SRINAGAR: A two-day Bookaroo Children’s Literature festival, that provided a platform to children to connect with authors, illustrators and storytellers concluded at Delhi Public School Srinagar on Sunday.
Established in 2008, Bookaroo has visited 16 cities and completed 41 editions since its establishment in 2008.
This was the 6th edition of Bookaroo Srinagar, held at Delhi Public School Srinagar in collaboration with DP Dhar Memorial Trust . Over the course of two days, the festival welcomed 27 speakers from 10 cities, presenting 58 sessions that spanned the spectrum of storytelling, craft activities, book readings, doodling, poetry, and music.
“We are delighted to be back for Bookaroo’s 6th edition. Our association with DPS Srinagar has been a very special one, especially because this was our first outstation Bookaroo back in 2011. This weekend was absolutely packed with excited children,” said Swati and Venkatesh, Festival Directors of Bookaroo.
During the two-day festival, around 27 speakers from 10 cities, presenting 58 sessions engaged the students in various activities which included storytelling, craft activities, book readings, doodling, poetry, and music.
At the fest, children discovered their artistic talents through craft paper creations and the unique art of vegetable and fruit prints. Pachakatha sessions took listeners on thrilling adventures, evoking laughter and awe with tales of humor and wisdom, including enchanting stories in Kashmiri.
Through innovative prompts and animation visuals, young storytellers were inspired to craft extraordinary tales that resonated with their imaginations.
Rituparna Ghosh, a storyteller, expressed her joy, saying, “I have been looking forward to Bookaroo Srinagar since 2019. The children of Srinagar love stories, and it’s been a pleasure to share my tales with them.”
Author Vaishali Shroff remarked, “Bookaroo is like family. They bring us all together as a community that is constantly learning and giving. Grateful to be a part of it.”
Illustrator Kripa resonated with the warm spirit of Bookaroo, stating, “In just two days, I feel a part of this large family tree called Bookaroo, sharing stories, dreams, and ideas with each other and children. Thank you, Bookaroo.”
Principal Shafaq Afshan commended the festival’s impact on students, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their creative growth.
Vijay Dhar, Chairman of Delhi Public School Srinagar, expressed gratitude for Bookaroo’s commitment for instilling love for books among children and inspiring young minds.
