I am a student of class IX of St Joseph of Cluny, Puducherry, a relaxed and laid-back city, when compared to busy Chennai.
I am a girl who is very passionate about reading. Books are my best companions. But never in my wildest of dreams did I imagine that they could lead you to the hall of fame, blitz and glitz after I came across the announcement on the ‘Lit for Life’ literary festival organised by The Hindu .
It happened one fine morning on a holidaywhen I grabbed the copy of The Hindu even before brushing my teeth and the advertisement in a corner on the last page caught my attention. It said it was the 8th edition of the festical and it only made me even more curious. The session for children said it was for only the age groups o5-8 and 9-12. My younger sister was eligible for the first group, but I am 13.
We travelled to Chennai just for the festival and my sister attended her first session titled “Fun with figures”. I tried my luck and was registered as a participant. A volunteer a student of journalism, was very friendly and gave me advice. I was fascinated with a game called ‘Complete the story” and wrote a few lines. It was very tough.
I participated in the instant quiz competition and had an argument with the organiser and even won a prize.
I attended Geeta Ramanujam’s “Tall Tales” and was mightily impressed by her way of story telling.
Then came the workshop “Pulitzer, here I come” by Pravin Shekar. Though a funny man, Mr. Shekar gave us valuable tips on story writing. I left the workshop with loads of information.
The next day, the first workshop was about making marionnets. Making puppets was really good and learning to make them from waste boxes was even better. Making new friends was the best.
The last day of the workshop, on January 16, was wonderful.
I have attended a number of workshops on art awareness, nature, etc but never thought that a festival for literature would be so rewarding. I have always been a passionate reader but without guidance. The festival has given me leads on how to go forward.
Books pegged outside the entrance to the venue made me understand that books are the tools to liberate you from many vices and difficulties. I felt very liberated after attending the festival as all my inhibitions regarding my passion for books and literature have vanished.
Vaishnavi S.,
Puducherry
