony was held, recognizing the talent and dedication of the participants. The winners were awarded certificates and cash prizes, celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them to continue exploring the world of literature and art.
A Success Beyond Expectations
Mimansa 2025 was not just a festival; it was a celebration of imagination, creativity, and expression. It offered young minds a platform to explore their passions, learn from experienced authors and artists, and engage with their peers in meaningful ways. With the overwhelming success of this year’s festival, the organizers are already looking forward to Mimansa 2026, hoping to inspire even more young minds in the years to come.
In its third season, Mimansa has proven that literature, art, and creativity have the power to transcend boundaries, uniting children from diverse backgrounds in a shared celebration of expression. The future looks bright for this incredible festival, and we can only wait eagerly for what the next season will bring.
