The world of books has been educative, entertaining and sensitive. Kautik’s coordination with the book is important from the point of view that along with books, people can get acquainted with various information related to literature, culture, drama, theatre, career counseling. This was an important initiative, especially for the school children of the marginal district Pithoragarh, whose presence and participation emerged prominently in this fair, which remain confined to school education only.
After Tanakpur, Champawat, Bageshwar, this three-day event of Kitab Kautik was held in Pithoragarh on July 4, 5, 6 in the newly constructed municipality building under the aegis of District Administration Pithoragarh and Kitab Kautik (Coordinator Hem Pant).
The main inauguration of the program was done by the District Magistrate, Pithoragarh Mrs. Reena Joshi. The inauguration program was completed by the District Panchayat President Mrs. Deepika Bora, Municipal President Mr. Rajendra Rawat and Chief Development Officer Mr. Vaibhav Chowdhary.
On the first day of the event, experts interacted directly with the children. In which senior journalist Naveen Joshi (Lucknow), IAS Devesh Shashani (SDM Dharchula), President’s awardee Mr. Lalit Pokharia (Theater), well-known writer Ashok Pandey, young scientist Sanjay Upadhyay, wildlife expert Rajesh Bhatt, Shantanu Shukla, experts from Lucknow and Prayagraj, headmaster Neeraj Pant went to selected schools and presented literature to school children, direct dialogues were held and information was given on topics like environment, theatrical mode, career counseling etc. In the evening, the play “On the other side of Hatmala” was successfully staged by Kumar Kailash. Kumar Kailash who is a recipient of “Ustad Bismillah Khan” award by Natya Akademi Government of India and is the founder and director of “Bhav Raga Taal Natya Akademi”.
The next day, on this occasion, many books including information on Uttarakhand were made available for sale by many publishers. In which all kinds of literature were made available according to the interest of the readers including Himalayan studies, spirituality, tourism, science, history, children’s literature.
A program of direct interaction with invited writers and litterateurs was organized on 5th July. In which Dr. Shekhar Pathak, Badri Dutt Kasaniyal, Mr. SP Semwal, Dr. Ashok Pant, Mr. Naveen Joshi, Dr. Hema Uniyal, Mr. Ashok Pandey, Mr. Siddheshwar Singh, Pratibha Katiyar, Anil Kumar Yadav, Dr. Deep Chowdhary etc. were present. Interacted with them – Mr. Dinesh Bhatt, Mr. Rajeev Joshi, Mr. Umesh Pant, Mr. Mahendra Rawat, Deepti Bhatt, Mr. Mahesh Punetha, Mr. Mohan Joshi. Nainital news editor Mr. Rajeev Lochan Sah, independent journalist Mr. Jagmohan Rautela were involved in it.
Senior journalist Mr. Badri Dutt Kasaniyal and Prof. Shekhar Pathak delivered his lecture on the topic “Pithoragarh’s Glorious History and Future Prospects” in the first session. On the topic “Importance of local language in elementary education”, Shri S. P. Semwal, Dr. Ashok Pant, senior writer, journalist Mr. Naveen Joshi, who came from Lucknow on the subject of “Pahar in Hindi fiction”, Mr. Siddheshwar Singh on the subject of “Hindi literature of Uttarakhand in the 21st century”, Pratibha Katiyar on “Education and Literature”, “Kisan movement of Ascot” Ashok Pandey, Anil Kumar Yadav on the topic “Literature, Nomad and Travel Writing” by Dr. Deep Chowdhary, Dr. Hema Uniyal on the topic “Manaskhand New Context” presented their views.
The various activities of the event included a visit to Kaushalya Devi Temple (Hudaiti) to Pithoragarh under “Nature Walk”. It included herbal demonstrations by Rajesh Bhatt (bird watching) and Dr. BS Kalakoti, Botanist and former Director, Medical Health (Uttarakhand) ) Information on the need of blood donation, eye donation and organ donation was provided by Dr. Lalit Mohan Upreti.
During the second session, children from about 25 schools enthusiastically participated in cultural programs, painting competition, aipan competition, poetry recitation, photography, painting competition, telescope study and other activities.
During this, along with the release of many important books, the book “Neyoli Kalam – Pithoragarh” was released, in which 125 self-written articles / poems etc. of the school children of Pithoragarh district have been published.
About 10 new books were released by the invited guests. Chholiya dance by GIC Bhakatiya and Hiljatra by Manas Academy were impressive.
Around 25 poets invited from local and outside presented their works in the “Kavi Sammelan”. Everyone was honored.
Folk singers Prahlad Mehra, Kailash Kumar, Govind Digari and “Naad Bhed Team” presented pleasing songs in the cultural evening.
For diversity in the program, information related to astronomy was given to children and people with modern telescopes by Nakshatra, Almora. Azim Premji Foundation displayed models easily explaining the principles of science.
Mrs. Pushpa Fartyal, who had come from the city gate, beautifully depicted traditional costumes and daily activities of women through puppets.
Handicraft exhibition was put up by local young aipan artist Mrs. Yamini and Kavita Khadayat.
Pictures of Pithoragarh district’s special festivals, folk traditions, natural scenes etc. were presented as a memento, in which selected photos of 20 local photographers were taken.
This three-day event was a coordinated beautiful event by the district administration and the Kitab Kautik team.
