Chandigarh
26 February 2023
DIVYA AZAD
Chitkara International School hosted its flagship event “Chitkara Lit. Fest – A Celebration of Literature and Ideas” at its state-of-the-art campus here in Chandigarh. Organised to celebrate the prominent role that literature plays in society, the event witnessed an extraordinary line-up of writers, poets and artists including Javed Akhtar, Usha Uthup, Irshad Kamil, Laxmi Dhaul, Khushwant Singh, Dr Nilima Chitgopekar, Sudeep Sen, Sumit Samos, Amy Singh, Richa Lakhera, Dr Jhilam Chattaraj, Bir Singh, Neelesh Kulkarni, Nikharika Bhuwania, Dr. Gurpartap Khairah, Nirupama Dutt, Balpreet, and Dr Aman S Maharaj.
Exploring the creative ways of transcending both literary and metaphorical boundaries, Chitkara Lit. Fest brought forth the flavours and nuances of the vast world of literature, enabling educationists to witness and engage in thought-provoking conversations with creative minds.
Correspondingly, at the glorious edition of the festival, the star artists and participants not only shared golden insights from their line of work with the attendees comprising dynamic literati, educationists, parents, youth, faculty, and principals, but also encouraged them to explore fresher perspectives and ways of thinking. Besides, the significance of literature and how it shapes one’s understanding of the world and serves as a medium for expressing ideas, emotions and experiences, were further discussed.
Against a colourful backdrop showcasing the beauty of Punjab, the event’s traditional and elegant decor showed the glory and fundamentals of Punjab’s culture, further adding to the appeal.
Not to mention, the noticeable sessions under the Fest entailed performances from the best in business, including “Mera Paigam Mohabbat Hai: Poetry for Social Change” by Javed Akhtar and Nirupama Dutt, “Humanising Turbulent Times Through Literature” by Khushwant Singh and Laxmi Dhaul, “A Lyricist or a Poet? Hopping the Boundary” by Irshad Kamil and Balpreet, “A Poet’s Quest for Change” by Sudeep Sen and Dr. Jhilam Chattaraj, “Iconic Usha – Breaking the Stereotypes” by Usha Uthup and Richa Lakhera and “From Satyug to Kalyug: Exploring the relevance of mythology in today’s times” by Dr. Nilima Chitgopekar, Neelesh Kulkarni, and Niharika Bhuwania. Furthermore, the event included book signing sessions in addition to the felicitations of meritorious artists viz. Mac Sarin, Dr. Neelam Man Singh Chowdhary and Laxmi Dhaul by none other than the writing virtuouso, Javed Akhtar.
Exhibiting his brilliant take at the occasion, the star Indian screenwriter, lyricist, and poet, Javed Akhtar said, “We’ve seen the greatest accomplishments arising out of literature and words that have gone to change the world for the better. At Chitkara Lit. Fest, this might of words was not only exhibited effectively but was further experienced through lively conversations and interactions. Indeed, my time here indulging yet again in the world of words, focusing on social change and the beauty of the Urdu language, was thoroughly enjoyable.”
Expressing her contentment on the thought-provoking event, the Chairperson-Schools, Dr. Madhu Chitkara said, “Through Chitkara Lit. Fest, we had envisioned to create a progressive confluence of writers and interpreters and celebrate the greatest merits of mankind as encapsulated in the ever-expanding world of literature. Indeed, we’re extremely thrilled to have successfully witnessed the phenomenal programme, which we believe, is sure to become a stepping stone towards a successful synthesis of the industry and academia. Importantly, we thank all the incredible dignitaries who not only graced the event with their presence but also left an indelible mark in our hearts, teaching us the ways to think and build a society of promise.”
