Srinagar, November 1: The eighth edition of Bookaroo, a festival dedicated to children’s literature, drew an estimated 5,000 children, parents, and educators to Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar on Sunday. The day-long event transformed the school campus into a hub for storytelling, literary exploration, and creative engagement.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the festival, organized under the aegis of the D.P. Dhar Memorial Trust, aimed to foster a love for reading among young minds. It brought together participants from various districts across the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, and Ganderbal.
The event, themed “Where Books Come Alive,” offered an immersive experience that extended beyond traditional reading. It featured a curated program of 21 sessions led by 11 speakers from eight different cities across India. These sessions were designed for children aged 4 to 14, aiming to inspire them through storytelling, art, illustration, music, and drama.
Speakers included acclaimed authors, storytellers, illustrators, and artists who facilitated interactive sessions. The program covered a diverse range of themes, from tales of nature and adventure to historical narratives and environmental awareness, encouraging children to explore new ideas and express their creativity. Art-based activities and opportunities to meet authors were central to the festival’s approach.
Swati Roy, Co-founder of Bookaroo, emphasized the festival’s belief in making reading an anticipated experience rather than solely an academic pursuit. She noted the significant participation from different districts in Srinagar, highlighting the unifying power of stories. The goal, she stated, was for every child to leave with a new story, idea, and an enhanced appreciation for books.
Ms. Shafaq Afshan, Principal of DPS Srinagar, expressed her delight at the large turnout and the celebration of reading and learning. She underscored DPS Srinagar’s commitment to nurturing imagination and independent thinking, asserting that Bookaroo provided an enriching environment for children to learn through stories and creative interactions. The school was pleased to host students from across the Valley.
Participating authors and artists shared positive feedback, describing their experiences in Srinagar as memorable and rewarding. Roshni Vyam, an author and artist, found the interaction with the students at DPS Srinagar particularly special, noting their gratitude and kindness. She expressed a desire to continue her involvement with Bookaroo.
Likla Lall, author of ‘Ganesh Haloi: Colours of Home’, described her first trip to Kashmir for the festival as beautiful. She was impressed by the warmth and enthusiasm of the reception. Her session introduced children to the artist Ganesh Haloi, revealing their curiosity and creativity. She commended the encouraging nature of the teachers and student volunteers.
Students who attended the festival reported an enjoyable and engaging experience. A student from The Life School shared how the stories, activities, and author interactions made learning fun, enabling them to explore new interests and realize the imaginative power of books. Parents also lauded the initiative for offering a meaningful learning opportunity outside the classroom, especially in an era dominated by screens.
The festival campus included dedicated creative spaces, a doodle wall, a bookshop, and an author signing area. A PETA Point also engaged young participants in activities promoting kindness towards animals. The presence of schools from different districts fostered interaction and shared experiences among children from diverse backgrounds.
The eighth edition of Bookaroo in Srinagar reinforced the importance of accessible platforms that encourage children’s reading habits, independent thinking, and creativity, aiming to foster a lifelong relationship with literature.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
