A CORRESPONDENT
BOKAKHAT: With the objective of fostering the development of children's literature and promoting contemporary literary thinking, the literary organization, Uttar Alap, organized a four-day discussion forum from July 5 to 8. Titled 'Children's Literature: Relevance, Directions, and Perspectives,' the event saw the participation of renowned children's writers from across the state.
On the first day, Dr Mrinal Kalita, recipient of the 2021 Children's Literature Academy Award, highlighted the role of children's and young adult literature in mental health protection through literature.
On the second day, Surendra Mohan Das, recipient of the 2025 Children's Literature Academy Award, shared farsighted perspectives on linguistic accuracy, proper usage of spelling, and the interconnectedness of literature.
On the third day, Jugal Lochan Das, recipient of the 2018 Children's Literature Academy Award and Editor of the magazine Chotalar Pokhila Alochoni, shed light on the potential and future of investigative children's literature. Trinayan Rajkhowa of Rangman Comics shared his personal experiences in the field.
On the final day, July 8, Bandita Phukan, the 2011 recipient of the Children's Literature Academy Award and Assam's first female mechanical engineer, participated as the keynote speaker. She delivered a well-thought-out speech focusing particularly on science fiction, scientific thinking, and countering superstitions. She emphasized the need to connect science with children's literature.
The event's overall coordination, certificate drafting, and organizational responsibilities were primarily handled by founding member Sankalpajit Saikia. Others who actively contributed to the event's success included Kukikalpita Bora, Hemanta Bora, Harishjyoti Bora, Jikmik Gogoi, Bidisha Kakoti, Satyajit Saikia, Ildujyoti Dutta, Sneha Bora, Kashyap Gogoi, and Akangksha Dutta.
The programme was presided over by Uttar Alap President Konkita Devi, with welcome remarks by Joint Secretary Bidisha Kakoti and the certificate citation read by Vice-President Narendra Saikia.
Literature enthusiasts from various parts of the state were present at the event, enhancing its richness.
It is believed that through this discussion forum, a conscious intellectual platform has been established around the relevance, potential, and future of children's literature. Uttar Alap's thoughtful initiative is expected to further encourage and energize the field of children's literature.
Earlier, Uttar Alap had successfully organized several online competitions such as Pratidhwani (a poetry recitation contest), Kabyanjali (a poetry writing competition), and Inkgnite (an essay writing competition).
The organization also announced that it would host the second edition of the higher secondary level quiz competition Chintan 2 later in 2025 in Jorhat.
Also Read: Symposium held on ‘Assamese Children’s Literature: Prospects and Challenges’
Also Watch: