Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi held its Annual Round-Up 2014 this evening at Hotel Parkview, Sector 24. This is a very special function for the Akademi, an occasion when CSA showcases the entire year's events.
It is common knowledge that over the last six years the Akademi has breathed new life into the literary life and spirit of the City Beautiful, encouraging writers to come out of their ivory towers, share their writing with their peers, appreciate and critique the works of like-minded creative people. Through interactive sessions, Writers' Meets, book readings, literary festivals, and other such events, the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi has transformed Chandigarh into a hub of creativity, bringing in talented writers from outside the region to exchange ideas and experiences with the local populace.
This evening's program was a retrospective look at the year gone by. The Chairperson of the Akademi, Manju Jaidka, made an impressive power point presentation that showed the highlights of the year. This was followed by the release of the annual brochure which collates the year's activities along with a commentary and photographs. The brochure was released by the Chief Guest, Shri KK Sharma, Adviser to the Administrator, who complimented the CSA on the good work done. Mr Sharma was particularly appreciative of the fact that literature is being promoted in the city through different conduits, targeting all age groups, the old and the young, and all the languages of the region.
The programme included a presentation by Anita Krishan, author of "Tears of Jhelum," a recently released book that has been in the news lately. Anita Krishan, who was formally introduced by Gursheek Kaur, explaoned the genesis and the high points of her work and read some passages to the audience that was greatly touched by the pathos of her writing.
CSA annually awards occasion Grants-in-Aid for unpublished manuscripts. Four of the books published with the assistance of CSA were released today by Sh KK Sharma. The authors, Yojana Rawat, Sandeep Bhatia, Sukhwinder Mann, and Geeta Devi, were warmly congratulated by Mr Sharma.
In her concluding remarks teh Chairperson, CSA, announced that a Creative Writing Workshop for Children between 10 and 15 years of age will be conducted from 26th to 30th May. Details will be announced on Chandigarh sahitya Akademi's Facebook and Blog. As the seats are limited, the policy of first come first served will be followed.
Overall, this evening's CSA event was a scintillating one that presented in a very impressive nutshell the manner in which the main office bearers of the Akademi, Manju Jaidka, Anil Raina, and Madhav Kaushik, with the support of their council, have been working together to make the city a happening place. The city, in turn, has shown its appreciation in a countless ways and the good work continues.
Photographs for today's events are on this link:
