The eighth day of the Doon Book Festival witnessed an inspiring blend of enthusiasm and creative energy at the Children’s Pavilion, where more than 1,200 students participated in various activities. The day began with an interactive storytelling session by Subhash Rawat, where the story “Meera and the Lion” sparked children’s imagination. This was followed by the “Magic of Voice” voiceover workshop by Himmat Singh Negi, who introduced children to the world of voice, teaching them techniques such as voice modulation, microphone usage, and pronunciation.

In the “Stories that Inspire Change” session, conducted by the Rashtriya-e-Pustakalaya, children worked in groups to create their own stories and characters. The day concluded with the “From Waste to Wow” session by the Bisleri team, where children learned about recycling plastic waste and its creative reuse.

At the Doon Lit Fest, in a thought-provoking session, Nitin Seth, CEO and Co-founder of Incedo, shared his insights on the importance of Artificial Intelligence. The session was moderated by Colonel Ajay K. Raina, author and military historian. Emphasizing that AI can no longer be ignored, Seth stated that the future is closely linked to this technology. He highlighted the importance of learning and understanding AI to leverage its benefits across sectors, while also acknowledging that every technology has two sides and urging focus on its positive applications.

In another session on “Literature, Culture and Art,” author Sadhana Balwate, in conversation with Ketki Nayak, spoke about the role of culture, values and collective well-being in addressing mental stress among today’s generation. She emphasized the deep interconnection between literature, art, and culture, and their significant role in shaping society.
Sadhana Balwate also stressed the need for small but meaningful steps to cultivate reading habits among students and shared practical suggestions in this regard. Citing examples from the Ramayana, she explained how the spirit of democracy has been an integral part of Indian culture since ancient times. She also elaborated on books published under the PM-YUVA scheme by the National Book Trust, India.
The day concluded with a cultural programme featuring a captivating performance by singer Karishma Shah. Her melodious voice mesmerized the audience, filling the atmosphere with musical charm as the applause continued long after her performance.

The final day of the Doon Book Festival 2026 on Sunday promises to be equally engaging, with special attractions lined up. At the Children’s Pavilion, creative writing and Phool Dei workshops will offer children an opportunity to explore their imagination. The festival will conclude with a grand performance by the renowned fusion music band Shanka Tribe, known for their distinctive musical style.

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