SHIMLA – Literature enthusiasts, acclaimed authors, and young readers gathered at the Brews and Books Café on Mall Road to celebrate World Book Day on 23rd April, turning the quaint hill café into a lively forum of stories, suspense, and spirited conversation. The highlight of the day was a special book reading and signing session with journalist-turned-author Aditya Kant, following the recent release of his fictional work, Ghosts, Horror and Hills – a chilling collection of supernatural tales rooted in the mystical landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. (CLICK TO SEE ALL VIDEOS)
Organised by the Keekli Charitable Trust, the event provided a vibrant platform for local youth to engage directly with the author, bridging the gap between storyteller and reader in an intimate, café setting. During an interactive session, Kant addressed the rapidly changing landscape of reading habits among Gen Z, offering both observation and optimism. “It is encouraging to see youngsters defying the notion that they lack the attention span for books,” he noted. “While social media is often seen as a distraction, we must recognise that it is where this generation communicates and learns. Rather than telling them to log off, we should use social media campaigns to spread awareness about the profound benefits of reading.” Kant also touched upon parental responsibility, gently suggesting that the digital habits of children are often a reflection of the environment shaped by previous generations.
The discussion found its heartbeat in the voices of four young readers – Maanika Sethi, Dia Chandel, Tamanna and Tarun Sharma – who shared their personal experiences with Ghosts, Horror and Hills. Each spoke of how the collection of spooky tales, set against the backdrop of Himachal’s most iconic landmarks, managed to blend local folklore with contemporary frights in ways that felt both familiar and thrillingly new. Their reviews were insightful and deep, reflecting a genuine rapport with the author.
Bringing further depth to the conversation were senior journalist Rajeev Khanna and Prof. S.N. Ghosh from the Department of Psychology at Himachal Pradesh University. Khanna, drawing from decades of reporting experience, offered reflections on narrative and truth, while Prof. Ghosh delved into the cognitive and creative processes involved in reading and writing – explaining, with quiet authority, how horror stories uniquely engage the brain’s emotional and analytical circuits.
Vandana Bhagra, Founder and President of the Keekli Charitable Trust, expressed her delight at the enthusiastic turnout. “The overwhelming response from school students today reinforces our mission to involve more youngsters in enriching literary activities,” she said.
The gathering also saw the warm presence of Minakshi Chaudhry, author of Ghost Stories from Shimla Hills; Jasleen Gulati, Anita Sharma, Gupteshwar Upadhyay, Aparna Sood, and Shalini Goel. Students of Auckland House School for Boys joined several other prominent journalists and writers from the region, making it evident that in Shimla, the love for books – and a good ghost story – remains very much alive.
About the Book
Ghosts, Horror and Hills by Aditya Kant is a compilation of supernatural fiction set in the mystical landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, seamlessly blending local folklore with contemporary storytelling. Think abandoned villages, whispering winds, and ghosts hiding in mountain passes. Some tales even draw from real-life strange events during and after Covid – like eerie beeps in empty hospitals and thumping floors in lonely houses. Perfect for young readers who love chills and thrills, each short story marries local legends with modern frights. So if you are brave enough to read under your blanket with a flashlight, this book is for you. Just do not blame us if you hear footsteps behind you.
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Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
