The fifth edition of the Shoolini Literature Festival kicked off on Friday, bringing together leading figures from literature, cinema, music and media. The festival created a dynamic space for artistic exchange, with renowned personalities sharing their insights and experiences.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali captivated the audience with his life philosophy, urging young people to embrace the journey of life rather than simply focusing on end goals. In a conversation with chief learning officer Dr Ashoo Khosla, Ali encouraged students to follow their instincts, take responsibility for their actions and pursue what truly resonates with them. Recalling his childhood in Jamshedpur, Ali spoke about how his passion for storytelling developed and stressed the importance of drawing from personal experiences and cultural roots to create authentic narratives.
Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh took to the stage in a session with veteran journalist Vipin Pubby, where he shared his career journey and the lessons learned from his role in the film Mrs, Singh highlighted the importance of reading in an age dominated by digital distractions, urging young people to immerse themselves in books to enhance their vocabulary and knowledge. He also discussed the significance of mental and physical fitness, emphasising the importance of taking risks and pushing beyond one’s comfort zone.
One of the key highlights of the event was the introduction of the Shoolini Sahitya Samman, an esteemed award recognising exceptional contributions to literature. The festival also marked the launch of books by Shoolini University authors, reinforcing its status as a literary powerhouse.
Festival Director Dr Ashoo Khosla highlighted the festival’s diverse workshops, which included sessions on screen adaptation, mindfulness, puppetry and philately, offering attendees valuable hands-on learning opportunities. The Shoolini Flower Fest was also inaugurated, promoting environmental sustainability through an impressive floral exhibition. Simultaneously, the Glitch Tech Fest showcased innovative tech displays, hackathons and e-sports championships, reflecting the cutting-edge spirit of the youth.
