Step into a vibrant world where words come alive and imaginations run free!
The Department of Language & Culture, Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Keekli Charitable Trust, is thrilled to invite authors, avid readers, budding storytellers, and children to the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla for Mimansa Season 4. Taking place over three magical days from 19–21 August (spanning 2025 and 2026), this literary extravaganza offers something for every soul through immersive writing workshops, insightful sessions with renowned authors, and captivating storytelling circles. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning your journey, Mimansa offers the perfect space to explore ideas, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate the magic of storytelling. Stay tuned for participation and registration details, and get ready to be part of something truly memorable.
Invitation for Authors to Submit Books for the Festival
It gives us great pleasure to announce that the Language & Culture Department, Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Keekli Charitable Trust, is organizing a three-day Children’s Literature Festival—मीमांसा (Mimansa).
We invite children’s authors to submit their recently published books to be reviewed by young readers during the festival.
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Criteria for Submission:
• Print Edition: Books must be published in or after 2020. Both hardback and paperback editions are accepted.
• Genres: Children’s literature only—Fiction (short stories, novels, novellas, or graphic novels), folklore, or mythology.
• Target Audience: Since the books will be reviewed by children and youth aged 10–25 years, content must be age-appropriate. Please clearly mention the target readership in the cover letter.
• Language: Submissions must be in Hindi or English. The language should be simple, clear, and impactful.
• ISBN Requirement: Books must have a registered ISBN or an equivalent identification number.
Not Eligible:
• Edited volumes, anthologies, or translations
• Books authored by more than two writers
• Non-fiction works
• Titles previously released under the Keekli banner
Young Author Submissions:
Authors under the age of 25 may submit their published work, including poetry, short stories, novels, or novellas.
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Festival Format:
• Each session will last approximately 40–45 minutes.
• Each panel will include six members: the author, a moderator, and four young readers from various schools and colleges.
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Submission Details:
• The first copy of the book must be submitted free of cost.
• If shortlisted, the Trust will purchase five additional copies at a discounted rate of 30% of the MRP, the payment for which will be made at the end of the festival.
Deadline for receiving books: 20 May 2026
• Submissions must be sent via postal mail.
• Please note: Proof of dispatch is not proof of receipt. The Trust is not responsible for submissions that are delayed, lost, or misdirected.
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Selection & Invitation Process:
• Submissions will be reviewed by our team, and selections will be based on suitability for our young readers. No individual feedback or clarification regarding the selection process will be provided.
• Authors of selected books will be informed via phone or email. They will then be required to send five copies of their book.
Hospitality for Invited Authors:
• As an NGO, we operate within certain limitations. We do not pay authors for participation. However, invited authors will be provided with:
• Two nights’ accommodation
• All meals during the stay
• Authors will be required to arrange their own travel.
• Any extension of stay will be at the author’s own expense.
• The final schedule and session details will be shared by the end of June 2026.
• Over the three-day festival, approximately 8–9 books will be reviewed (subject to finalization).
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Contact Details
Keekli Charitable Trust
Email: secy.keeklitrust@gmail.com
Phone: +91 98170 95985 / +91 80910 21796
Address: Set No. 1, Lehnu Bhawan, Jakhoo, Shimla – 171001 (Himachal Pradesh)
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Mimansa 2025: Celebrating the Creative Spirit of Young Minds
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
