Lucknow: The second day of the 4th Gomti Book Festival at the University of Lucknow brought the soul of Awadh alive, as local proverbs, folk tales, idioms, and songs created an enchanting atmosphere celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Anganwadi Library Initiative Launched
The festival witnessed the formal announcement of the Anganwadi Library Project, aimed at establishing libraries in 100 Anganwadi centres to nurture early reading habits among children. Nine exemplary Anganwadi workers from Lucknow were honoured for their contributions to the project.
Children’s Sessions Bring Laughter and Learning
The day began with special sessions for children. Hundreds of students participated in the ‘Round the Riddle’ activity organised by the National Children’s Literature Centre (under NBT India), drawing illustrations and solving puzzles on giant sheets of paper. Musical chair games and dance interludes turned the session into a vibrant creative festival. Storyteller Ranjita Sachdeva introduced children to Bundelkhand’s language and culture with the popular bhajan “Ye Chamak Ye Damak”. Students also engaged in a poster-making competition themed “Save Rivers, Beautify Gomti”, creatively advocating for environmental protection. Activities at the Children’s Pavilion, including origami, puppet storytelling, theatre workshops, Vedic mathematics, and mindfulness sessions, will continue until 28 September.
Celebrating Awadhi Language and Heritage
In the Lekhak Ganj segment, discussions on “Audio Stories: A Modern Medium for Ancient Narratives” featured Shri Ramavatar Bairwa (Assistant Director, All India Radio Delhi), Vijay Kriplani (Content Head, Radio Fever, Lucknow), and storyteller Sabahat Afrin, highlighting the rising importance of audio storytelling, especially post-COVID.
The second session, “Awadhi Ki Baat”, celebrated the Awadhi language and cultural ethos. Eminent scholars Padma Shri Dr. Vidya Vindu Singh, Dr. Surya Prasad Dixit, and Dr. Ram Bahadur Mishra, moderated by Dr. Rakesh Pandey, explored Awadhi’s history, geography, folk songs, its role in revolutionary movements, contemporary challenges, and global prospects. Audience appreciation was evident as speakers began their addresses in Awadhi.
Padma Shri Malini Awasthi Mesmerizes Audience
The evening belonged to Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, India’s folk music icon, who enchanted attendees with her renditions of thumri, kajri, chaiti, and devotional songs. Founder of the Sonchiraiya organisation, she has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting folk and tribal arts. Honoured by NBT trustee Sushil Chandra Trivedi, her performance brought the spirit of Awadh to life, while her recently published book “Chandan Kivaar” delighted literature enthusiasts.
A Literary Extravaganza
The festival features over 225 publishers and 200+ stalls showcasing books in multiple Indian languages. Visitors can also explore the National e-Pustakalaya, offering over 3,000 e-books for free. REP App registration provides discounts of up to 10% on NBT publications.
The festival runs daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM until 28 September, offering workshops, author interactions, children’s activities, and cultural performances, making it a vibrant celebration of creativity, literature, and regional heritage.
