Interactive session on writing and freedom organised at Shoolini University

Solan, April 27
The School of Media and Communications and the Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts at Shoolini University organised an interactive session on creative writing and freedom, featuring Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue. The session explored the philosophy, process, and purpose of writing, while encouraging students to discover their own voice.
Mr. Tsundue began by explaining what writing meant to him, describing it as an internal process that evolved from thought to articulation. He explained that writing began with observation, which developed into perception and then perspective, ultimately leading to expression. He also emphasised the importance of “finding one’s voice,” noting that understanding why one writes is central to the creative journey. The session further examined writing as both a communicative tool and a relational medium, where storytelling becomes an act of experiencing. He encouraged participants to reflect on identity, perspective, and the “self” they choose to write from, highlighting how self-understanding and self-projection are essential for meaningful storytelling.
Making the session highly interactive, Mr. Tsundue conducted activities designed to enhance creativity. Participants were asked to suggest random nouns and transform them into descriptive noun phrases, demonstrating how language can generate infinite possibilities.
During the question-and-answer session, he spoke about his writing journey, which began as a means to understand himself and express ideas in a new language. Drawing from his experiences in a refugee school and his exposure to literature such as Tinkle comics, he highlighted how storytelling bridges cultures and identities. He also addressed themes of anxiety, purpose, and freedom, stating that writing can serve as a powerful tool for self-reflection.
The session concluded with a proposal to establish a poetry club at the university to nurture budding writers through regular engagement and practice. The initiative aimed to build creative confidence and mastery among students, reinforcing the enduring power of words in shaping both individual and collective narratives.