Special reading and signing session marks World Book Day in Shimla

Bibliophiles, acclaimed authors and young readers in Shimla celebrated World Book Day with a special book reading and signing session with journalist-turned-author Aditya Kant. The event, organised by the Keekli Charitable Trust, featured a special book reading and signing session with, following the recent release of his fictional work, ‘Ghosts, Horror and Hills’. The book is a compilation of supernatural fiction set in the mystical landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, blending local folklore with contemporary storytelling.

During an interactive session, Kant addressed the changing landscape of reading habits among Generation Z.

“It’s encouraging to see youngsters defying the notion that they lack the attention span for books,” Kant noted, adding that “While social media is often seen as a distraction, we must recognise that it is where this generation communicates and learns. Rather than telling them to log off, we should use social media campaigns to spread awareness about the profound benefits of reading.”

Kant also touched upon parental responsibility, suggesting that digital habits of children were often a reflection of the environment set by previous generations.

Young readers Maanika Sethi, Dia Chandel, Tamanna and Tarun Sharma shared their experiences with ‘Ghosts, Horror and Hills’ The discussion was enriched by insights from senior journalist Rajeev Khanna and Prof SN Ghosh from the Department of Psychology, Himachal Pradesh University, who spoke on the cognitive and creative processes involved in reading and writing.

Vandana Bhagra, founder and president of the Keekli Trust, expressed her delight at the turnout.