Day Two of the Dehradun Literature Festival Explores Culture and Identity

Conversations on literature, film, identity and education

The second day of the seventh edition of the Dehradun Literature Festival at Doon International School unfolded through conversations across literature, film, education and cultural expression under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – Voices of Unity.”

Having attended the second day in person, it was clear how the atmosphere carried a sense of shared purpose. Popular personalities, creators, students and readers filled the venue; the speakers and attendees felt like one community reflecting on ideas, experiences and stories.

The day opened with “Women in Power – Leading the Charge”, featuring Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in conversation with author Venu Agrahari Dhingra, moderated by Priyal Bhardwaj of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Delhi. Dhami spoke about the courage and responsibility that define the lives of Uttarakhand’s women and encouraged Agrahari Dhingra to document their journeys, remarking that their stories deserved to be shared widely. Reflecting on his own upbringing in a defence family, he spoke about the challenges faced by soldiers' households.

Dhami said the decade ahead would be significant for Uttarakhand, echoing remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Baba Kedar Dham. He referenced initiatives such as the Ujjwala Yojana, which he said had enabled thirteen crore women to access clean cooking gas. He noted the strengthening of self-help groups across the state. Addressing the young students present, he encouraged Gen Z to take an interest in political and national affairs, explaining that the country's work culture was shifting toward recognising hard work and honesty.

He added that leadership required gentleness in conduct and firmness in decision-making, and expressed a desire to see the daughters of Uttarakhand become leaders in various fields. He recalled the example of Bachendri Pal as a reminder of the heights that determination can reach.

Venu Agrahari Dhingra spoke about how women in positions of responsibility often become role models for others, mentioning President Draupadi Murmu as an example of resilience, dignity and hope. She said every woman who rises creates a path for another to follow. During the session, Dhami and First Lady Geeta Dhami launched her book Leading Ladies – The New Wave of Female Politicians.

In “Back to School – Memories, Stories and Nostalgia”, author Ajay Jain reflected on school life and the relationships among teachers, parents, and students. He spoke about how curiosity and guidance form the foundation of effective learning, rather than relying solely on technology.

Educationist and actor Swaroop Sampat Rawal joined H. S. Mann in “Education with a Heart – Rethinking the Indian Classroom”, exploring the evolving role of the learning environment. Poet-diplomat Abhay K and Murtaza Ali Khan continued the reflection on learning and identity in “The Eternal Classroom – India and the Globe”, where they discussed India’s knowledge traditions and their global resonance.

Independent musicians Osho Jain, Vedi Sinha, Buland Himalay and Nikhil Saklani spoke with RJ Sapna in “Mic Check – Indie Musicians Roundtable”. Anamika discussed her work Trin Dhari Ot with Nishtha Gautam and Prashant Kochhar in “Reclaiming Sita’s Narrative – Trin Dhari Ot”, followed by the launch of its English translation Sita’s Veil.

In “The Global Classroom – A Momentum of Collaboration and Compassion”, Ambassador of Spain to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, joined Abhay K and Saumya Kulshreshtha to discuss his book Momentum and the role of cultural collaboration.

Historian Sam Dalrymple examined partition narratives in “From Fracture to Continuum – The Many Partitions of Our Land”. Filmmaker and composer Vishal Bhardwaj reflected on poetry and cinema in “Of Metaphors and Melodies – Vishal Bhardwaj’s Poetry and Lyrics”. Bhardwaj shared that poetry had always been a feeling for him, something that could not be forced, and he referred to encounters with mentors such as Gulzar and Ambar that shaped his creative journey.

Singer Rekha Bhardwaj and Malini Awasthi discussed the roots of folk traditions in “Gaon, Ghar, Gaatha – The Folk Roots of India”. Actor Shefali Shah spoke with author Akshat Gupta in “The Woman in the Frame – Shefali Shah’s Cinema”, reflecting on her roles and the narratives she engages with.

Nandita Das, Adil Hussain and Leena Yadav joined Lakshmi Deb Roy in “The Alternate Act – Cinematic Storytelling with a Purpose”, exploring purposeful storytelling in cinema. Workshops such as Character Lab and Tiny Thinkers invited younger participants to engage with imagination and narrative-building.

Throughout the day, sessions examined history, identity and literature, including “The Labyrinth of History – Unearthing Narratives of Courage and Complexity”, “Tongues of Flame – Tales of Sufi Women”, “HerStory in Verse 3.0”, “Writing India – Mapping the Soul of a Nation” and “Urdu Hai Mera Naam”, each led by authors, historians and poets.

The day concluded with “From the Himalayas, With Love”, a musical performance by Osho Jain, Buland Himalay and Vedi Sinha.

Also read: The 7th Edition Of Dehradun Literature Festival Commences On Children's Day