Katha Writers Workshop

Katha, since its inception in 1988, has believed that children can bring about change that is both, sustainable and real. In an attempt to nurture these change-agents Katha, along with CBSE, launched a nation story-writing competition. It was an exercise which spanned several months and culminated in a four day workshop from 27 to 30 December, 2013. On the sprawling grounds of Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri, the 300 finalists from all over India participated in the workshop.

On the first day, the four finalists from our School- Arushi Menon ( class V), Shruti Bihani (class 10 ), Varun Sanwlani ( class 12) and Kriti Dang ( class 12 )were introduced to their mentors and went through an orientation program during the Opening Ceremony.

Armed with colourful ID cards, a workshop kit and food coupons for tea-time snacks and lunch, the participants arrived on time on the second day. They were divided into groups of 20. Arushi opted for the workshop titled I am Rag Rag Rageshwari and you are , under the guidance of Ms. Indu Harikumar, an illustrator. The other three students chose a session named The Faraway Tree. It was meant for nature- lovers, who wanted to integrate nature into their writing. Their mentor, Srivi Kalyan, an educator, writer, designer, illustrator and artist asked the students about their thoughts on nature. They also recreated nature's changes with delicate body movements, for example, the dropping of a leaf,etc., to assimilate nature better and get into the mood for writing about it! Later they stepped outdoors, sketched and wrote about one particular element of nature each. They also read aloud their pieces and shared their sketches with each other.

On day 3, students were shown documentaries and movies on nature, including one about the endangered Ridley turtles. Sample stories were read and nuances of good writing were explained. The group discussed plots for stories they could write and were told to write a first draft. Arushi, at her workshop, learnt how to make tiny pocket story books from paper, used pieces of cloth, wrappers, cardboard, etc., complete with their very own colourful illustrations.

On the fourth day, our budding writers were seated and handed sheets of paper. The moment to make their magic was upon them! Their mentors had earlier explained the three levels of awards to be given -the Encouragement Award, the Laureate and the Grand Laureate, the last being the highest and most prestigious.

As the day came to an end, the much awaited results were announced in a captivating Closing Ceremony. Shruti, Kriti and Varun bagged the coveted title of Grand Laureate and our young and enthusiastic Arushi received the well-deserved Laureate! They had truly done themselves and their School very proud! They felt overwhelmed by the opportunity they had got.