Shiv Nadar University, Delhi- NCR, successfully concluded the Crooked Lines literature Festival, which also featured the prize-giving ceremony for the National Crooked Lines Short Story Competition for young writers. The event was organised by Department of English, School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Shiv Nadar University, with the objective to encourage literary creativity and providing a platform for young writers to showcase their talent. This vibrant celebration of storytelling attracted some of the brightest young literary minds, solidifying Shiv Nadar University’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers and thinkers in India’s creative landscape.
The event brought together some of the most distinguished figures in contemporary literature, including Prof. Sam North, an award-winning novelist and scriptwriter, and Associate Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Exeter (UK), Jerry Pinto, acclaimed Sahitya Akademi and Windham-Campbell awardee, and Rashmi Menon, Executive Editor at HarperCollins India. Their presence not only elevated the festival’s stature but also provided invaluable insights and inspiration to the young writers in attendance, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas between seasoned literary experts and emerging talent.
Prof. Vikram Kapur, Professor and Head, Department of English, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi- NCR said, “Literature has the power to inspire and transform, and this year we have successfully provided young minds with a platform to shine in their creative pursuits. This year’s event has been a resounding success, and we are honoured to have hosted such literary stalwarts as Prof. Sam North and Jerry Pinto, whose insights into the world of writing have greatly inspired our students.”
The event witnessed over 200 attendees and was filled with lively discussions, captivating performances, and prize-giving ceremony. More than 260 participants from schools across the country, including students from Bombay Scottish (Mumbai), The Cathedral and John Connon School (Mumbai), La Martiniere Girls College (Lucknow), the Shri Ram School (Aravali), Heritage School (Kolkata), and National Public School (Bangalore), took part in the Crooked Lines Short Story Competition. Writers of the top 30 longlisted stories were invited to the campus with their chaperones to take part in the literature festival. The top three winners—Kriti Daga, of Greenwood High Sarjapur, Bangalore, Pragya Rathore,of University of Delhi and Pavni Pandey of City Montessori School, Lucknow—were awarded a combined prize of one lakh rupees by the distinguished jury.
In a memorable highlight of this year’s literary fest, Jerry Pinto reflecting on the journey of becoming a writer said, “There is only one way to become a writer, and it’s called the road of drafts—keep writing again and again until you get it right. Events like these remind us that storytelling is a collective journey, where each voice is unique. I wish everyone the delight of peeling away their influences and finding their own true voice along the way.”
The festival concluded with a captivating cultural evening, highlighted by a screening and discussion of Wes Anderson’s The Fantastic Mr. Fox, presented by the university’s vibrant literary society Trivium as part of their Adaptations movie screening series. The performance received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from attendees, underscoring the festival’s success in deepening appreciation for both literature and the arts. Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR remains committed to hosting such enriching events that celebrate creativity, foster community engagement, and inspire intellectual growth. With this festival as a cornerstone, the university looks forward to hosting future initiatives that will continue to nurture and elevate the next generation of creative minds.
