- Celebration of Language, Imagination and Multilingual India
- Authors, critics and education leaders urge students to rediscover the joy of books
- Workshops spotlight AI, creativity and contemporary storytelling
- Festival reinforces DPS-Bopal’s mission to build lifelong readers
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 30
Delhi Public School–Bopal, Ahmedabad hosted the Kalorex Literary Festival in association with the Kalinga Literary Festival on 29 November 2025, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of ideas, imagination and literary celebration. The event aimed to rekindle the habit of reading among students while spotlighting the deep cultural, intellectual and emotional value that books bring to young minds in an age of digital distraction.
Ashok Kumar Bal, CEO and Patron of the Kalinga Literary Festival, spoke on the enduring relevance of literary gatherings, noting that such platforms “nurture dialogue, cultural exchange and creative growth.” Echoing this vision, Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder and President of the Kalinga Literary Festival, emphasised the commitment to “building inclusive literary spaces that unite diverse voices, languages and ideas” to strengthen India’s literary ecosystem.
Dr Manjula Pooja Shroff, Managing Director & CEO of the Kalorex Group, Edupreneur and author, highlighted the need for a balanced approach to technology: she stressed that digital tools must “enhance, not overshadow, the study and appreciation of language and literature.” Celebrated poet and translator Deepa Agarwal underscored the transformative role of imagination, urging society to “celebrate reading as a gateway to creativity.”
Author and former journalist Savie Karnel pointed to the importance of contemporary narratives that connect with young readers, while literary critic and festival advisor Jatindra Kumar Nayak reflected on storytelling’s continuing influence in shaping cultural identity.
The festival was enriched by distinguished guests from varied fields, including scientist Narottam Sahoo (Gujarat Science City & GUJCOST), writer-director Prashant Raval, publishing leader Ratnaraj Sheth, author and life coach Ragini Bharadwaj, and Kalorex academic director Arti Mishra.
Principal Sabina Sawhney opened the event with an inspiring address, reaffirming the school’s commitment to nurturing a strong reading culture through innovative, flexible pedagogies that encourage expressive language skills and lifelong engagement with literature.
Panel discussions explored urgent contemporary themes such as media literacy, the influence of digital tools on language learning, and the evolution of literature in the tech-driven era. Sessions on children’s literature shared classroom strategies to cultivate joyful reading habits and creative storytelling among students.
Interactive workshops offered hands-on training in creative writing, publishing and narrative techniques. A standout feature was a session on artificial intelligence as a creative partner—demonstrating how AI can complement, not replace, human imagination. Sessions celebrating regional languages and multilingualism honoured India’s diverse literary heritage and reiterated literature’s power to strengthen cultural identity.
A bustling array of stalls added vibrancy to the festival, featuring titles from Kalorex Publications, works by renowned and emerging authors, and displays from Yali Store. The Counselling Department’s Career Compass, Wellness Circle and Page Mates initiatives engaged attendees with personalised guidance. The Heritage Club’s attractive stall, “Ateet ke Jharokhe Se,” drew admiration for its traditional food offerings and handcrafted items.
The festival concluded with a Vote of Thanks by the school’s Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl, followed by the National Anthem—bringing the celebration of ideas, languages and imagination to a meaningful close.
Students departed with renewed enthusiasm for reading, while educators gained valuable insights to further strengthen literary pedagogy. The Kalorex Literary Festival not only highlighted the timeless charm of books but also reinforced DPS-Bopal’s commitment to nurturing thoughtful, imaginative and culturally aware readers for the future.
