Chandigarh, 20 August: Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women and the Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, inaugurated a two-day Literature Festival, bringing together writers, scholars, students and literature enthusiasts from across the region for a vibrant confluence of storytelling, culture and conversation. The inaugural session, which set the tone for two days of literary engagement, was presided over by Prof. Meenu Gupta, Chairperson, Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, and Ms. Neena Sharma, Officiating Principal, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, at the college.
The event was attended by Prof. Akshay Kumar, Dr. Sumandeep Kaur and Dr. Jaidev Bishnoi from the Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, along with faculty members and students of the host college, faculty members from various city colleges, research scholars and students. The morning’s first literary session featured Dr. Neel Kamal Puri discussing her book ‘In The Sky: A Chandigarh Chronicle’, a work that revisits the city’s evolving identity, in conversation with Dr. Sukhpreet Bhatia, Associate Professor, Department of English, MCM DAV College. The post-tea session spotlighted Dr. Sakoon Singh and her novel ‘Fourteen Springs of Separation’, with an engaging discussion on memory, migration and belonging moderated by Dr. Sunaina Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of English, MCM DAV College. In the post-lunch session, the discussion continued with Mr. Santosh K. Singh’s ‘The Deras: Culture, Diversity and Politics’, which examined the socio-religious institutions of Punjab and their intersections with identity and power, in dialogue with Dr. Sumandeep Kaur from Panjab University. The day concluded with a spellbinding performance by Team Rabtaa, presenting Dastangoi- the traditional art of storytelling. The captivating blend of oral narrative and dramatic flourish enthralled the audience and brought the first day of the festival to a memorable close. The campus also remained abuzz with stalls showcasing books, photographs, posters, artefacts and food items, adding to the festive literary atmosphere.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Neena Sharma said that literature has the unique power to connect people, cultures and generations by opening spaces for dialogue, reflection and empathy. She added that this festival is a celebration of that power, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives in an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and creative expression.