The two-day Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival, held at Delhi Public School (DPS) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, concluded on June 11th. The festival is known for sparking the love of books and storytelling in young readers and has been recognised for its excellence in promoting literature.
This year marked the sixth time the DP Dhar Memorial Trust organised the festival in the city, bringing together talented authors, storytellers, illustrators and creativity experts from all over the country. The festival uses storytelling, dramatised reading, workshops, art and craft to make literature more engaging for young readers.
Since its inception in 2008, Bookaroo has successfully held 29 editions across 10 cities in India, spreading its love for literature far and wide. The festival received a prestigious London Book Fair International Excellence Award for Literary Festival in 2017.
Chairman of the DP Dhar Memorial Trust, Vijay Dhar, expressed his pride in hosting such a prestigious festival, which has been on hiatus for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was delighted to facilitate a meeting of celebrated minds from across India with the children of DPS.
Visual researcher and storyteller Nishvan Rasool, one of the festival’s participants, highlighted the magic of storytelling and the remarkable power books hold to ignite the imagination of young minds. As a visual researcher, Rasool explores themes and characters through visual mediums, aiming to enhance the storytelling experience for children and spark their curiosity and creativity.
Rasool firmly believes children’s literature plays a vital role in shaping future generations’ minds. Fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for reading, he considers it a privilege to be a part of an event that promotes literacy and encourages children to explore the wonders of the written word.
The Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival continues to make its mark as a beacon of literary delight, creating a space where the joy of books resonates with young hearts and minds. It inspires children to unleash their creativity, embrace the world of literature, and embark on a lifelong journey of exploration and wonder.
