Lucknow: The first day of the Gomti Book Festival was filled with diverse activities from morning to evening. In the morning, a Children’s Film Festival showcased popular children’s films, while the Shabd Samsara or Children’s corner section engaged school students in various workshops and activities. LekhakGanj witnessed literary sessions in the afternoon discussed topics including culture, journalism, rivers, and literature. The day concluded with a mesmerizing musical performance by ChinmayTripathi.
In the first session at LekhakGanj, DainikJagran’s editor, AshutoshShukla, discussed the evolution from ink to digital. He highlighted the importance of accountability in media, which is strong in print but often lacking in digital formats, stressing the need for a balance between both mediums. Author and Indologist Ratul Chakraborty spoke on the integral role of rivers in Indian unity. He emphasized the importance of understanding rivers for the well-being of society, mentioning how a polluted river is reflects our failure as a society. Chakraborty also encouraged the storytelling of India’s ancient river civilizations to preserve cultural heritage.
In a session titled “Ramayana as a Cultural Bond Among Asian Nations,” author NeerajVashisth explained that the Ramayana transcends its religious significance, serving as a cultural text with values that continue to shape lives even in this day and age. Dr. Alka Singh added that while the Ramayana has diverse versions, its core message remains universal.
The second day of the Gomti Book Festival will feature three sessions at Shabd Sansar: the first on “Role Play: Learning and Acting,” where participants will learn acting techniques; the second, a poetry-writing workshop led by renowned singer Chinmay Tripathi for children; and the third, a session titled “The Sense of Touch: A New Experience” tailored for visually impaired children. At Lekhak Ganj, three sessions on various themes will attract readers, including one on mythological tales in modern contexts, another focused on the Kargil victory, and a session on the heritage of Lucknow. The day’s cultural program will include a performance by the Yugm Band, and the Children’s Film Festival will screen films from India, Turkey, Canada, the UK, and more.
This vibrant festival, celebrating storytelling through theatre, poetry, dance, music, art, and cultural programs, will be running daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM until 17th November. Entry is free for all.
