Bhubaneswar: November 18: The 6th National Children Literature Festival (NCLF) organized by KiiT International School inaugurated in presence of Jairam Ramesh, a scholar and Politician; Padma Shree Ruskin Bond, a world renowned Indian writer and Nandita Das, eminent Bollywood actress on 17th November. The theme of the 6th NCLF is “Literature and Society”. Addressing the children, The Principal speaker Mr. Ramesh said, “Dr. Achyuta Samanta is the ‘Tagore’ of our Times. What Tagore had done in his time by establishing Shantiniketan, Dr. Samanta has done the same thing by establishing KISS, he added. Advising children he said, you must inculcate writing in your young age. Students should keep writing. You must be a voracious reader to be good writer. Children should not get their knowledge from social media. Students should not make copy or download from internet or Wikipedia. There is no substitute of books. Writings bring discipline in one’s heart. You should be passionate of environment. You are the custodians and protectors of environment, he added”. The Chief speaker Nandita Das in her speech said, writings and readings open us. Stories are powerful. Children should read more and more stories. It can develop their writing skill and own thought.” Ruskin Bond said, NCLF is by children, for children and of the children. It’s a very good platform for school students to develop their creativity in writing and storytelling.
In his message Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said, “Such festivals instil in young minds the enthusiasm for literature. Exposure of this kind goes a long way in all round development of the students”. KiiT international school, one of the most outstanding and prestigious schools in the country, as every year has owned up to its potential. This Lit fest since the last many years has hosted popular writers, poets and artists who have contributed immensely to the field of humanities and literature in various capacities, said, Dr. Mona Lisa Bal, Chairperson, KiiT International School.
The two-day lit fest from 17-18 November covers diverse areas from freedom of expression, politics, violence, environment, spirituality, stories of love, lust and relationships, travel and ethics. In an interaction session with students Nandita Das tell about her recent film Manto. Jairam Ramesh spoke on “Between Science and Environment, envisioning an India of Inclusiveness”. There was a discussion of Ruskin Bond’s recent autobiography, The Lone fox dancing. Apart from these, there are multiple sessions on drawing comics, and understanding our relationship with nature through art. Nikhil Taneja, who is currently working with Yash Raj films will conduct an interactive session with the children on the topic Why Stories matter?, which primarily engages with children to make them see the world through stories. “Tunni ki Kahani” will be performed by the famous Arambh Group, Mumbai on 18 November 2018.
KiiT International School started the trend of Children’s Literary Festival from 2013 based on the concept conceived by its visionary Founder; Dr. Achyuta Samanta. The NCLF is the flagship event of Kloud9, the only students’ magazine for students and managed by students. Taking off from 2013, it has become one of the most loved and interesting Children’s Festival. Each edition of the festival has seen greater enthusiasm and participation than the previous one. As many as 500 students took part in the event with more than 35 schools all over India participating in it. (IANS)
