Lucknow: Day 7 of the Gomti Book Festival witnessed an unprecedented crowd, thanks to the occasion of DevDeepavali, Gurupurab, and a public holiday. The festival grounds were abuzz with visitors exploring KitabGali, attending insightful literary sessions at LekhakGanj, participating in engaging children’s activities at Shabd Samsara, enjoying the Mushaira at Rangmanch, and relishing Uttar Pradesh delicacies prepared by the students of the Institute of Hotel Management, Lucknow, at the food court.
The festival was graced by prominent personalities, including politicians, bureaucrats, and artists. Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ toured the festival grounds and interacted with children. Speaking at the exclusive LekhakGaon initiative for authors, he underscored the role of books in cognitive development and emphasized the need for platforms that empower writers to showcase their work. Among the notable attendees was the nation’s Queen of Folk Music, Padma Shri folk singer MaliniAwasthi, who praised the National Book Trust, India, for organizing such a significant literary event. Strolling through KitabGali, she appreciated the diverse collection of children’s books and emphasized the importance of cultivating reading habits among children.
A discussion on the Uttar Pradesh Library Act and Use of Books emphasized the role of libraries in preserving cultural heritage and promoting reading. Experts like Dr. Manish Kumar Vajpayee and Prof. M.P. Singh encouraged parents to introduce children to libraries to nurture a love for books.
At Shabd Samsara, Shriram Swaroop Memorial University and the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority held a workshop on school disaster management. Students performed a street play highlighting disaster-related topics, followed by an informative session on the Disaster Management Act, 2005, helpline numbers, and government assistance schemes.
At LekhakGanj, IAS officer PulkitKhare shared his reflections during the session ‘Literature and Books in Nature Protection.’ He emphasized the timeless influence of books in understanding social and economic paradigms. Sharing his personal journey with Russian classics and Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, he highlighted the integral role of literature in shaping creative ideas and personality development.
In a session organized by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), renowned literary figures like Mohsin Khan, Sabiha Anwar, Sabra Habib, and Ishrat Naheed came together to discuss the profound connection between language and literature. Mohsin Khan encouraged budding writers to begin their journey with autobiographies. The speakers celebrated the richness of Urdu literature and its lasting appeal.
At the Children’s Film Festival, young attendees enjoyed screenings of films like Mara Pappa Super Hero (Gujarati) and Dream (Tamil), which conveyed meaningful social messages and inspired young minds.
The evening culminated in a Mushaira organized by NCPUL, where poets like Dr. AmmarRizvi, HasanKazmi, and Shahid Kamal captivated the audience with their ghazals and poetry.
Scheduled Events on Day 8 On November 16, Shivani Kanodia will narrate stories through music at Shabd Samsara, while RJ Pratik will conduct an interactive session on becoming a radio jockey. Folk singer MaliniAwasthi and filmmaker Muzaffar Ali will engage audiences at LekhakGanj. The evening will feature a spellbinding performance by renowned Sufi singer Indira Naik.
The Gomti Book Festival continues to captivate the hearts of Lucknow, fostering a love for books, literature, and culture among people of all ages.
