ORANGE CITY LITERATURE FESTIVAL

The session ""Mystery Hunters: How Teen Friendships and Ancient Wisdom Uncover Hidden Truths"" offered an engaging exploration of mystery writing for children, led by author Shabnam Minwalla. Opening the session, Ms Minwalla shared her inspiration behind crafting mystery stories and outlined the key ingredients that make such tales captivating. She emphasised the importance of a detective character in mystery narratives and captivated the audience by reading select passages from her book.Introducing her story, Ms Minwalla brought to life the central characters, including Paromita, the lead detective, alongside Nihal and Rai’s Engineer. She painted a vivid picture of the story’s setting, centred around a murder that takes place in the building where Paromita resides. The victim, Sana Sardana, is found in the swimming pool, setting off a gripping investigation. The narrative unfolds as the young detectives unravel clues and navigate suspects, ultimately piecing together the truth to uncover the criminal.The session also delved into Ms Minwalla’s creative process and her motivation for writing stories that blend mystery, friendship, and ancient wisdom. During the interactive segment, students enthusiastically posed questions, including inquiries about her inspiration and whether she plans to explore the horror genre in future works.The session concluded successfully, leaving the audience inspired by Ms Minwalla’s insights into mystery writing and her ability to weave compelling stories that resonate with young readers. The discussion highlighted the power of storytelling to spark curiosity, foster imagination, and encourage a love for reading.

Mindfulness Meets Coaching: Transforming Lives from the Inside Out 🧘‍♀️💡Join Dr. Sapna Sharma, Anubhav Agrawal, and Ashdin Doctor as they share insights on harnessing the power of mindfulness and coaching for deep emotional healing, with Koutilya Chhjed guiding the conversation. #OCLF #MentalWellbeing #MindfulCoaching

The session titled ""Beyond the Myth: Exploring Untold Stories and Unanswered Questions in Ramayana and Mahabharata"" was an insightful exploration of the lesser-known aspects of two of India's most significant epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Led by author Ami Ganatra, who has written Ramayana Unravelled and Mahabharata Unravelled, the session delved into the moral dilemmas, overlooked characters, and unanswered questions that persist within these timeless texts. Supantha Bhattacharya skillfully moderated the discussion, guiding it towards philosophical and cultural insights, while Ashwini Rathi anchored the session, setting the tone and introducing the topics and guests.The session focused on exploring new interpretations of key events and characters, encouraging the audience to reflect on the relevance of these epics in contemporary society. Topics such as the roles of lesser-known characters like Mandodari, Urmila, and Bheem were discussed, along with their significance in the larger narrative. The session also invited questions from the audience, fostering interactive discussions on the historical authenticity of the epics and the portrayal of women in these stories. Ami Ganatra concluded with a powerful message, urging the audience to see the Ramayana and Mahabharata not merely as mythological tales but as a profound source of wisdom, providing lessons on leadership, ethics, and morality.

The session ""Retelling the Story of the Sikhs"" was a profound exploration of Sikh history and culture, led by acclaimed author and storyteller Sarbpreet Singh. Moderated by Dr. Harshali Singh, the discussion highlighted the transformative power of narratives in preserving history, celebrating identity, and fostering understanding. Dr. Harshali Singh set the tone with an eloquent introduction, emphasising the importance of revisiting Sikh history to uncover its richness, resilience, and relevance in contemporary times. Sarbpreet Singh passionately described the oral traditions and literary heritage of Sikhism, showcasing how storytelling has played a pivotal role in transmitting values, faith, and history. He elaborated on the intersection of spirituality and humanity in Sikh narratives, emphasising their universal appeal.Singh shared insights into his creative process, combining meticulous research with evocative storytelling to bring historical events and figures to life. He stressed the responsibility of writers to represent history authentically while ensuring accessibility for modern audiences, making the past relevant to the present. The discussion also touched upon the challenges faced by the Sikh community, including migration, conflict, and marginalisation. Singh highlighted storytelling as a powerful tool for preserving and asserting identity amidst these adversities and reflected on its ability to bridge generational gaps, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among younger Sikhs.A significant part of the conversation celebrated the often-overlooked contributions of women in Sikh history. Both Sarbpreet Singh and Dr. Harshali Singh shed light on the strength, courage, and resilience of Sikh women, recognising them as pivotal figures in shaping the community’s legacy. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where participants sought Singh's perspectives on contemporary challenges in representing Sikh history and its global resonance. He addressed questions about his inspirations, the cultural nuances in his writing, and the importance of inclusivity in storytelling.The session offered an enriching journey through Sikh history and culture, showcasing the enduring power of storytelling as a means to preserve identity and inspire understanding. Sarbpreet Singh’s reflections resonated deeply, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for the Sikh legacy and the timeless relevance of its stories.

The session began with reflections on the profound influence of social media on modern journalism. Bhaskar Roy, a veteran journalist, discussed how platforms like Twitter and Facebook have democratized information dissemination, reshaping the traditional role of journalists as gatekeepers. He noted that while social media has empowered citizens to share stories, it has also created challenges in verifying the authenticity of information.Manoj Thripathi addressed the erosion of traditional media standards in the age of clickbait journalism. He spoke about the increasing pressure on journalists to prioritise sensational stories for traction, often at the expense of ethical reporting. ""We are witnessing a crisis of credibility in media today,"" he remarked, emphasising the need for journalists to adhere to ethical principles amidst the changing dynamics of the industry. Throughout the discussion, the panelists consistently highlighted the critical role of facts in preserving journalistic integrity. Neha Dixit stressed that storytelling in journalism must be rooted in truth, as factual accuracy is the foundation of credible reporting. Arun Anand added that in an era of rapid news cycles, journalists must resist the temptation to compromise accuracy for speed, ensuring that facts remain central to their narratives. The session concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on the delicate balance between the speed of news delivery and the commitment to ethical, fact-based reporting. The panelists acknowledged the challenges posed by the rise of digital platforms and the evolving demands of audiences but reaffirmed the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity.This engaging session at the 6th edition of the Orange City Literature Festival left the audience with a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics of journalism and the enduring power of storytelling in shaping public discourse.

The session, ""Driving Sustainable Growth: Financial, Economic, and Technological Strategies for India,"" brought together an esteemed panel of speakers—Tamal Bandyopadhyay, Amit Kapoor, Pradip K. Saha, and Dr. Ranjan Welukar—moderated by Dipankar Mukherjee. The discussion revolved around the urgent need to harmonise economic growth with sustainability, leveraging innovative financial, technological, and educational strategies to shape India's future.Financial Inclusion and ReformsTamal Bandyopadhyay emphasised the pivotal role of financial inclusion and reforms in achieving equitable progress. He highlighted the need for accessible financial systems that cater to all sections of society, particularly marginalised communities, ensuring that economic growth benefits every citizen.Addressing Regional Economic DisparitiesAmit Kapoor shed light on the pressing issue of regional economic disparities, advocating for strategic policymaking to foster balanced development. He stressed the importance of targeted interventions to uplift underdeveloped regions, thereby creating a more equitable economic landscape across the country.Green Technologies and Sustainable PracticesPradip K. Saha underscored the transformative potential of green technologies and sustainable practices in mitigating environmental challenges. He discussed the critical role of renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly innovations in driving sustainable growth while addressing pressing environmental concerns.Education and Skill DevelopmentDr. Ranjan Welukar highlighted the importance of leveraging education and skill development to harness India’s demographic dividend. He emphasised the value of equipping younger generations with the right skills and knowledge to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy, ensuring their active participation in nation-building.Comprehensive Roadmap for Sustainable GrowthThe panel collectively offered a holistic roadmap for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in India. They highlighted the need for a multi-pronged approach that integrates financial inclusion, regional development, green technologies, and education. The discussion stressed the importance of empowering the youth through targeted skill-building initiatives, enabling them to become catalysts for change in a sustainable future.This insightful session provided a thought-provoking exploration of the strategies required to align India’s economic ambitions with its sustainability goals, leaving the audience with actionable ideas and a renewed commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient nation.

The session with Dr. Pawan Sinha, affectionately known as "Guruji," was an enlightening experience, filled with impactful insights on personal growth and self-confidence. Guruji emphasized the foundational role of self-confidence in achieving success, and shared powerful affirmations that resonated deeply with the audience, such as "You are a superhuman" and "God is within." He encouraged the practice of writing as a means of self-reflection and clarity, and discussed the importance of conducting a personal SWOT analysis to better understand one's strengths and areas for growth. Guruji also highlighted the need for balanced use of gadgets, urging attendees not to let them become extensions of themselves. Addressing the topic of failure, he reassured the audience that failure is a valuable lesson, often offering more growth opportunities than success. His personal daily routine, which includes regular physical activity, meditation, and setting clear targets, was shared as a model for success. The session concluded with Anchor Naviin Joshi expressing gratitude to Guruji for his inspiring words and invaluable guidance.

The session, led by Ms. Mamathi Chari, was an inspiring blend of philosophy and practical guidance, designed to ignite a sense of environmental responsibility among students. She began with thought-provoking questions, encouraging the young audience to reflect on the importance of water, rain, and other natural resources and their role in conserving them for future generations.Drawing upon the wisdom of the ancient Tamil philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, Ms. Chari delved into his Thirukkural, a collection of moral and ethical couplets that remain profoundly relevant today. She highlighted Thiruvalluvar's teachings on environmental harmony, resource preservation, and sustainability, urging students to apply these principles in their daily lives.The discussion candidly addressed modern environmental challenges, including pollution and deforestation, while stressing the urgent need for young individuals to take on the responsibility of healing the planet. Ms. Chari offered practical solutions, such as reducing waste, planting trees, conserving water, and spreading awareness about sustainable practices, emphasising that small, collective actions can lead to significant change.In a powerful conclusion, Ms. Chari called upon the students to embrace the role of ""Earth Warriors"" – individuals committed to protecting and nurturing the environment. Her message resonated deeply, inspiring the students to embody Thiruvalluvar’s timeless values of responsibility and virtue in their efforts to create a sustainable future.The session left a lasting impact, with students expressing a renewed sense of duty towards the environment. By blending cultural heritage with actionable insights, Ms. Chari empowered the next generation to take ownership of their role in healing the Earth and ensuring a better tomorrow.

Financial Literacy Workshop for 7th to 10th Std Students The Financial Literacy Workshop was an insightful and engaging session tailored for students from grades 7th to 10th. The workshop aimed to equip young minds with essential financial skills, emphasising the importance of financial literacy in shaping a secure and prosperous future. The session began by highlighting why financial management is crucial for children, with speakers explaining how understanding finances early can empower students to make informed decisions and navigate risks effectively.Chartered Accountant Premlata Daga conducted an interactive activity that demonstrated the relationship between expenditure and earnings. This hands-on exercise captivated the students, showing them the importance of balancing income and expenses. Ms. Daga also shared practical tips on managing finances responsibly and staying cautious about risks and speculative decisions. CA Pooja Lahoti simplified complex banking concepts, educating students about different types of bank accounts and making the subject relatable and accessible. The session concluded with CA Aman Jain, who discussed diverse investment strategies, encouraging students to think long-term and leverage investments to achieve financial independence.The workshop was highly interactive, with students actively participating in discussions and activities. The expert insights and practical advice provided by the speakers left a lasting impression, fostering a deeper understanding of money management. This Financial Literacy Workshop successfully inspired students to embrace financial literacy as a life skill, setting them on a path toward responsible financial planning and a secure future.

Witness the grand audiobook launch of Mentormorphosis by Dr. Akash Khurana, a multifaceted personality known as an author, screenwriter, actor, director, and mentor. Discover the transformative journey encapsulated in this inspiring book, unveiled at the OCLF 6th Edition.Stay tuned for more literary highlights from OCLF 2024!