The KATHA National Writers’ Workshop North Regional Round, held on 29 and 30 November, celebrated stories, connections, and creativity. It concluded with a valedictory event in the auditorium of Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram.
Celebrating Creativity
The Valedictory Ceremony was a pleasant conclusion to a journey of creativity and learning. The event brought together a community of young writers, mentors, parents, and educators to honour the transformative power of storytelling.
The event began with a warm welcome that acknowledged the collective effort of everyone who made it possible — from the staff at Shiv Nadar School to the parents, teachers, and, most importantly, the children who are at the heart of KATHA Utsav.
Highlights of KATHA Utsav were revisited, sparking memories of workshops and sessions, creative activities, and friendships formed. The Shiv Nadar staff and exceptional mentors — Anupama Jain, Deepa Kiran, Kapil Pandey, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, Swetcha Pershad, Usha Chhabra, Vandana Bisht, and Sonia Duggal, were felicitated for their pivotal roles in shaping this journey.
The children, the stars of the event, shared their experiences, reflecting on how the workshops helped them grow as writers and individuals. Parents also expressed their gratitude, speaking about the workshops’ impact and joy of seeing their children thrive in such an enriching environment.
Celebrating the Power of Stories
The Guest of Honor, Sameer Arora, Vice Principal of Shiv Nadar School, emphasized the omnipresence of stories in our lives. From published authors to children crafting imaginative excuses for forgotten homework, stories are woven into the fabric of our everyday experiences. He urged everyone to nurture storytelling as a collaborative process—a beautiful act of sharing and listening. In an era dominated by social media, where creativity is often constrained and content is determined by algorithms, he stressed the importance of preserving storytelling.
Words that Stay
The Chief Guest, Kalyan Chakrabarti, CEO of Emaar India, left the audience captivated with his humorous anecdotes and profound insights. He shared that during a job interview years ago, he was asked the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years and then 10 years?” These are questions he had prepared for, and he answered them with ease. The interviewer proceeded to ask him where he saw himself in 50 years, 100 years, and 500 years. He then realized the significance of the question. It wasn’t about short-term goals or even a lifetime of material achievements. It was about the legacy we leave behind—the memories, lessons, and impact that endure long after we are gone.
Kalyan asked the audience to think about the past 2,000 years and consider the persons whose stories have persisted. He challenged the young writers to focus not just on their immediate accomplishments but on the legacy that they will leave behind through the stories they tell.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and the much-awaited distribution of certificates. This segment was particularly special as it marked the culmination of the children’s hard work and dedication throughout the workshops. These certificates symbolized their growth as budding storytellers. For many, it was a moment of recognition for stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the art of storytelling with enthusiasm and courage.
KATHA Utsav gave the young writers an unforgettable experience and a foundation for a lifetime of impactful stories. The workshops kindled a passion for storytelling and nurtured the courage to explore unique voices. As they step into new endeavours, these young storytellers are better equipped to imagine, articulate, and shape the world around them.
