Inauguration of Vadodara Literature Festival by Shabana Azmi at Parul University
Actress and social activist Shabana Azmi recently graced the Parul University campus in Vadodara, Gujarat to inaugurate the Vadodara Literature Festival. The two-day event, organized by the Faculty of Liberal Arts in collaboration with I.I.M.U.N, brought together writers, poets, authors, and teachers from the literary world to engage in conversations related to the art of writing, storytelling, and literature. The festival aimed to foster the art of literature and promote regional languages by providing translations.
Shabana Azmi, a renowned actress, social activist, and Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan Awardee, addressed the audience during an interactive panel discussion on a range of topics, including India, religions, and inclusivity in today’s culture. She spoke about the purpose of literature, which she believes is to provoke, and highlighted the importance of extreme freedom in writing. She expressed her respect for the written word and praised the involvement of young individuals and students in the functioning of the literature festival.
During her visit to the campus, Shabana Azmi shared her inspirational journey in the world of literature with the students. She also spoke about her contribution to the Indian film industry, having acted in over 160 films, and her experience as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund. The veteran actress has received several accolades for her exceptional creativity, including National Film Awards for Best Actress, and is a former nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.
Objectives and significance of the Vadodara Literature Festival at Parul University
The Faculty of Liberal Arts, one of the prominent faculties at Parul University, aims to develop problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities in students. The curriculum focuses on enhancing students’ engagement in contemporary issues that can improve society and positively impact humanity. The Vadodara Literature Festival is the flagship event of the faculty, which aims to encourage students and young individuals to appreciate literature and develop an intellectually critical and analytical mindset.
In addition to the literature festival, Parul University also hosted the Vadodara Film and Design Festival (VFDF), which featured 200 short films from India and around the world. The festival was inaugurated by renowned director Vivek Agnihotri, who shared his insights and experiences with the audience. During his address, Agnihotri spoke about his blockbuster film ‘The Kashmir Files’ and how he was inspired to make the movie. He also talked about the challenges he faced while promoting his movies in Bollywood and encouraged students to express themselves through their art and stand up for their nation through their artistic expressions.
The Vadodara Literature Festival and the Vadodara Film and Design Festival provided a platform for students and young individuals to engage with and appreciate the art of literature and film. The festivals also allowed them to interact with renowned figures from the literary and film world and gain valuable insights into their experiences and perspectives.
The Vadodara Literature Festival and Vadodara Film and Design Festival are two significant events that have been organized by the Parul University to foster the art of literature and cinema. The festivals have brought together prominent figures from the literary and film world, including Shabana Azmi and Vivek Agnihotri, who have shared their insights and experiences with the audience.
The events aimed to encourage students and young individuals to appreciate literature and develop a critical and analytical mindset. Such initiatives help in promoting the importance of liberal arts education and nurturing creativity and leadership abilities among the students. Overall, the festivals have been successful in their objectives of fostering the art of literature and cinema and providing a platform for artists and students to engage in meaningful conversations related to their craft.
