Vandana Bhagra, Shimla, December 21, 2024
Today, at the iconic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla, the Trust proudly celebrated a significant milestone in its literary endeavours with the release of two anthologies, Blooming Quills and Bachpan Ke Rang, Bado Ke Sang. These collections encapsulate the essence of storytelling and reflect the talents of both young and senior writers. A standout moment of the event was the address by the esteemed author and Chief Guest Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan. Shobha, a celebrated author, poet, translator and voice-over artist, brought her unique insights to the event. Known for her works such as Look Before You Leap and It’s Time to Rhyme, she captivated the audience with her ability to blend cultural richness with universal themes. Her presence added depth to the discussions and inspired budding writers to pursue their creative passions. The day-long event commenced with an inaugural ceremony followed by readings by senior and young writers, engaging discussions on the newly released books, and an insightful review of the book Bachpan Ke Rang, Bado Ke Sang by Prof. Meenakshi Faith Paul.
Blooming Quills – 51 Short Stories by Children: Showcasing Young Talent
Blooming Quills is a testament to the creativity and imagination of India’s youth. This anthology features 51 short stories selected from 184 entries received from across the country, including cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Dharamshala. Edited by Sonia Dogra and Vandana Bhagra, the stories highlight the diverse voices and perspectives of young storytellers under 25. The daunting task of selecting the top stories was undertaken by an esteemed jury panel, which included accomplished writers and academics such as Dr. Usha Bande, Namita Lal, Prof. (Dr.) Mrinal Chatterjee, Kavita Jhala, Gupteshwar Nath Upadhyay, and Dr. Ashutosh Kumar.
The journey to this publication involved creative writing workshops and mentoring sessions where participants refined their skills under the guidance of experienced editors. The anthology stands as a celebration of storytelling, emphasizing skill-building and the joy of creative expression.
Bachpan Ke Rang, Bado Ke Sang – 31 Bal Kahaniyan: Honouring Cultural Heritage
The second release, Bachpan Ke Rang, Bado Ke Sang, is a collection of 31 stories by senior writers from Himachal Pradesh. This anthology bridges generations through tales that reflect the region’s cultural heritage and contemporary narratives. The selection process, overseen by an independent jury – Alok Singh, Taru Mehta, and Dr. Lalit Kishore Mandora – ensured impartiality and upheld the highest standards of literary merit.
Shobha’s books, Look Before You Leap and It’s Time to Rhyme, were also discussed during the event. The moderators were Prof Meenakshi Faith Paul, Adhiraj Singh Bisht, and young discussants namely, Sreeja Chatterjee, Pritha Doegar, Midori Das and Aahr Singh. These works exemplify her mastery of language and her ability to engage readers of all ages. In her address, she emphasized the transformative power of literature in shaping perspectives and fostering creativity. She highlighted the importance of extensive reading for budding writers, asserting that the foundation of good writing begins with reading widely. She also stressed the need to read one’s work aloud, explaining how rhythm and flow enhance the appeal of language, while disjointed words or sentences require refinement. Her guidance offered invaluable insights into the art of writing, inspiring literary enthusiasts of all ages. She shared excerpts from her acclaimed works such as Prince with a Paintbrush and Good Innings, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
The event featured an impressive line-up of readers:
- Aarti Gupta read excerpts from her story ‘Rishte’. A retired Director of the Himachal Pradesh Information and Public Relations Department, Aarti has 33 years of experience in public relations, scriptwriting, and stage management. Her academic accolades include multiple master’s degrees and a diploma in yoga.
- Abhyudita Gautam, an Associate Professor of English, read from her story ‘A House Near the Waterfall’. With a Ph.D. in English and a career spanning research papers, poems, and stories, she brought depth and resonance to the narrative.
- Aditi Sharma, a Class 8 student at Dayanand Public School, Shimla, shared her story Whispers of an Abandoned House, demonstrating her budding storytelling skills.
- Prithvi Raj Singh, a Class 10 student, presented his tale The Chattur Story, blending vivid imagery with compelling storytelling.
- Yashita Verma, a Class 12 student of Loreto Convent Tara Hall, Shimla, charmed the audience with her story A Chilling Vacation, showcasing her passion for fiction.
- Sneha Harnot, a 2nd-year BA student at RKMV College, Shimla, read from her powerful story Women are Made, Not Born!, delving into psychological and realistic themes.
The event concluded with readings by young authors like Sreejaa Chatterjee, Midori Das, and Aahr Singh, each bringing their unique voice to the fore. Their stories, ranging from mystery to science fiction, captivated the audience and underscored the Trust’s success in nurturing young talent.
Keekli’s Vision for the Future
Since its inception, Keekli Charitable Trust has undertaken numerous impactful initiatives, from organizing creative workshops and literary festivals to publishing anthologies that provide a platform for emerging talents. Its annual Mimansa Literature Festival and Children’s Theatre Festival are cornerstones of its mission to promote cultural and literary engagement. Today’s event reinforced the Trust’s commitment to fostering a love for reading and writing among children. The Trust acknowledges the challenges of engaging senior writers but views this as an opportunity to innovate and expand its outreach.
Looking Ahead
Keekli Charitable Trust, founded in November 2018, continues its remarkable journey of fostering young minds and empowering them through literary, educational, and cultural initiatives. The Trust, led by an all-women team comprising Vandana Bhagra (President), Namita Lal (Vice President), Tarandeep Kaur (Treasurer), Isha Kumra (Assistant Secretary), Shalini Parasher (Assistant Treasurer), Mamta Rakhra (Communications Head), and Mamta Rampal (Promotions Head), has earned a reputation for its dedication to nurturing creativity and imagination among children.
The Trustees remains steadfast in its mission to empower young minds through education, creativity, and social initiatives. The release of Blooming Quills and Bachpan Ke Rang, Bado Ke Sang marks another significant step in this journey. As the Trust continues to expand its literary and cultural endeavours, it aims to inspire children and adults alike to embrace the transformative power of storytelling.
