The 7th Edition of NCLF was flagged off in KiiT International School on 9th November, 2019. With over 500 students from across the state and outside, the inauguration crackled with anticipation and excitement, as budding authors, illustrators and literary entertainers sat listening to the dignitaries on the dais.
Dr. Mona Lisa Bal, Chairperson, KiiT International School welcomed the authors and encouraged the participants to engage with the litterateurs wholeheartedly. “These two days at NCLF will be a favorite tick mark in your life calendars a meaningful experience and perhaps, you will know yourself better. Fiction augments reality innately for us, human beings. So explore that world of fiction and fantasy with imagination and communication”, she stated.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Member of Parliament and Founder, KIIT and KISS graced the Inaugural Function. In his address, he said that NCLF reflects the KIIT philosophy of educational statesmanship as we envisioned an exclusive literary meet for teenagers, and seven years later, we are still the only organization that hosts a literary fest for young emerging adults. Kloud 9, which is presenting this fest is an international literary magazine for children that is published by KiiT International School with Mr. Ruskin Bond, as its Chief Editor.
He also mentioned that NCLF is a platform for blurring barriers of experiential learning between privileged children and the underprivileged tribal students of KISS. “Creativity and imagination is not the preserve of the rich and the fortunate. Opportunity and exposure is what brings out the best in all”, added Dr. Samanta.
Mrs. Vaijayanti Tonpe, a children’s author by choice in her brief address said that Indian writing in English is poised to come of age and festival like NCLF provide the ideal platform to help children shrug off the burden of imitation and emerge out of the shadows of ‘English writers’ and find their niche, by being true to their identity.