Expresses Shrishti, a new entrant to the world of words, born and bred in Dehradun. Her debut book, ‘Love is in Me for “You” is a collection of poems by the young lady that brings in a refreshing perspective to the realm of poetry and the universal theme of Love.
Shrishti tells Newspost, “I like poetry because it lets one express what we want to say without saying too much. At times if we leave the poem open-ending, you see ambiguous interpretations floating your way, that could lead to new creativities, that is the beauty of composing poems.”
Shrishti, the budding author
About her love for writing, she says, “as a student I dedicated most of my time to finish my Bachelors syllabus, now as I come to end of my Masters the urge to write and publish and make my debut in the field of writing is what motivated me to put pen to papers.”
The author finds her inspiration from the likes of Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath whose struggles with mental descent was evident in their poetry. The forty-page book revolves around the central theme of love in all its forms, “Love is an emotion, a gift, depending on the person or thing whom you want to dedicate it to. I have also used ‘love’ as a ‘force’ that could lead a person to commit deeds good or bad, perhaps it could also be the source of happiness and sorrow. Love requires the power to understand and live accordingly.”
As for her future plans, Shrishti shares, “I am planning to write a novel about which I don’t want to give away much. I am also keen at looking for collaboration opportunities in writing or work on a biography.”
Do get your copy of ‘Love is in Me for “You” on Amazon – ISBN- 978-9363306585 OR E-book on Bookleaf Publications.
Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) successfully hosted the two-day Uttarakhand Innovation Festival 2024
Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) successfully hosted the two-day Uttarakhand Innovation Festival 2024 at its Central Park to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth of Uttarakhand. The event witnessed active participation from institutions across the state, with participants showcasing innovative models and business ideas.
The festival was inaugurated by Mata Shri Mangla and Bhole Ji Maharaj, founders of the Hans Foundation, alongside Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of SRHU. Speaking at the event, Mata Shri Mangla emphasized the role of the youth in realizing the vision of a self-reliant India, encouraging the use of technology for innovation.
In a motivational video message, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described young minds and their ideas as catalysts for change and extended his best wishes to the participants.
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana urged the youth to shift their focus from seeking jobs to creating employment opportunities. He highlighted SRHU’s commitment to skill development through its Innovation Center, which nurtures entrepreneurial and innovative skills among students.
The event featured over 100 startups, student business ideas, advanced technologies, and women’s self-help groups, contributing to the culture of innovation in Uttarakhand. Emerging Startup Awards were presented to SR Carehive and Ulo Labs, while Pre-Startup Business Idea Awards were given to Mindura Yogwell, Food Project, Rang De Hope, and others for their creative solutions in healthcare, social innovation, and arts.
Addressing the closing session, Forest and Technical Education Minister Subodh Uniyal lauded the festival for enriching the knowledge and skills of young innovators, expressing confidence that such initiatives would make Uttarakhand a hub of innovation. Skill Development Minister Saurabh Bahuguna encouraged participants to overcome the fear of failure and continue advancing in their fields. The event witnessed the release of SRHU’s SRHU Entrepreneurship Policy as well.
The festival’s success was enriched by the efforts of SRHU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal and Director, HCIE, Dr. Amjad Husain, who extended gratitude to participants, guests and organizing body Lakshya Educational Society for making the event a milestone in Uttarakhand’s innovation journey.
Dateline Mussoorie: Mark your calendar! Landour in Mussoorie is all set to host the tenth edition of Landour Mela. This multi-day, community-focused two day event is scheduled for the 21st and 22nd December and serves as a coming together of local traders, artisans, chefs and artists, showcasing their diverse styles and creative expressions to the public.
The two day, free walk-in event celebrates the spirit of community at 7000 ft. Designed to enchant both locals and tourists, the Landour Mela is an annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and community spirit of this part of town. A celebration of the vibrant traditions and artistic expressions of Himalayan communities, one comes across a variety of local, natural, organic, and handmade products, folk performances, delicious local cuisine, captivating arts and crafts, and a wide range of activities suitable for all age groups.
Attendees can enjoy guided village treks, nature walks, birdwatching sessions, jeep safaris, and environmental awareness programs, all designed to deepen their appreciation for the stunning landscapes of this charming hill-town.
Landour Mela 2024
“Green Life with Cantonment Board, Landour is thrilled to welcome everyone to the annual Landour Mela, where we celebrate the deep-rooted traditions, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of the Himalayan communities,” said Vivek Binepal, Founder of Green Life, he further added,”This Mela provides a platform for traditional craftsmen, home-based women-led entrepreneurs, Garhwali cuisines, and local farmers to showcase their talents while offering an enriching experience for all attendees.”
Over the years, the mela has evolved into a unique platform for networking and promoting local and natural products made or produced in Uttarakhand. Organized by Green Life® in association with the Cantonment Board Landour and supported by the entire community, including ITM DRDO, Uttarakhand Forest Department (Mussoorie Division), Mussoorie Traders & Welfare Association, Landour Cantt. Residents Welfare Association (LCRWA), Rotary Club Mussoorie, Kellogg’s Memorial Church, and the shop owners community of Landour.
Free activities for all ages includes:
Birding in Landour at 7:00 AM
Kolti Village Trek & Forest Hike at 9:00 AM
Jungle Jeep Safari & Ledur & Jhodi Village Visit at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Birding in Landour at 7:00 AM
Kolti Village Trek & Forest Hike at 9:00 AM
Jungle Jeep Safari & Ledur & Jhodi Village Visit at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
For more information: visit https://www.landourmela.in/ or email us on [email protected]
Dateline Dehradun: In the Swachh Survekshan 2023, which is part of the central government’s cleanliness initiative, Uttarakhand’s performance has been marked by significant concerns. If North India’s Urban Local Bodies are divided into four categories, 80% of Uttarakhand’s 80 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with a population of less than 1 lakh will fall in the bottom quarter, or the “dirtiest” category. The Garbage Free City Challenge saw 87 of Uttarakhand’s 88 ULBs scoring zero, out of a possible maximum of 1375 points. The state’s Urban Bodies performed poorly across almost all categories, with results indicating a deep need for intervention.
SDC Foundation Releases the Swachh Survekshan 2023 Report
The SDC Foundation, based in Dehradun, has released a detailed report analyzing Uttarakhand’s performance in the Swachh Survekshan 2023. The 34-page report was unveiled at the Press Club in Dehradun. Speaking during the release, Anoop Nautiyal, the founder of the SDC Foundation, highlighted that while the report exposes the widespread neglect in the state’s cleanliness management, it also offers 10 key recommendations for bringing about large-scale improvements. The Foundation has previously released similar reports on Swachhta Survekshan cleanliness surveys in Uttarakhand.
The recent report reveals that Swachh Survekshan 2023 included 446 cities with populations between 1 lakh and 10 lakh across the country. Eight cities from Uttarakhand were part of this category. Among them, Dehradun was the only city to make it into the top 100 cleanest cities in the country, ranking 68th. However, the remaining seven cities performed poorly, with Rudrapur ranking at the bottom of the list from Uttarakhand at 417th place.
80% of Uttarakhand’s 80 Urban Local Bodies with population less than 1 lakh are in lowest, dirtiest one-fourth ULB in North India
As per the report, among 80 ULB in Uttarakhand with populations under 1 lakh, 64 (80%) were placed in the bottom quarter of North India’s dirtiest cities.
6 towns out of 98 in North India with population between 50000 to 1 lakh
In the category of 50,000 to 1 lakh population, Uttarakhand had 6 ULB out of 98 in North India. All the ULBs from Uttarakhand were ranked in the bottom most. lowest quarter. The most disappointing result came from Khatima, the Chief Minister’s home town, which ranked 98th, making it the dirtiest city in this category across North India.
10 towns out of 200 in North India with population between 25000 to 50000
Among the 200 ULB in North India with populations between 25,000 and 50,000, 10 from Uttarakhand were included. Six of these ranked in the dirtiest quarter, with Sitarganj being ranked 199th, the second dirtiest city in this category across North India.
10 towns out of 282 in North India with population of 15000 to 25000
Among 282 ULB in North India with populations between 15,000 and 25,000, 10 from Uttarakhand were included. Nine of them were in the bottom quarter, with Selakui ranked 280th.
54 towns out of 441 in North India with population less than 15000
Among the 441 ULB in North India with populations under 15,000, 54 from Uttarakhand were included. Of these, 43 ranked in the dirtiest quarter. Three of the dirtiest cities in this category were from Uttarakhand with Chaukhutia at 441st, Sultanpur at 440th and Dineshpur at 439th rank.
Vision for a Cleaner Uttarakhand
The report provides 10 key recommendations to improve the performance of Uttarakhand’s cities and towns in the domain of swachhta across the state.
The most vital recommendation is the formation of a Waste Management Commission, similar to other state commissions, to manage all six types of waste—solid waste, plastic waste, e-waste, biomedical waste, construction waste, and hazardous waste. The commission would be responsible for developing and implementing holistic plans for waste management in the state cutting across urban, rural, forest and all other areas.
The report also emphasizes the need for a special session in the state legislature to raise awareness and train ministers, legislators, and officials about cleanliness initiatives. The session should focus on addressing climate change, environmental issues, and cleanliness in the state. It was said that given the apathy and callousness of the political and bureaucratic class, there is an acute need for Jan Pratinidhi Andolan in Uttarakhand.
Further, the report advocates for various actions, such as waste segregation at the source, training programs for capacity building, involving waste pickers in cleanliness efforts, and launching public campaigns to encourage citizen participation in cleanliness programs.
Upcoming Urban Local Elections in Uttarakhand
Releasing the report, Anoop Nautiyal called upon all political parties to present detailed action plans through their respective manifestos for the improvement of waste management situations in all cities and towns in Uttarakhand for the upcoming ULB elections.
He stressed upon all the mayoral candidates, chairman candidates and councilor candidates of Uttarakhand state to necessarily share their action plan for the improvement of Swachh Survekshan scores and the waste management ground reality in their cities and wards during the campaign.
He said that in the coming days, in view of the ULB elections across the state, the issue of cleanliness will be continuously raised before the people of the state. He appealed for cooperation from all the social organizations and media of the state in the cleanliness mission.
The press conference was attended by SDC Foundation team members Prerna Raturi, Dinesh Semwal, Pyare Lal, and Praveen Upreti. The Foundation expressed gratitude to the report’s contributors, Rishabh Srivastava and Amisha Rampal, for their support in preparing the document.
Dateline Dehradun: If traffic rules are strictly enforced, road infrastructure and engineering significantly improved, laws amended, and accountability established, the ongoing road accidents in Dehradun and Uttarakhand can be reduced. These are the key suggestions offered by the general public in response to a request for feedback on road safety from social activist Anoop Nautiyal.
Anoop Nautiyal recently participated in a panel discussion on the topic of road accidents and felt it was important to gather public opinion on this issue and therefore sought written feedback and suggestions from citizens. The panel discussion included SSP of Dehradun, Ajai Singh and senior journalist, Satish Sharma.
Anoop Nautiyal shared that he received a significant number of responses, not only from Dehradun and Uttarakhand but also from New Zealand and the United States. The most frequent suggestion was to enforce traffic rules more strictly. Citizens emphasized that violators should face harsher penalties, and stricter action should be taken against those driving under the influence of alcohol or not wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers.
He also noted that many people suggested a review and revision of existing road safety laws. One of the biggest concerns raised was the ease with which licenses are issued. Citizens urged for improvements in road conditions and suggested enhancements in areas such as traffic lights, parking facilities, wine shops, road dividers, signage, lane markings, and street lighting.
There was also a strong call for accountability. For example, parents should ensure that underage or unlicensed individuals are not allowed to drive. Bar managers, pub owners, and party hosts should also be held responsible for adhering to regulations. Furthermore, people emphasized the need for assigning road safety responsibilities to government officials at all levels.
Additionally, citizens called for regular awareness programs to educate the public about traffic rules, with a particular focus on starting road safety education at the school level.
Based on this feedback, Anoop Nautiyal has compiled a detailed document, which will now be handed over to SSP Ajai Singh and other government officials. He concluded, “We have already lost many lives in road accidents. It is crucial that immediate and sustained action is taken to curb road accidents and prevent further loss of life.”
Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant, has introduced an M.Sc. Medical Physics, a program offered by only three universities in North India. The program, managed under the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, was inaugurated by Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of SRHU.
Dr. Dhasmana emphasized the uniqueness of the program, approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). He highlighted the growing global demand for skilled professionals in cancer treatment facilities, citing the increasing prevalence of cancer and the expansion of radiotherapy centers worldwide. He noted that youth aspiring to study such a specialized field like Medical Physics will no longer need to leave Uttarakhand.
The course prepares students for lucrative career opportunities in India and abroad by providing hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment in advanced labs. Students from states such as Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have already enrolled in the inaugural batch.
This milestone marks a significant step toward making specialized education accessible within Uttarakhand and equipping youth with expertise in cutting-edge medical technologies.
Plastic Waste Management and Awareness Program Organized
Dateline Dehradun: On the occasion of completing the first year of the Plastic Bank Project, initiated by the Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation, an environmental action and advocacy group based in Dehradun, a Plastic Waste Management and Awareness program was held at the Foundation’s Plastic Waste Segregation and Learning Center in Mehuwala, Dehradun.
The event focused on discussing methods of managing plastic waste, understanding its environmental impacts, and taking potential steps for its solutions. The program was attended by a large number of officials and staff from various government departments working in the plastic waste sector in Uttarakhand and Dehradun.
Dr. Sanat Kumar from CSIR-IIP shared insights on the operation of the IIP’s Plastic-to-Diesel Lab Project through the Plastic Bank Project and the collaboration with SDC Foundation.
Dr. Ankur Kansal from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board discussed the environmental impacts of plastic waste and appreciated the significance of the Plastic Bank initiative. He highlighted the joint efforts of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and SDC Foundation in the hill areas of the state concerning plastic waste management.
Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration stated that their department would provide SDC Foundation all possible assistance to spread the Plastic Bank Project in the state’s pharmacy industry.
Plastic Waste Management and Awareness Program Organized
Rajesh Bahuguna, Sanitation Inspector of Dehradun Municipal Corporation, addressed the gathering and mentioned that the Municipal Corporation and SDC Foundation would jointly set up more plastic banks in the municipal areas in Dehradun.
Ganesh Kandwal, Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration and Dr. Neeraj Atrey from CSIR-IIP jointly provided detailed information on the Repurposed Use Cooking Oil (RUCO) mission.
During the program, Dr. Pariva Dobriyal from WII, Ajay Dabral from Mandi Parishad, Narendra Kumar from Dehradun Cantonment Board, Nidhi Thapliyal from the Horticulture Department, Tribhuvan Sanwal, Sanitation Inspector from the Indian Army, and Dr. Bopanna from WWF also shared their thoughts.
Anoop Nautiyal of SDC Foundation expressed gratitude to all the attendees and shared detailed information about the Plastic Bank Project. He shared insights about the gradual progress of the project and its social and environmental benefits. He further stated that their goal is to collectively move towards cleaner and sustainable development in Uttarakhand.
The program was conducted by SDC’s Prerna Raturi and Dinesh Chandra. The event saw the presence of Akhilesh Verma, Ayush Joshi, Pyare Lal, Praveen Upreti, Abhishek Bhatt, Pramod, Bittoo, Subhash, Sunil Verma, Lucky Kumar, and many others who were in attendance.
Dateline Dehradun: Lakudiya Veer a film that breathes life into the cultural pulse of the hill state is ready to hit the silver screen. Made for the target audience who would like to be transported into ancient traditions and stories, this mid-length feature celebrates the Dhol, the sacred drum that has been a symbol of heritage, spirituality, and resilience in the hills of Uttarakhand.
For centuries, the dhol has been more than a musical instrument—it’s a link that connects us to the divine, an instrument that begins and ends festivities and ceremonies. A storyteller in its own right. Lakudiya Veer brings to the forefront lives and stories of those who have devoted themselves to playing this instrument, exploring the depth and beauty of this endangered art form, as well as the challenges faced by those who carry its legacy.
A still from the movie Lakudiya Veer
Directed and written by Navdeep Singh Panwar, Lakudiya Veer takes viewers on a journey through Uttarkashi district, capturing villages of Kamda, Vangaon, Banchora and Hatnali. Through stunning visuals and soulful music, the film highlights the picturesque landscape and cultural wealth these remote areas are resplendent with. Every frame and note is crafted to convey the reverence and importance of Uttarakhand’s heritage.
The film, a result of a dedicated team of talented young men has Shivom Singh, as editor and composer. Director of Photography Shubham Thapa captures the rugged beauty of the Himalaya while Hypemen handles production management. Reyansh Maurya lends his expertise in dubbing, with additional production support from Shubhadarshini Singh and Chandan Singh Panwar.
The cast includes Sanjay Tamta, Ram Prasad Nautiyal, Ashish Kaintura, Sujal Nautiyal, Subodh Gusain, and Nikhil Mohan. Their performances resonate with the spirit of the characters they portray. Sanjay Tamta states, “Lakudiya Veer stands as a one-of-a-kind project for Uttarakhand, preserving the mystical allure of its folk traditions. This film doesn’t just tell a story; it gives the audience a lifetime experience where music, art and culture are inextricably linked.”
Adding further, Shubhadarshini Singh says, “The movie is a powerful reminder of the beauty and significance of our dwindling heritage. It encourages people across age groups to reflect on the importance of keeping these timeless stories alive.“
The film will be released on 25th December 2024 at Ritz (Vasu) cinema, Mussoorie followed by multiplexes in other metro cities.
Dateline Dehradun: 17th November 2024, finale of the Valley of Words (VoW) Literary Festival 2024 culminated with a grand celebration of literature, art, and culture, reaffirming its position as one of India’s most prestigious literary festivals. The event was an immersive experience featuring panel discussions, book launches, candid conversations, cultural performances, and exhibitions, drawing a diverse audience of literary enthusiasts, students, and scholars.
The day began with a houseful Musical Soiree, featuring ITC SRA artists Ashoke Mukherjee and Kalyan Majumdar performing morning ragas, setting the tone for the day.
The festival featured a series of discussions starting with a tribute session to Prof. Dhirendra Sharma, which explored the intersection of science, public policy, and public good. Moderated by Rajendra Dobhal, this session tapped into pressing issues such as artificial intelligence and its impact on the future of medicine. The discussion brought together Amjad Hussain and Dinesh C. Sharma.
Another significant session addressed the demographic implications of border migration in Uttarakhand. Curated by Kuldeep Dutta, the panel featured prominent speakers such as Ranjit Bhatia, RR Sawain, Justice SN Srivastav, and Anoop Nautiyal, who analyzed the socio-economic and security challenges posed by migration trends in border regions.
Poetry @ 90 celebrated the remarkable literary journey of Brigadier KG Behl, who shared excerpts from his rhymed works on themes like the Survey of India, Subhash Bose, and the Bhagavad Gita. The session, chaired by DS Mann and joined by scholars Ram Vinay Singh and Manoj Dhyani, highlighted the enduring power of poetry to convey historical and spiritual depth.
The Lead@VoW initiative continued to shine as students engaged in dialogues with knowledge institution’s representative Dr R Jaya N Gonda Perumal, Senior Scientist of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Tasi Wangdi Gurung, Secretary and Khenpo Jamyang Jinpa, Principal from Sakya College with the students of The TonsBridge School and Kasiga School. These discussions provided insights into career opportunities and emphasized the importance of these institutions in fostering a progressive society.
The festival also included engaging book launches, introducing works that ranged from non-fiction to evocative fiction. Notable launches included “Aarohi” by Mukul Kumar, chaired by Someshwar Pandey and discussed by Bharti Sharma, which explored themes of resilience and transformation. “Khaki Mein Stithaprajya” by Anil Raturi, chaired by Radha Raturi and discussed by Sushil Upadhyay, offers an insightful narrative into public service.
Author Amita Thakur’s “Uff Mannoo” was discussed by Sachin Chauhan and chaired by Sushil Upadhyay. Nitin Sathe’s “The Siachen Soldier & Other Stories” was discussed by Ira Chauhan and chaired by Lt Gen (Dr) AK Singh. Shiv Kunal Verma’s “Yodha” was discussed by Lead Discussant Sana Durrani and Chaired by Monisha Datta. Author Supriya Newar’s “Justaju: Kavita, Ghazal, Nazm” was discussed by Bharti Sharma and chaired by Ram Vinay Singh.
Iti Nritya showcased cultural performances and presentations. Award-winning classical dances, including Manipuri by Ratri Manik and Kuchipudi by Sandip Kundu, enthralled the audience with their artistic depth and precision.
The VoW Awardee sessions honoured some of the finest works in literature. Notable discussions included Antim Nimbu by Uday Prakash, with lead discussant Anjum Sharma and chair LS Bajpai, and Zen by Shabnam Minwalla, led by Jyoti Dhawan and chaired by Manoj Barthwal. Truth/Untruth (Satya-Asatya) by Anjam Katyal as translator, led by Bijoya Sawaina and chaired by Satish Aikant. Vibha Batra’s The Chhau Champ highlighted writings for children, featuring Jyoti Dhawan as moderator, Ruma Malhotra as chair and Him Jyoti School’s students Khushboo Aneriya and Yogyta as lead discussants. Shabdon ke Sath Sath by Suresh Pant had LS Bajpai as lead discussant and chair Anil Raturi. Each session exemplified the festival’s commitment to celebrating literary excellence across genres and languages.
Iti Natya by Jaswant Modern Sr. Secondary School showcased outstanding theatrical performances. The dramatization, inspired by the timeless themes of Abhigyan Shakuntalam, displayed the students’ creativity and passion, delivering a stunning mainstage performance.
The Vox Populi debate curated by Dr. Amna Mirza, featured a pre-recorded compelling discussion on “Foreign Policy Should Be Realist, Not Idealist,” by MPs across political parties. A heartfelt tribute titled Jaskiran ki Yaad mein was curated by poets and friends of the late author Jaskiran Chopra who began the session reciting excerpts from her work Mera Shehar along with their verses. This session included Amandeep, Deepanjali Singh, LS Bajpai, Anjum Sharma, Mamta Kiran and Supriya Newar, chaired by Navtej Sarna and co-chaired by Ashutosh Saklani.
The session Principals and Principles brought together educational visionaries Sandhya Awasthi, Vinay Pande, and Sangeeta Kain, who shared insights on the evolving roles of educators in shaping young minds. Moderated by Kul Bhushan Kain, the session underlined the importance of values and leadership in modern education.
Shalini Rao’s Workshop on the Language of Mudras offered a deep dive into the expressive potential of classical dance. Demonstrating the art of conveying emotions through intricate hand gestures, Rao captivated participants with her expertise, enhancing their appreciation of this unique cultural tradition.
In the session For a Fit Fighting Force, military experts, including Maj. Gen. Sanjay Sharma, VADM Vinay Badhwar, AVM Deepak Gaur and Capt. Yashika Tyagi shared insights on maintaining a combat-ready defense force. Moderated by Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu, the discussion emphasized the balance between technology, human resources, and strategic foresight in national defence.
A spiritual journey unfolded during The Travels of Nanak, a session exploring Guru Nanak’s profound influence on history, spirituality, and culture. Chaired by Biju Negi, with contributions from Amandeep Singh, this discussion highlighted Guru Nanak’s teachings and their relevance in contemporary times.
The exhibitions continued to draw significant attention, particularly those showcasing Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage and the products of self-help groups. These displays offered a rich blend of historical and contemporary narratives, resonating deeply with attendees.
The Valediction Ceremony served as a fitting finale to the festival. The ceremony featured the prestigious VoW Book Awards given to its 8 winning authors: Vibha Batra, Shabnam Minwalla, Smriti Ravindra, Uday Prakash, Anjum Katyal, Subhash Neerav, Dr Suresh Pant and Manoj Mitta celebrating the finest contributions in Hindi and English Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Translations. From honouring literary legends to spotlighting emerging talent, the festival successfully bridged generations, disciplines, and communities.
As the curtain fell on the 8th edition, the VoW team expressed gratitude to its sponsors, partners, and participants who contributed to making the event a resounding success. The festival promises to return next year with renewed vigour and an even richer series of literature, art, and culture.
Dateline Dehradun: On 16th November 2024, the eighth edition of the Valley of Words (VoW) Literary Festival 2024 opened to an enthusiastic audience at Hotel Madhuban, Dehradun. The festival, renowned for bridging literature, art, and culture, unfolded its vision of inclusivity, continuity, and innovation, drawing a diverse audience of authors, scholars, students, and enthusiasts.
The Governor launches VoWels
The inaugural ceremony featured a message from the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.), who set the tone for the two-day festival. Reflecting on the festival’s growth and its cultural significance, he stated, “First of all, my heartiest congratulations to the entire VoW Team. I would like to congratulate them on the launch of their magazine VoWel, a word that rhymes with Jewel and has been polished with thoughts, words, and feelings.” Highlighting the scale and impact of the event, he added, “The digit 8 itself is a divine letter by itself—50 sessions planned, 75 authors, 12 book launches, and 6 exhibitions—what a beautiful initiative! I found a distinct vibration in the last few editions I have attended.”
A special patriotic dance by students of the Bajaj Institute of Learning for the Deaf followed the Governor’s address. Their performance, blending synchronized choreography with artistic grace, transcended barriers of language and disability to convey a powerful message of national pride and unity, leaving the audience deeply moved and inspired.
The festival’s signature Lead@VoW initiative brought students from eight schools in Dehradun, including Doon International School, Jaswant Modern School, KV IMA, St. Kabeer Academy, Himjyoti School, and Mount Fort Academy, into dialogue with key institutions like the Survey of India, National Hydrographic Office, Forest Research Institute, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Swami Ram Himalayan University, Kala Kendra, and Wildlife Institute of India.
Smriti Ravindra session in progress
These sessions explored career opportunities, the evolution of scientific thought, and the role of these institutions in shaping a progressive India. The “Bharat: Borders and Bluewater” session, chaired by Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu, delved into India’s maritime strategies and territorial borders, with Commodore Hardas, Sanjeev Chopra, and Jyoti Dhawan providing insights into geopolitical and cultural dimensions. Another engaging session, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” chaired by M.C. Ghildiyal, celebrated biodiversity and conservation, with contributions from Vijaya Ratre and Virendra Tiwari from FRI and Wildlife Institute of India respectively.
Among the highlights was the Nukkad Naatak, performed by the Aaina Theatre Club in collaboration with Graphic Era Hill University. The performance delivered a powerful message of social change and community empowerment.
The festival also hosted several VoW Awardee sessions, including Ambar Pariyan (Hindi Translation from Punjabi), translated by Subhash Neerav, and discussed by Someshwar Pandeya and chaired by Indrajeet Singh. Another session featured Manoj Mitta’s Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India, with a compelling discussion with Badri Narayan led by Raja Sekhar Vundru. In the English Fiction category, Smriti Ravindra’s The Woman Who Climbed Trees was the focus of an engaging dialogue with Atul K. Thakur as the lead discussant.
A presentation on Antiques and Antiquity
A notable discussion on the UCC in Uttarakhand explored its implications for the state. Moderated by Yogesh Kumar, the session featured panellists Surekha Dangwal, Manoj Mitta, Badri Narayan, and Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Chairman UMEB. Another session, The Legend of Doon, offered a rich narrative on Rash Behari Bose, presented by Tarun Vijay and chaired by N Ravi Shanker.
The Candid Conversation series provided further thought-provoking discussions. In A Touch of Salt, author Anita Agnihotri engaged with lead discussant N Ravi Shanker, moderated by Anjum Katyal, while Beyond Biryani featured a dialogue with author Dinesh C Sharma and lead discussant Manoj Mitta. Adding a regional flavour, Stories of the Hills took the audience on a journey through Uttarakhand’s museums, with insights from Lady Kishwar Desai and moderated by Anjali Bhartari Ravi.
In Candid Conversation, the Turkish Ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, shared his perspectives on cultural resilience through the lens of his novel The Lighthouse Family, in conversation with Ratna Manucha. The discussion resonated deeply with attendees, especially those from Partition families, highlighting the enduring bonds of cultural heritage despite geopolitical shifts.
Present tense and imperfect future of offline media
The day also examined the challenges of traditional media in the session Present Tense and Imperfect Future of Offline Media. Moderated by Navneet Gairola and chaired by Sanjay Jasola, the session included discussions by Satish Sharma, Sanjay Abhigyan, and Ankita Uniyal.
The evening Mushaira brought together poets like Popular Meeruthi, Waris Warsi, Shubham Tyagi, and Amber Kharbanda, moderated by RK Bakshi and chaired by S Farooq who mesmerized the audience with their eloquent verses blending tradition and modernity.
The first book launch “Hug Yourself: Body Positivity & Empowerment Stories for Teenagers” with lead discussants as Ratna Manucha and Vibha Batra and chaired by Veena Krishnan. Author Mona Verma’s “The Scent of Himalayas: Stories from the Mystical Mountains”, was discussed by Pooja Marwah with the Chair as Manoj Barthwal. Deepanjali Singh discussed and Ira Chauhan chaired Bijoya Sawian’s “Hill Songs of Love and Longing.” Author Shalini Sawkar’s “Confessions of an IT Employee” was discussed by Sarishma Dangi and Prateek Jain. Indrajeet Singh’s “Bharat Kay Pushkin-Shailendra” was discussed by Mamta Kiran and chaired by Prof Manmohan Chaddha. Iqbal Chandra Malhotra’s “The Nukes, The Jihad, The Hawalas and Crystal Meth” was discussed by Lead Discussant Srishtee Sethi and Chaired by Lt Gen Pannu. Themes ranged from folklore and resilience in the Himalayas to humorous reflections on modern corporate life.
The session chaired by Col. Anupam Suden, explored the preservation of India’s archaeological heritage, with Manoj Saxena presenting invaluable insights into antiquities and their cultural significance.
The day also included an engaging panel titled “Cities of the Future,” curated by Ashish Srivastava, Avinash Chandra Joshi and moderated by Anoop Nautiyal. Experts discussed the challenges and opportunities of urbanization, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and innovative urban planning.
Iti Nritya, 2024
Cultural Performances were a highlight of the day. Kirti Kurande’s Iti Nritya vertical showcased an award-winning classical dance performance. The performances underscored the depth and diversity of India’s classical arts.
The day concluded with a Musical Soiree featuring Sitarist Kalyan Majumdar and Tabla Maestro Ashoke Mukherjee, leaving the audience mesmerized by the rich tapestry of Indian classical music. The guest of honour for the session was Vijay Dhasmana, SRHU.
Six exhibitions enriched the festival experience, showcasing rare manuscripts, literary artefacts, and Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. These displays included contributions from the Museums of Uttarakhand and self-help groups affiliated with Hesco and Beggar’s Corporation offering a blend of history, artistry, and community spirit.
Musical Soiree by ITC SRA artists
As the festival continues tomorrow, attendees can look forward to another dynamic lineup of sessions, workshops, and performances. With a robust schedule featuring celebrated authors, insightful discussions, and engaging cultural showcases, the event promises to deliver memorable experiences. VoW remains steadfast in its mission to promote literature and foster a deeper understanding of diverse narratives. Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in thought-provoking dialogue, creative expression, and the vibrant spirit of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. The festival’s enduring legacy as a platform for innovation and inclusivity continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
