Keekli Charitable Trust Celebrates Storytelling with the Launch of Two Remarkable Anthologies
2 min read
Shimla, December 21, 2024
At the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla, Keekli Charitable Trust celebrated a landmark event in its literary journey with the release of two exceptional anthologies, Blooming Quills and Bachpan Ke Rang, Bado Ke Sang. These compilations embody the art of storytelling, bringing together the creative expressions of both budding young writers and seasoned storytellers.
The highlight of the event was the presence of renowned author, poet, and translator Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan as the Chief Guest. Known for her acclaimed works Look Before You Leap and It’s Time to Rhyme, Shobha captivated the audience with her profound insights into literature and creativity. Her address emphasized the transformative role of reading and writing in shaping perspectives, offering aspiring writers’ practical advice on mastering their craft.
Blooming Quills showcases 51 short stories penned by young writers under 25, selected from 184 submissions spanning cities like Assam, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Dharamshala. The anthology, edited by Sonia Dogra and Vandana Bhagra, is the result of workshops and mentoring sessions designed to refine participants’ storytelling abilities. It reflects the vibrant imagination and diverse voices of India’s youth.
The second release, Bachpan Ke Rang, Bado Ke Sang, features 31 tales by senior writers from Himachal Pradesh. This anthology bridges generational and cultural narratives, celebrating the region’s rich heritage while exploring contemporary themes. An independent jury ensured that only the finest works were selected for this collection.
The event included inspiring readings by contributors of all ages: Aarti Gupta, a retired Director of Himachal Pradesh Information and Public Relations, presented her story Rishte. Abhyudita Gautam, an Associate Professor, read her tale A House Near the Waterfall. Young writers like Aditi Sharma (Whispers of an Abandoned House), Prithvi Raj Singh (The Chattur Story), Yashita Verma (A Chilling Vacation) and Sneha Harnot (Women are Made, Not Born!) captivated audiences with their vibrant narratives. Discussions moderated by Prof. Meenakshi Faith Paul and Adhiraj Singh Bisht with young panellists namely Sreeja Chatterjee, Pritha Doegar, Midori Das and Aahr Singh deepened the engagement with the featured works.
Since its establishment in 2018, Keekli Charitable Trust has been a pioneer in promoting creativity and literary excellence. From hosting festivals like the Mimansa Literature Festival to publishing anthologies, the Trust continues to inspire young and senior writers alike. Led by a dedicated all-women team, the Trust remains committed to empowering young minds through education, storytelling, and cultural initiatives.
Today’s event reaffirmed Keekli’s mission to foster creativity, bridge generations through literature, and inspire a lifelong love for reading and writing.
