A two-day ‘FLO Word Fest’ was successfully concluded here at the Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. Such an innovative fest presented with it an array of Gujarati, Hindi and English language books in the precious presence of the budding as well as established authors of various genres hailing from different backgrounds. The Word Fest literally brought with it an incredible trove of books ranging from children’s books to fiction and non-fiction books, among others.
On the second day of the fest, various writers came up with their unique works, thoughts and ideas only to present before the curious audiences. A well-known Gujarati author who has many credits under his belt, Mr. Manhar Oza successfully carried out a Story Writing Workshop for Underprivileged Kids. An entrepreneur Mr. Abhishek Jain with his vast understanding of the business of films and as filmmakers wonderfully conducted a session titled, ‘Entrepreneurship in the Entertainment Industry’.
Another speaker was Ms. Koral Dasgupta whose work largely reflects gender studies, art, myth and eco-critical literature fittingly enlightened the context of ‘Who Am I? Women’s Journey from Myth to Modernity.’ As an Indian- Jew herself, Ms. Esther David who usually documents the life and experiences of Jews in India through her books spoke on Heritage and the Indian Jewish Cuisine.
Add to more, Raag Sethi’s performance bedazzled the audiences while Meera Desai in her The Meera Desai Quartet rejuvenated and soothed the senses of audiences with their soulful music and made an evening quite meaningful.
Priya Narayana, Utkarsh Patel and Kevin Missal gave sensible talks on Mythological Characters and Their Relevance. And Lastly, a well-known Gujarati author Dr. Nimit Oza expressed his valuable views on ‘WHY, How and What of Creativity’ in Gujarati.
Commenting on the ‘FICCI Word Fest’, spokesperson of FICCI FLO said, “ The ‘FICCI Word Fest’ covered quite a many interesting aspects and genres related to art and literature coupled with meaningful discussions that made the whole fest a worth attending event. We are proud to have such talented and creative people on our soil who have really made a difference by presenting their unique work of art, ideas and approach towards their literary forte.”
“We’re overjoyed to have received a staggering response from the book-lovers of Ahmedabad city as well. Our main aim was to equip people with the wonderful reading materials to people of all age groups including the youth which was rightly fulfilled. What’s more, our ‘Book Exchange Drive’ also garnered great response, collecting more than 1200 books that will be distributed to prison inmates, old age homes and mobile libraries in deprived areas, “ he added.
In the FICCI FLO Word Fest, many writers got a suitable platform to market their books at the Gujarat Publishers’ Book Stall which turned out to be a unique opportunity of Vocal for Local to all authors. The Fest interestingly encouraged youth to develop reading habits and duly encouraged budding writers, poets and literary figures at any unprecedented level.
