THE AKADEMI AT THE CARNIVAL

The Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi took part in the Chandigarh Carnival (22-23 Nov 2008). A Book Exhibition was organized and also a Literary Quiz.

The Exhibition comprised some of the Akademi's publications and also books by local writers. There were books of popular interest and a lot of reading material for children. The Akademi's stall was thronged with visitors through the two days.
The Literary Quiz was a great draw, too. It was compered by Anil Raina who was assisted by Anupam Nahar. Eight teams took part in the event which offered attractive cash prizes. The first prize went to the team from DAV College, the second prize to Govt College Sector 42, and the third prize to the Institute of Hotel Management.
Above is a picture of the Prize winners of the Quiz along with the organizers.

KAVI SAMMELAN

November 21, 2008
The National Integration Week beginning Nov 19, 2008, is being observed by the Chandigarh Administration.
The CSA hosted today a Multi-Lingual Kavi Sammelan at the Multipurpose Hall, Sector 34 Library. Local poets recited poems from different languages -- Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Kashmiri and English.

The evening was a great success. The auditorium was packed with an appreciative audience and the general mood was relaxed and cheerful. Most of the poems combined wit with levity.

The event was presided over by Dr Puneet Bedi, Principal, MCMDAV College for Women, Chandigarh, who is not just an educationist and administrator but also a creative writer.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

"First Impressions -- Introducing New Authors"

What happens when Nobel / Booker Prize Winners are announced? Invariably, the first reaction is -- Who's he? Never heard of him!!
So it has been this time, too. Not many had heard of Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio before he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. And Aravind Adiga was nobody before he was shortlisted for the Man Booker.

So, who are these writers?

The Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi tries to answer this question on December 13, 2008. The main Speakers on this occasion will be Mr Simar Omkar (of Great Books) and Prof Meera Malik (of Panjab University).

All are invited to a discussion of the new names on the literary scene -- the Nobel Laureate for 2008, Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio, and Booker Prize Winner 2008, Aravind Adiga. (If you first read up something on these two writers, sure, you will find it a rewarding exercise!)

NOTE THE VENUE, DATE AND TIME :
Venue: Chandigarh Arts Council Auditorium, Sector 34 Library (1st Floor)
Date: December 13, 2008
Time: 3.30 pm