UK-based charity Vidyapath is organising London’s first Children’s Literary Festival bringing authors and stories from India to young audiences here.
The Literary Festival takes place on Sunday 24 June 2018 at the Swiss Cottage Library in north London. Suitable for children aged 3-18, the Festival will feature talks by famous authors and illustrators with a view to inspiring kids’ imagination and their joy of reading
and writing.
Speakers include:
-Shrabani Basu (author of the acclaimed book-turned-film Victoria and Abdul starring Judi
Dench)
-Chitra Soundar (author of over 30 children's books including the much-loved Farmer Falgu
series)
-Gillian Gamble (award-winning illustrator and author)
-Nayanika Mathwani (author of The Gory Story of Genghis Khan – amongst Amazon's
bestselling new releases, only after Percy Jackson)
-Sonal Sachdeva Patel and Jemma Wayne-Khattan (authors of Gita: The Battle of the
Worlds, a book with meditation and mental health tools for kids at its core, published by
Harper Collins)
Other highlights of the Festival include India-centric arts and crafts, performances based on Indian mythology, yoga and meditation for kids and Indian street food. It will also be showcasing WOKA – a new YouTube channel featuring short films for kids narrated by a
loving granny.
Vidya means knowledge, and Vidyapath is a UK-registered charity aimed at supporting the education of the underprivileged in India, giving them a chance at equal opportunities and a better living standard. The charity raises funds by promoting Indian art and culture in the
UK. Shivani Sethia, co-founder of Vidyapath said“Literary festivals are becoming increasingly popular in London and amongst kids. However, we found none that focussed on showcasing the rich Indian culture and the flourishing Indian literary world to kids. Furthermore, UK & London are home to many talented authors which allows us to promote UK Asian authors. We hope that the Vidyapath Children’s Literary Festival will become an annual focal point for kids from all walks of life to come together and feel inspired to read, write and immerse themselves in Indian culture. Funds raised from the Festival will support underprivileged children in India for whom reading and writing is a privilege and not a right.”
According to co-founder Pooja Maru: “Although only a year old, Vidyapath has had great success with past events such as book launches including Dr Shashi Tharoor’s Inglorious Empire; panel talks with the High Commissioner of India and other famous dignitaries; and a
Diwali Bazaar for children attended by over 400 guests. Through these events we have been able to support various schools in India, reaching almost 500 families through infrastructural development and individual child benefit support.”
The event takes place on Sunday 24 June, 11am to 5pm
Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 3HA
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