Report of Booklaunch

A Lit Fest of Prose & Prodigy

Report by Neev Ramani

On April 22, 2024, the HFS International’s Reading Club, in collaboration with the Scholastic Writers’ Academy as part of the Scholastic Internship Program, proudly presented ‘A Lit Fest of Prose & Prodigy’ - a vibrant celebration of literature crafted to ignite the love for reading within the student community while honouring the creative prowess of young student authors. Brimming with the debut of a student-authored book, an engaging panel discussion, an enlightening inter-school elocution competition, and an exciting surprise unveiling, the fest exemplified the timeless influence of storytelling and its remarkable ability to resonate deeply within individuals and communities alike.

Head of School Mrs. Kalyani Patnaik set the stage ablaze with an eloquent welcoming address that resonated deeply with the essence of the occasion, infusing all present with a renewed zeal for literature. With heartfelt admiration, she commended the collective endeavour of the 19 young authors behind the 'Story Trove' anthology, urging attendees to not only applaud their literary triumphs but also contemplate the vital role of nurturing creativity and expression within educational realms. Emphasising the latent potential within each student, she remarked upon the importance of providing a nurturing environment for their growth. Concluding with a heartfelt toast to the 19 talented authors, to their courage, to their creativity, and to their commitment, she lauded their unwavering dedication to sharing their narratives with the world, thereby setting a captivating tone for the day's festivities.

After the purposive address, esteemed chief guests Mr. Neeraj Jain, the Managing Director of Scholastic India, and Dr. Radha Kumar, an associate professor in the Department of Ancient Indian Culture at St. Xavier’s College, took the stage to impart their wisdom on the gathering. Joined by the distinguished guest of honour, Dr. Sonali Gokarn, the Head of Sales at Popular Publishers and Distributors, they eloquently underscored the paramount importance of reading in the modern world. Their insightful words inspired all present to contemplate deeply on the profound significance of literature in shaping our lives.

Following the round of speeches, the most anticipated moment of the day arrived - the launch of the HFS anthology ‘Story Trove.’ This literary masterpiece served as a testament to the extraordinary talent of the 19 student authors. While their names graced the pages, their stories left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of readers. With each word penned, they poured their essence onto the pages, crafting narratives that resonate with the depths of their imagination, the richness of their experiences, and the essence of their souls. This day not only marked the birth of a book but also celebrated the resilience of these young writers to their craft. They demonstrated that age is no obstacle to brilliance and that within each of them lies the potential to shape the literary landscape of tomorrow. The authors marched onto stage to celebrate this grand moment with a sweet cake-cutting ceremony.

The comperes then announced a surprise, prompting the audience to direct their attention to the screens. A hush fell over the crowd as they beheld the cover of ‘Knowledge Trails,’ the highly anticipated book by Mrs. Kalyani Patnaik. Promising to unveil 11 captivating narratives, the book embarks on a journey through the diverse tapestry of India's myriad cultures, customs, and values. India, known as a melting pot of traditions and people, is vividly depicted through these stories, each representing a distinct region and its vibrant heritage. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of Maharashtra and the serene tea plantations of Darjeeling, the narratives offer a tantalising glimpse into the lives of India's people and their rich traditions. It is indeed a captivating concept that invites readers to embark on a journey through the pages, viewing the world through Mrs. Patnaik’s insightful lens.

But wait, the event hadn’t concluded yet; it was just getting started. Then, the authors of ‘Story Trove,’ along with Ms. Jyotsna, a rapporteur from Scholastic India, took to their respective seats on the stage for an insightful panel discussion. This convention allowed not only the authors to vocalise their thoughts about writing but moreover allowed the audience to navigate across the catacombs of an authors, rather a guild of authors’, mindset behind crafting flawless narratives.

But hold on, the event was far from over; it was just beginning to unfold its layers of excitement. Next, the 19 authors of ‘Story Trove,’ accompanied by Ms. Jyotsna, a rapporteur from Scholastic India, assumed their positions on stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion. This interactive, star-studded panel not only provided a platform for the authors to share their insights on the art of writing but also invited the audience to delve into the intricate labyrinth of a collective authors' mindset as they crafted their compelling narratives.

Thus far, the fest had rightfully celebrated the achievements of authors, but now it was the audience's turn to shine and share their own experiences, attitudes, and thoughts on the joy of reading. In the 'Pageant of Prose & Prodigy,' five students from five prestigious schools including Bombay Scottish School, Gopal Sharma International School, Powai English High School, and Pawar Public School, took the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the 'Lit Fest of Prose & Prodigy.'

The ‘Lit Fest of Prose & Prodigy’ concluded with a vibrant celebration of literature's enduring impact. From Mrs. Kalyani Patnaik's stirring welcome to the insightful panel discussions and engaging activities, the event showcased the power of storytelling and creativity. With the launch of 'Story Trove' and 'Knowledge Trails,' attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of narratives that celebrated India's diverse cultural heritage. The inter-school round-robin symbolised the fest's success in fostering a love for literature and inspiring the next generation of writers.

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