Today, various significant literary sessions were organized at the Doon Book Fest as part of the ‘Doon Lit Fest.’ In the first session, author Brijesh Desai shared his insights regarding his book, *Modi’s Mission*. During his session, he engaged in a detailed discussion covering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s childhood, education, and early life. Speaking during a dialogue session with Indian author, screenwriter, and columnist Advaita Kala, Brijesh Desai remarked, “Fifty years from now, when history is written, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be truly evaluated.”
In the second session of the Doon Lit Fest, Kulpreet Yadav discussed the lesser-known aspects of the Freedom Struggle of 1857. During a dialogue session with Colonel R.S. Sidhu, author Kulpreet Yadav recounted the saga of the Battle of Rezang La and the valor displayed by the Indian Army. During the discussion, he shared several untold stories regarding his book, *The Battle of Narnaul*, and the heroism of Rao Tula Ram.
Renowned author and Advaita teacher Acharya Prashant shared profound insights on truth, self-realization, and fundamental questions of life through his session titled ‘Truth Without Apology.’ He engaged in a detailed discussion on finding a balance between joy and sorrow amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, understanding relationships, and the art of living. Discussing the impact of AI, he stated, “AI is merely a tool; people will utilize it in exactly the same manner as they have utilized other resources thus far.”
At the ‘Children’s Corner,’ the day’s programs for children concluded with immense enthusiasm and creative energy. Approximately 700 students delighted in a Korean folktale narrated by storyteller Somali Rawat, which transported them into a new realm of imagination. Subsequently, the ‘Nest Man of India,’ Rakesh Khatri, conveyed a message of environmental conservation by teaching children how to build nests for birds, while at Jyoti Joshi’s ‘Aipan Art Workshop,’ children brought to life the beautiful hues of Uttarakhand’s traditional folk art. Filled with activities such as the ‘Color Me Corner’ and ‘Art and Craft,’ the day proved to be a memorable experience of both learning and entertainment for the children. A unique confluence of literature and emotion was witnessed during the session titled ‘Poetry Recitation by Renowned Poets of Uttarakhand,’ held as part of the Dehradun Literature Festival. The program commenced with a melodious *Saraswati Vandana* (hymn to the Goddess of Knowledge) by Mrs. Archana Jha, who subsequently presented a song brimming with energy and optimism—titled ‘Mit Jayega Andhera’ (The Darkness Will Fade)—followed by a poignant composition dedicated to soldiers. Following her, poetess Ruchi Bahuguna Uniyal deeply moved the audience with a vivid portrayal of the struggles and indomitable spirit of the women of the hills through her poem titled ‘Pahad Ki Auraten’ (Women of the Mountains).
Presiding over the event, the distinguished poet Mr. Buddhinath Mishra elevated the session to new heights with his timeless verses. He captivated the audience with his celebrated compositions, notably ‘Paras Patthar’ (The Philosopher’s Stone) and other works centered on the beauty of nature. Skillfully coordinated by Mr. Kamlesh Pandey ‘Pushp’ from the Editorial Department (Hindi) of the National Book Trust, India, this session effectively provided a platform for showcasing Uttarakhand’s rich literary heritage and poetic consciousness.
The festival’s cultural evening featured an enchanting live performance of Sufi and classical fusion music by the ‘Wumaniya Band,’ which proved to be a major highlight and a special attraction for the audience.
In the days ahead, the Doon Book Festival 2026 will continue to host a diverse array of literary sessions, book discussions, cultural programs, and dialogues, which are expected to remain key attractions for readers and literature enthusiasts alike. In this same vein, tomorrow’s schedule promises to be particularly significant, featuring a special session with the renowned film director Imtiaz Ali, as well as interactions with the audience by Colonel R.S. Sidhu and Brigadier Suyash Sharma. The evening cultural session will feature performances by two prominent bands: the ‘Manganiyar’—a community of traditional folk musicians hailing from Rajasthan’s Thar Desert (primarily Barmer and Jaisalmer)—will weave the magic of their art, while the band ‘Rahnuma Live’ will make the evening truly memorable with their musical performance.
