Bhubaneswar: Popular Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey’s presence at the inaugural ceremony of the 11th National Children’s Literary Festival (NCLF) 2025 not only provided star appeal but also added to the excitement of the audience.
The NCLF, which has drawn students from across India for a celebration of imagination, creativity and storytelling, opened on a colourful and spirited note on Saturday.
KIIT & KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta declared the festival open, encouraging young participants to embrace curiosity and creativity as they are the future.
“You excite us,” Samanta told the students, emphasising that the festival was conceived exclusively for children.
He noted that India hosts numerous literary festivals, but none of those was dedicated solely to young readers and writers when KIIT International School launched its own.
“We were the first to have a children’s literary festival, and we have made it bigger every year. In 2016, we added ‘national’ to it because your imagination does not recognise borders,” Samanta said.
He advised students to maintain discipline, listen carefully to every speaker and cultivate the habit of reading and writing. “The internet alone will not help you. That’s why we introduced children’s literature,” Samanta added.
Massey talked about his journey and success. “Success never stands alone & Gen Z is the most fearless generation I have seen,” the ‘12th Fail’ actor said.
Renowned author Koral Dasgupta and ex-Team India spinner Harbhajan Singh also graced the occasion.
Monalisa Bal, Chairperson of KIIT International School and Editor of KloudNine, said the festival holds a “special place” for everyone associated with the institution as it nurtures creativity and diverse perspectives among young minds.
“In today’s world, where everything moves at the speed of notifications, I often find myself asking: Are we losing touch with the quiet beauty of words? But then I remind myself and all of you that literature is not dying. It is simply waiting. Waiting to be rediscovered, reinterpreted, and re-loved by this incredible generation sitting in front of me,” she added.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of the digital edition of the school magazine KloudNine by Samanta.
