Abhivyakti 4.0 — a three-day literary festival organized by the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) — concluded on a vibrant note on Sunday, celebrating the resilience, creativity, and intellectual depth that literature brings to society. Held in Chandigarh, this fourth edition of Abhivyakti attracted luminaries from the literary, military, and cultural fields, who engaged audiences with inspiring conversations and thought-provoking discussions.
The festival's final day kicked off with an insightful keynote address by renowned author Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai, who highlighted the essential elements of writing and the importance of fostering a reading culture. “Each of us has a story to tell,” Dr Pillai shared with the audience, urging aspiring writers to explore beyond textbooks and embrace storytelling in all its forms. “India is a nation of multilingual readers, yet most read only textbooks. We need to inspire people to read more diverse content,” he added, underscoring the need to broaden literary horizons across the country.
Following this, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar unveiled ‘General’s Jottings’ — a new book by Lieutenant General (retired) Kamaljit Singh. The book reflects on Singh’s experiences in the military, offering insights into leadership, service, and the personal reflections of a decorated officer.
One of the highlights of the day was an engaging dialogue between former diplomat Navtej S Sarna and veteran journalist Vipin Pubby. Sarna, India’s former Ambassador to the United States and author of acclaimed novels ‘The Exile’ and ‘Crimson: A Novel’, shared his experiences and challenges in writing historical fiction.
Reflecting on his approach, Sarna discussed the delicate balance of fact and fiction, particularly when weaving narratives around historical figures like Udham Singh and Maharaja Duleep Singh. “Distorting history is a risky endeavour,” Sarna noted, adding, “I have been careful to stay true to facts while using fiction only to bridge the unknowns”.
The event’s second half featured dynamic panel discussions, resonating with the festival’s theme of rekindling the love for reading. Journalist Soni Sangwan moderated a discussion titled “Rekindling the Habit of Reading”, featuring panelists Ajay Jain, Vandana Palli, and Saguna Jain, who shared insights into the evolving reading habits of the youth and strategies to inspire a generation accustomed to digital media.
Another lively session, “Digital Narratives: Storytelling in the Age of Screens”, moderated by Ambreen Zaidi, brought together experts Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, Gunjan Mishra, Amrinder Maan, and retired Major Nithi CJ. The panel examined the impact of digitalization on storytelling, discussing how writers and creators must adapt to an age where narratives are crafted for screens and often consumed in snippets.
Jyoti Malhotra, The Tribune’s Editor-in-Chief, delivered the festival's closing remarks, emphasizing the vital role literature plays in shaping society. Sharing her own journey as a journalist, she spoke passionately about the challenges and rewards of a career in media, especially as a female leader in the field.
The closing ceremony, filled with cultural vibrance, featured a medley of regional dances performed by Patiala's North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), leaving the audience captivated. Shuchi Katiyar, Regional President of AWWA, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the speakers, guests, and organizers who made Abhivyakti 4.0 an unforgettable experience.
