Day 6 of Dehradun Book Festival organised by NBT
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Apr: The sixth day of the Doon Book Festival witnessed an engaging blend of educational activities, literary discussions and cultural performances, with a strong focus on the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the broader narrative of India’s history by author and bureaucrat Sanjeev Chopra. Today young participants added vibrancy to the proceedings at the Children’s Corner.
In a key session at the Doon Lit Fest, writer, historian and retired IAS officer Sanjeev Chopra presented India’s history in an engaging and accessible manner through literature. During a dialogue with social activist Anoop Nautiyal, he emphasised that reading literature is essential to understanding India’s evolving identity and historical trajectory, underlining the role of books in shaping perspectives on the nation’s past and present.
The day began with a wide range of activities at the Children’s Corner, where nearly 800 students participated in interactive and fun learning sessions. At the Aipan Art Corner, children explored the traditional folk art of Uttarakhand, trying their hands at intricate Aipan designs and gaining an appreciation for the region’s cultural heritage.
An engaging storytelling session by Rajesh Pandey highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and nature through stories such as Travelling Tree and A Tiny Sapling, capturing the imagination of young minds while imparting valuable lessons. This was followed by an interactive Pictionary game conducted by Dr Sangita Angom, which enabled children to learn about wildlife and nature in an enjoyable manner. The activities concluded with a zine-making workshop conducted by Neha and Archie, where participants creatively expressed their thoughts and ideas through personalised booklets.
At the Doon Lit Fest segment, authors Chandrachur Ghose and Anuj Dhar held an insightful discussion on the life and legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose, shedding light on the enduring mysteries surrounding him. Drawing upon their extensive research and writings, the speakers elaborated on how newly available archival material and evolving scholarly perspectives in recent years have challenged long-held assumptions, offering a more nuanced and complex understanding of India’s freedom struggle.
The day concluded on a vibrant note with a cultural evening, where noted Uttarakhand folk singer Priyanka Mehar captivated the audience with her soulful folk performances, adding a musical charm to the festival atmosphere.
Looking ahead, the festival on April 10 will feature a musical storytelling session by Swati Goyal and an illustration workshop themed on Phool Dei by Mukesh Nautiyal at the Children’s Corner. At the Doon Lit Fest, Vaibhav Purandare will speak on Patriotism and Revolution from India’s Past, while a special session titled Aman Ke Farishte will see Colonel Ajay Raina and Brigadier Sushil Tanwar deliberate on service and human values. The day will culminate with a cultural performance by Vanshika Joshi.
