Ahmedabad : Delhi Public School-Bopal, Ahmedabad hosted the Kalorex Literary Festival in association with the Kalinga Literary Festival on 29 November 2025, providing a dynamic platform dedicated to language and literary excellence. The inaugural session offered a rich tapestry of perspectives from eminent educators, authors, journalists, and dignitaries.
Mr. Ashok Kumar Bal, CEO and Patron of the Kalinga Literary Festival, reflected on the pivotal role of such gatherings in nurturing meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, and creative growth. Mr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder and President of the Kalinga Literary Festival, reiterated the festival’s vision of building inclusive literary spaces that bring together diverse voices, languages, and ideas, thereby strengthening the literary ecosystem. Adding to this perspective, Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Managing Director & CEO of the Kalorex Group, Edupreneur and author, emphasised the need for a thoughtful integration of technology with core literary values so that digital innovation enhances, rather than eclipses, the study and appreciation of language and literature. Celebrated poet and translator Mrs. Deepa Agarwal highlighted the transformative role of imagination in shaping young minds and called for a culture in which reading is celebrated as a gateway to creativity. Author and former journalist Ms. Savie Karnel emphasised the importance of relatable, contemporary narratives that resonate with today’s generation, while literary critic and festival advisor Mr. Jatindra Kumar Nayak addressed the enduring influence of storytelling traditions on cultural identity. The presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Narottam Sahoo, Senior Scientist (Gujarat Science City), Advisor and Member Secretary, GUJCOST; Mr. Prashant Raval, writer, director, and stage actor; Mr. Ratnaraj Sheth, Managing Director, R.R. Sheth & Co. Pvt. Ltd.; Ms. Ragini Bharadwaj, Senior Assistant Editor (TOI), author and life coach; and Ms. Arti Mishra, Director of Academics at the Kalorex Group, further enriched the festival, lending literary insight, professional expertise, and inspiring perspectives to the event.
The event unfolded with an inspiring address by the Principal, Ms. Sabina Sawhney, who emphasised the school’s deep-rooted commitment towards fostering reading culture, literary appreciation, and expressive language skills among students. Her remarks reiterated the need for innovative and flexible pedagogical approaches to nurture a lifelong love for literature and critical inquiry in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
The Panel discussions explored contemporary issues shaping creativity, education and literary engagement. Educational experts examined the impact of digital tools on language learning and the evolution of literature in the digital era, calling for mindful media use and adaptable, student-centered literary pedagogy. A dedicated session on children’s literature and creativity shared classroom strategies for developing a vibrant reading culture and fostering creative storytelling through engaging language activities.
The Interactive workshops further enriched the festival, offering practical training in creative writing, publishing, and narrative composition. Innovative sessions highlighted the role of artificial intelligence as a partner in literary creativity, demonstrating how technology can augment, rather than replace human imagination and linguistic expression! The festival also honoured regional languages, multilingualism, and the diverse literary heritage of India. Sessions celebrating linguistic diversity emphasised the capacity of literature to enhance cultural identity and mutual respect through the sharing of stories across languages.
A broad range of stalls contributed significantly to the vibrancy of the festival. Books published by Kalorex Publications, works by emerging and established authors, and curated offerings from the Yali store were all prominently displayed. Attendees were actively engaged by the Counselling Department through the Career Compass, Wellness Circle, and Page Mates initiatives, which offered guidance on a wide range of queries. Among the various attractions, the stall titled “Ateet ke Jharokhe Se” by the school’s Heritage Club was a highlight, where students set up traditional food and refreshment counters featuring age-old favourites, along with handmade items for sale.
The festival’s closing segment, featuring a formal Vote of Thanks by the school’s Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl followed by the National Anthem, gracefully encapsulated the spirit of literary celebration and scholarly exchange. Throughout the event, participants embraced the transformative power of language and literature to inspire creative expression and reinforce cultural identity. Students left with renewed enthusiasm for reading and literary engagement, while educators gained valuable insights to enrich language instruction and foster a lasting appreciation for literature within the school community. The success of the Kalorex Literary Festival reaffirmed the importance of such gatherings in cultivating literary talent and invigorating intellectual discourse in education!
