Solan: The 4th edition of the Shoolini Literature Festival, organised by the Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts at Shoolini University, concluded successfully on Saturday, leaving a trail of intellectual and cultural enrichment.
The second day of the fest started with an enlightening session titled ‘The Rise of Seven Sisters: Transformation of North East India.’ Prof. Vipin Pubby, Director of the School of Media and Communications and former Resident Editor of The Indian Express, moderated a panel discussion featuring author and national BJP spokesperson Mr. Tuhin A. Sinha and Ms. Rami Desai, an anthropologist specialising in North East India.
A culinary extravaganza unfolded in the session ‘Dastaan e Dastarkhan,’ where Masterchef Shipra Khanna and Master Chef Nidhi Sharma shared their expertise. Prof. Ekta Singh and Mr Neeraj Chaudhury conducted this session, providing insights into the chefs’ culinary philosophies and global aspirations.
Poetry took centre-stage with ‘Smoked Frames: Poetry from the Heart,’ featuring Ms. Indu Negi, Assistant Prof at Shoolini University, in conversation with Dr. Diwakar Goel and Ms. Rupasa. Renowned poet and motivational speaker, Mr. Diwakar Goel, enthralled the audience with his inspiring words.
The fest delved into the realm of music with ‘The Life and Death of a Legend: Sidhu Moosewala,’ in conversation with Mr. Jupinderjit Singh and Mrs. Nishtha Shukla Anand, on the journey of Punjabi music icon Sidhu Moosewala.
Literary enthusiasts were treated to engaging sessions like the book reading session with Ms. Rsvika Tripathi in conversation with Dr. Nasser Dasht Peyma, and Reels to Real: Mindfulness,’ session featuring actress Shruti Seth. Moderated by Manju Ramamnan, this session provided valuable insights into the importance of mindfulness. Shruti Seth emphasised the acceptance of failures as part of growth, urging attendees to learn from them.
Recognising literary excellence, three distinguished authors were honored for their contributions to literature and mythology. Dr. Harshali Singh, Siddharth Pandey, and Mona Verma received accolades for their focus on the Himalayas and its rich cultural legacy.
Insightful discussions unfolded on topics such as ‘India and China: Can the Twain Meet?’ with Prof. Vipin Pubby, author Mr. Shastri Ramachandaran and Col. D.S Cheema, and ‘Echoes of Valour: The Tales of the Indian Defence Forces’ with Mr. Probal Das Gupta, Maj Gen Neeraj Bali and Siddarth Dadhwal.
During the literature fest, an enlightening session titled “Reverence Renewed: Lord Ram – The Icon of Modern India” captivated attendees. Led by Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni, the author of “In the Footsteps of Rama,” the session delved into the profound journey that inspired his latest literary venture. In an engaging interview with Dr.Purnima Bali, Kulkarni unveiled the intricacies of his book, providing readers with a meticulous examination of Lord Rama’s journey from Ayodhya to Sri Lanka during his vanvasa.
The two day long Shoolini Literature Fest concluded with the realm of Hindi cinema lyrics titled ‘Bol Likhe Hai: The Magic of Lyrics in Hindi Cinema.’ Led by Mr. Raj Shekhar Jha in conversation with Ashoo Khosla, the session delved into the profound impact of lyrics on the cinematic experience.
Chancellor Prof. P K Khosla, President of SILB Mrs. Saroj Khosla, Pro Chancellor Mr. Vishal Anand, Director of Innovation and Learning Mr. Ashish Khosla, Chief Learning Officer Mrs. Ashoo Khosla and Trustee of Shoolini University Ms. Nishtha Shukla Anand were among those present at the event.
