Bookaroo Festival Kicks Off at Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal; Children Explore Worlds of Stories, Colors, and Imagination
Bhopal: The two-day 'Bookaroo Children's Literature Festival' began on Saturday at Bharat Bhavan. It offered children an opportunity to explore and understand stories, art, and creative expression. The venue came alive with colorful drawings, lively discussions, and interactive sessions featuring authors, illustrators, and storytellers from India and abroad.
The festival was inaugurated by Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary of the Culture Department and Trustee Secretary of Bharat Bhavan. Organized in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Culture Department, the event aims to encourage children to read, write, draw, and express their thoughts openly.
Doodle Wall Emerges as a Major Attraction
A large doodle wall, measuring approximately 25 by 8 feet, was one of the main attractions. Using colors, lines, and shapes, children brought their thoughts and imaginations to life while also discovering each other's creative ideas.
Artist Mamta Nainy introduced children to Warli art, while Bhopal-based Gond and fusion artist Roshni Vyam conducted an interactive session on the theme "Imaginary World," encouraging children to create and illustrate their own imaginary realms.
Storytelling and Playwriting Inspire Young Minds
Singaporean author and playwright Leremy Lee taught children the basics of playwriting and dramatic expression.
During the "Story Tree" session, Shivnarayan discussed the distinction between a 'kissa' (a brief incident or anecdote) and a 'kahani' (a full-fledged story). He helped children understand how words, events, and imagination combine to create engaging stories.