Hyderabad Literary Festival
I was at loss for words when Dr Urvi Desai the founder of Exo-Galaxy invited me to conduct a workshop at the Hyderabad Literature Festival. Without much hesitation I immediately agreed. Who would pass on such a wonderful opportunity?
The days leading to my workshop were filled with enthusiasm and excitement. This was the first time I was doing something without fully realizing who my audience were. It could be anyone, and my presentation had to be flexible.
On the day of the Fest itself, true to my identity from Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, I wore a peacock green salwar and kept some jasmine flowers on my hair. My dupatta even had a Jalikattu bull printed on it to represent my state.
I was a bit nervous at first because most of the audience seated were adults and part of my workshop was filled with fun activities. But this was not a day when the adults disappointed. They all took part in the activities including colouring the wild gaur.
In my session I spoke about my own work and stories. I also asked the audience to think about what stories they might write based on what they see, notice and observe. After all, the most difference is made when you can write about things that you see in your immediate locality and share the stories that only you can and no one else can based on your experiences.
I would say the workshop was a success and being a part of the HLF crowd was simply electric!
