Solan Mar 23: Shoolini University, one of India’s top private universities, successfully concluded the 6th edition of its LitFest on a high note, bringing together over 50 speakers, 100 student volunteers, and nearly 3,000 attendees over three days. The festival stood out as one of its most vibrant editions, offering a rich confluence of literature, arts, and meaningful conversations.
The festival was inaugurated by Pankaj Khullar, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Himachal Pradesh, in the presence of the university leadership, including Founder-Chancellor Prof PK Khosla, Pro Chancellor Mr Vishal Anand, Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, Deans and other distinguished guests from literature, arts, and public life.
Designed as an extension of the university’s commitment to experiential and interdisciplinary learning, the festival celebrated the idea of literature beyond books to include music, theatre, storytelling, cinema, and public discourse. It provided students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading authors, artists, and thinkers, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and real-world exposure.
The 6th edition was unique for its multi-arts format, seamlessly blending storytelling with performance. Among the standout sessions, the discussion on Operation Sindoor, featuring Major General Bipin Bakshi, Brig Akhilesh Bhargava, and Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, drew significant student interest, particularly from NCC cadets, as the speakers shared compelling facts, data, and first-hand narratives from the mission.
From Dastangoi by Ashar Haque and Kabir bhajans by Prahlad Tippaniya to a lively Kavi Sammelan led by Padma Shri Ashok Chakradhar, the festival offered audiences a rich cultural experience. Conversations featuring Neeraj Kabi, Pankaj Jha, Rakesh Bedi, Durjoy Datta, and Meiyang Chang further drew strong engagement from young audiences.
The festival also saw participation from notable personalities such as Sameer Anjaan, the Guinness World Record-holding lyricist for the most recorded songs; Sandhya Mridul, an actor; Alok Shrivastav, a journalist-turned-writer; along with several other distinguished voices from across the creative fields.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ashoo Khosla, Chief Learning Officer and LitFest Director at Shoolini University, said, “The Shoolini Literature Festival reflects our focus on creativity, critical thinking, and cultural engagement among students. Literature and the arts play a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals and encouraging meaningful dialogue in society.”
She added, “The festival provides a vibrant platform for young minds to engage with diverse voices, explore new perspectives, and express themselves with confidence. Such initiatives strengthen the academic environment by blending intellectual discourse with cultural enrichment, while supporting the holistic development of socially aware and culturally sensitive individuals.”
Featuring strong participation from Shoolini-affiliated authors, including motivational speaker Vivek Atray, Dr Ashoo Khosla, Director of the Coaching and Leadership Centre at Shoolini Payal Jindal Khanna and Professor of Practice Prabha Subramaniam, the festival highlighted a wide range of contemporary themes.
- The session on The Urban Future addressed pressing challenges facing Indian cities, including sustainable urban planning, ecological preservation, and the need for community-led development.
- Other discussions, such as Shimla at Crossroads, examined the balance between development and environmental conservation, while sessions on women, governance, and creativity explored perspectives on identity, leadership, and innovation in today’s context.
With the ethos of “stories are the glue of human connection,” the literature festival brought together the hill community. A student-driven team, supported by volunteers, played a central role in organising and managing the event. The festival also saw enthusiastic participation from local communities and schools, making it an inclusive cultural platform beyond the university campus.
With each edition, the Shoolini Literature Festival continues to evolve as a flagship platform for ideas, creativity, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the university’s focus on holistic and future-ready education.
