Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 28 Jun: Doon Library and Research Centre, in collaboration with Ankur Manch, organised a thought-provoking seminar on “Children, Schools and Creativity” at the Centre’s auditorium on Saturday evening. On the occasion, the latest issue of Ankur magazine, focusing on children’s creative activities and expressions, was also released.
Delivering the keynote address, noted editor, publisher, and scholar of children’s literature Prabodh Uniyal stated that a creative society is never complacent; it continuously strives for improvement through thoughtful reflection and constructive action. Such a society studies reality while working persistently towards a more progressive future. He emphasised that children, teachers, schools, and creativity constitute the four strong pillars of a healthy society, and stressed the need to create greater opportunities for creativity within schools.
Speaking at the seminar jointly organised by Doon Library and Research Centre and Ankur – A Creative Initiative, Uniyal observed that the present time demands collective thinking and understanding. According to him, the younger generation carries ambitious dreams for a better future, and adults must support them as facilitators rather than becoming obstacles. He noted that open playgrounds have shrunk to household courtyards, while children are increasingly burdened by studies, tuition classes, and coaching centres. Heavy school bags, intense competition, uncertainty, and academic pressure often leave young minds anxious and distressed. In such circumstances, parents, teachers, and writers must provide children with opportunities for positive thinking, imagination, and creative expression so that they can grow into responsible and enlightened citizens.
Mohan Chauhan, President of Ankur and a teacher, remarked that creativity is what distinguishes human beings from other living creatures. Creativity, he said, is not confined to literature, art, or music; it is also a vital skill that enables students to think beyond conventional boundaries and solve problems effectively. Through creativity, complexity can be transformed into simplicity. He emphasised that a harmonious partnership among parents, students, and teachers can contribute significantly to building a healthy and progressive society. Chauhan noted that Ankur has consistently worked in this direction by encouraging children’s original expression through a variety of creative activities.
Rekha Chamoli, Assistant Professor and poet, highlighted the importance of providing young learners with ample opportunities to speak, listen, and read before initiating them into writing. She observed that schools which nurture these foundational skills produce students who contribute positively to society. In today’s world, she added, humanity and sensitivity are needed more than ever, as creative and constructive social values are increasingly being overshadowed by divisive and destructive tendencies. Creative activities, therefore, play a crucial role in fostering mutual respect, harmony, and a sense of collective responsibility.
Conducting the programme, teacher Pradeep Bahuguna ‘Darpan’ stated that while an educated society is essential for national progress, creativity remains the most important ingredient in building an inclusive, developed, and humane society.
Priyanshi, the student editor of the magazine, described Ankur as much more than a collection of writings. She called it a collaborative journey undertaken by students, teachers, and parents. She acknowledged the invaluable efforts of teachers in nurturing and refining students’ writing skills.
Author and teacher Manohar Chamoli ‘Manu’ informed the audience that the fourth issue of Ankur features contributions from 173 student writers of Government Inter College, Kharsara. He explained that teachers associated with Ankur regularly conduct creative writing workshops in schools, introduce students to various literary genres, and assist in publishing handwritten as well as school-level magazines whenever possible. Such initiatives, he said, not only document students’ imagination, sensitivity, and expression but also inspire them to cultivate reading and writing habits. Seeing their work published encourages students and boosts their confidence.
Teacher and columnist Satish Joshi, known for his “Chai Pe Charcha” column, remarked that creative writing serves as an important bridge connecting students, teachers, and parents. He emphasised that reading and writing have always been central to community life and have become even more important in the contemporary era.
The speakers unanimously agreed that creative writing remains essential in the age of information technology. As reading books and writing by hand continue to decline, the publication of literary magazines and journals becomes increasingly important in preserving these valuable habits.
At the beginning of the programme, Chandrashekhar Tiwari, Programme Officer of Doon Library and Research Centre, spoke about the objectives of the institution. He noted that although cultivating the habit of original writing among children is challenging today, it remains an urgent necessity.
Prior to the discussion, the latest issue of Ankur magazine was formally released. The launch ceremony was attended by members of the Ankur team as well as distinguished literary figures and guests including Mukesh Nautiyal, Rajendra Purohit, Rakesh Pokhriyal, Jan Kavi Atul Sharma, Ranjana Sharma, Rekha Sharma, Dr Lalita Prasad, Dharmendra Arya, Seema Chauhan, Vijay Lakshmi Semalty, Surendra Dutt Semalty, Asharfi Thakur, Indresh Nautiyal, Vijay Bhatt, Geeta, Praveen Bhatt, Sunita Mohan, Kirti Bhandari, and Sundar Singh Bisht.
Students, parents, teachers, writers, and members of the community participated in the programme and shared their views on the importance of creativity in education and society.
