Chandigarh Lit Fest showcases art, national pride

The Chandigarh Literary Society hosted the Chandigarh Lit Fest Literati – Spring Edition 2025 at the CII Headquarters, Sector 31, Chandigarh. The one-day festival, themed ‘A Festival of Ideas’, brought together authors, artists and intellectuals from across India for engaging discussions on literature, storytelling, emotional intelligence and national pride.

Dr Sumita Misra, chairperson of the society and festival director, opened the event, emphasising the festival’s role as a platform for both emerging and established voices. “Literati is not just a festival, it is a space where ideas and creativity merge to inspire,” she remarked.

The festival kicked off with a thought-provoking session, ‘Tears, Cheers & Fears: The Emotional Intelligence Survival Kit’. Speakers Aanchal Bedi, Shivam and Col Sunil Prem discussed the significance of emotional intelligence in navigating life’s challenges. Shivam highlighted the power of self-awareness, while Col Prem elaborated on how mastering emotional patterns unlocks human potential.

The session ‘Metaphors Be with You: The Power of Storytelling’ featured renowned authors Manju Jaidka and Neelkamal Puri, who discussed how metaphors enhance narratives. This was followed by ‘She-E-O: Leading with Grit & Grace’, where authors Lochan Narayanan and Amrita Tripathi explored the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership.

The highlight of the fest was the Chandigarh launch of Lt-Gen Satish Dua’s latest book, ‘Bravest of the Brave: The Inspiring Story of Naib Subedar Chunni Lal, AC, VrC, SM’. In conversation with Sunaina Jain, General Dua spoke about the extraordinary courage of India’s soldiers. He also reflected on his role in planning the Uri surgical strike and credited the then Defence Minister, Late Manohar Parrikar, for his swift decision-making.

The fest featured several engaging discussions on art and poetry, including ‘Aesthetics and Identity: Exploring Indian Art & Heritage’ with historian Alka Pande, and ‘For Better or Verse: Echoes and Emotions’, where poet Sudeep Sen discussed his book on climate change and human resilience.

Renowned photographer Raghu Rai shared insights from his career, emphasising the divine aspect of creativity. “If divinity is absent from creativity, then it’s all just business,” he stated.

The festival concluded with the launch of several books, including ‘Career Heist’, ‘I am a Soldier’s Wife - The Life and Love of Toni Lidder’ and ‘A Bejewelled Tiara’, leaving the audience enriched and inspired.