Ahmedabad: Adani International School (ADIS), Shantigram, Ahmedabad, hosted a grand opening ceremony for the third edition of its annual reading and storytelling festival, BookFlix 2025. Padma Bhushan awardee, celebrated author, and philanthropist Sudha Murty attended as the Chief Guest, formally launching the much-awaited literary celebration.
Welcoming her, ADIS promoter Namrata Adani expressed gratitude for Murty’s contribution to inspiring generations of young readers across India. “During the preparations for BookFlix, our campus came alive with stories, debates, book exchanges, and creative adventures. Our aim is simple—to spark wonder, kindle joy, and strengthen essential values. Stories shape our perspectives and help us make sense of the world,” she said.
Known for its student-centric approach, focus on literature, the arts, and inquiry-based education, ADIS has made BookFlix a key pillar of its holistic learning philosophy.
During the inauguration, Sudha Murty addressed nearly 800 students, sharing insights on reading, imagination, and core life values. Her 30-minute talk was followed by a lively Q&A session where children questioned her about her books, writing style, and personal experiences. Her warmth, simplicity, and clarity left a deep impression on the young audience.
Murty urged students to make the most of every opportunity at school, calling these experiences the “stones” that eventually turn into “diamonds” of growth. She encouraged children to participate actively in all activities, as today’s choices shape tomorrow’s strength. Addressing parents, she emphasised allowing children to choose their own paths instead of expecting them to fulfil unaccomplished parental dreams.
Highlighting the discipline behind success, she reminded students to respect time, remain dependable, and combine talent with hard work. “Even the most gifted child cannot progress without discipline and dedication,” she said. Praising ADIS for placing reading at the heart of learning, she added, “When children read, they develop empathy, imagination, and a strong foundation for life.”
Students were thrilled to meet the author of beloved titles such as Grandma’s Bag of Stories, The Gopi Diaries, Three Thousand Stitches, and Wise and Otherwise. Her journey—from becoming TELCO’s first woman engineer to leading the Infosys Foundation for 25 years—remains a source of inspiration for young learners.
ADIS students presented Murty with two specially curated books. The first, created by primary students, beautifully connects her life and stories with the IB learner profile. The second, compiled by secondary students, is a collection of handwritten letters describing how her writings inspire them to become kinder and more thoughtful individuals. They also unveiled a collaborative art piece titled “Samavridhi”, symbolising the school’s ethos of “Growing Together.” The colourful collage features values such as curiosity, courage, innovation, compassion, self-discipline, and resilience—an emotional moment that visibly moved Murty.
BookFlix 2025 will run until November 27, featuring workshops, storytelling sessions, character labs, creative writing studios, and interactive author-student engagements. Strengthening ADIS’s mission to nurture confident, curious, and compassionate lifelong learners, the festival celebrates the joy of reading and the magic of stories.
Announcing the opening of BookFlix 2025, Namrata Adani said, “Let the joy of reading, the magic of stories, and the power of creativity take over your imagination.”
