3rd Edition of 'Are You Lit?' Commemorates Storytelling and Literary Enthusiasm in Gurugram

The third edition of the literary festival Are You Lit? (AYL) came back to Gurugram on Saturday, gathering authors, students, and literature lovers to celebrate the power of storytelling to change lives. At a hotel in Sushant Lok 1, the two-day festival welcomed hundreds of Delhi-NCR visitors between 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM.

 

Co-founders Vineeta Jerath and Vishesh Prakash called Are You Lit? more than a literary festival—it is a "people's movement." Jerath was thrilled with the energetic participation on Day One, stating, "Students, authors, speakers—everyone came together with such heart. Day Two promises even more stories, connections, and inspiration."

 

One of the highlights of this year's festival was the launch of AYL Youth, a program with six Gurugram schools in activities aimed at creating a passion for literature among children. With the slogan Make literature a way of life, students expressed their passion through performances, discussions, and storytelling sessions. Topics covered were diversity in Colours of Spectrum, personal change in Life 2.0, and self-discovery through travel in Women Travel. A fireside conversation with scholar Aditi Misra explored the deep influence of language on values and learning.

 

The festival also included an interesting mix of speakers. Psychic and spiritual coach Dr. Manmit Kumar spoke about how to cope with the uncertainties of life with strength. Writer Amit Shankar discussed the long-lasting influence of storytelling with the audience.

 

Students at the event said they were thrilled to meet authors face-to-face. Pritish Mishra, a Class 10 student from Gurugram, said, "Normally when we discuss books, it's in a classroom or exam hall. But here, it was like a festival. I want to return every year."

 

With its emphasis on literary appreciation and substantive conversation, Are You Lit? remains a motivating site for honoring storytelling as a vital aspect of life.

 

Source: Hindustan Times