ACTIVITIES

Himali Upasana Isai Kala Sanrakshan Samity (HUIKSS) and Kalimpong Christian Library Host Creative Writing Workshop 

Kalimnews, Kalimpong, 23 May 2024: To rekindle interest in reading and writing, a one-day creative writing workshop was organized at the Worship Center in Kalimpong. The event aimed to generate enthusiasm for both reading and writing and to enhance participants' writing skills.

Jointly organized by the Kalimpong Christian Library and Himali Upasana Isai Kala Sarakshan Samity (Upasana Production), the workshop featured training in creative writing and translation, including essay writing, article writing, poetry, and short stories.

Seventy participants, ranging from young to old, took part in the workshop. According to the organizing committee, the high turnout was encouraging for smaller organizations.

Resource persons provided training on key aspects of writing, from initiating and developing writing skills to pursuing writing as a profession. Rev. Solon Karthak, a renowned travelogue author, shared insights from his experiences in his keynote address on reading and creative writing.

Author Dr. Anjana Rai discussed writing articles and essays, while editor and writer Elder Raju Rai focused on short story writing. Poet and lyricist Ujjwal Prakash Bomjan covered poetry, and Dr. Abrona Lee Pandi from the English Department at Sikkim University explained creative writing and translation in a detailed and engaging manner.

To practice what they learned, participants took part in a writing competition in both English and Nepali, covering the genres of essay, short story, poetry, and translation. Book prizes were awarded for the best entries, and certificates were distributed to all participants. Feedback indicated that the workshop was both helpful and informative.

Awards:

• Essay Writing (English): Edwin Rezom Aden
• Essay Writing (Nepali): Sunita Lama
• Short Story (English): Sharon Shreya Rai
• Short Story (Nepali): Tabita Sarki
• Poetry (English): Legain Phipon
• Poetry (Nepali): Grace Pakhrin Pulami
• Translation (English): Ananya Bomjan
• Translation (Nepali): Nurzong Lepcha

The workshop was conducted by Assistant Professor Anukampa Subba, Head of the English Department at Kalimpong College, and began with a welcome address by Rev. J.S. Caleb Subba and a prayer by President Rev. Ruel Pakhrin. It concluded with the announcement of winners by Jeenat Mary Lepcha and a vote of thanks by Rev. Lochan Kabo.

During the event, KCL Secretary Yangden S. Ghising spoke about the Kalimpong Christian Library, and film director Gyan Gurung provided information about an upcoming film by Himali Upasana Isai Kala Sankarsan Samiti (Upasana Production).