Enriching literary fest

A Literary Fest at ITL School

Dwarka on 15 December 2023, was a vibrant celebration of literature, bringing together renowned authors, poets, dramatists, and eager students. The fest aimed to highlight the significance of literature in enriching human life, echoing Henry James' sentiment that "It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature." Two students of The Indian School, Ananya Basu of 9E and Upasana Khatua of 9B, accompanied by their teacher, Ms Vandana Tewari, were among the enthusiastic attendees.

One of the featured sessions was Ms Sutapa Basu's 'Plot Craft,' where the accomplished author of books like 'Padmavati' and 'Parvati Bai' shared insights into her writing journey. The session was engaging and interactive, focusing on Ms Basu's approach to developing plots in her mystery and romance novels. She emphasised the importance of solid pacing and storyline, revealing her techniques for mapping a protagonist's inner quest and creating a captivating narrative structure.

Using illustrations from her own works, Ms Basu guided the students through the archetypal storyline structure, explaining the significance of beginning hooks, building action, falling action, and a satisfying resolution. The students were captivated as Ms Basu provided an insider's perspective on intriguing readers, incorporating subplots, and crafting moments of drama.

A highlight of the fest was Ms Sutapa Basu encouraging students to apply her plot analysis techniques to expand their own story ideas. Learning directly from an acclaimed literary figure was a priceless experience for the students.

The literary Flfest featured various other events, including Therapeutic Poetry, Storytelling, Theatre, In Between the Lines, and From Page to Stage, all led by prominent personalities. The host school showcased the rich culture of India through a depiction of a scene from the Mahabharata, portraying Arjuna and Krishna. This artistic representation served as a reminder of India's heritage, often overlooked by its inhabitants.

The fest was a wonderful experience that not only glorified literature but also provided students with a unique opportunity to interact with and learn from accomplished figures of the literary world. The fest successfully showcased the richness of Indian culture and left a lasting impression on all the attendees.