Shiv Nadar University’s Crooked Lines Festival Celebrates Emerging Writers, Promotes Literary Tourism and Engages Young Creatives with a Strong Focus on Storytelling and Innovation

The third edition of the Crooked Lines Literature Festival, held at Shiv Nadar University in Delhi-NCR, has concluded with a strong turnout from young writers and attendees alike, marking the event as a cultural milestone in the Indian literary scene. A day filled with readings, discussions, and awards, this festival celebrated emerging literary voices, fostered creativity, and provided a platform for school students and young adults to engage with some of the brightest minds in literature. The festival not only spotlighted the talents of young writers but also contributed to the broader narrative of literary tourism in India, driving both local and regional interest in the cultural offerings of Greater Noida and its educational institutions.

The event, organised by the Department of English at Shiv Nadar University under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, centred around the Crooked Lines Short Story Competition, which had garnered significant interest from across the country. The competition, open to school students, attracted 450 submissions from aspiring writers, with the winners being awarded a combined prize of Rs 1,00,000. Through this festival, the university has successfully created a space where young writers can showcase their work, learn from established authors and creative minds, and connect with their peers in a supportive environment.

The Growing Role of Literature Festivals in Indian Tourism

Literary festivals, such as the Crooked Lines Festival, have become a significant part of India’s cultural tourism sector. With a growing number of festivals across the country, including in Delhi, Jaipur, and Kolkata, India is becoming a global hub for literary tourism. These events provide a unique opportunity for travellers to engage with authors, attend creative workshops, and experience the local culture in a way that few other types of tourism offer.

Shiv Nadar University’s Crooked Lines Festival not only served as an important platform for young writers but also played a role in enhancing tourism in Greater Noida, drawing visitors from around India. The festival attracts attendees to the campus, many of whom come specifically for the event, and provides opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the influx of visitors. Hotels, restaurants, and other local attractions see an increase in footfall as tourists extend their stays to participate in the various activities surrounding the festival.

The student-focused event helps diversify the tourism profile of the region, offering cultural experiences that attract both the local community and visitors from different parts of India. These types of cultural engagements, especially ones centered on creativity and literature, are becoming increasingly important as people seek more meaningful travel experiences. For Greater Noida, an area typically associated with educational institutions, these festivals are creating a new identity for the city—a cultural hotspot that goes beyond the usual tourist destinations.

The Crooked Lines Short Story Competition: Empowering Emerging Writers

One of the major highlights of the festival was the Crooked Lines Short Story Competition, which saw a substantial number of entries from young students across India. With a prize pool of Rs 1,00,000, the competition not only attracted budding writers but also helped them gain exposure to a larger audience. The top three winners—Krishnam Kapila, Akshita Ganesh, and Zaina Ahmed—received recognition during a ceremony that underscored the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the literary world.

The festival provided valuable mentorship opportunities for these writers, as they interacted with well-known figures in contemporary literature and the arts. Many of the festival’s sessions included discussions on the creative process, the challenges faced by young writers, and the future of authorship in a digital age. By giving young talent a platform to showcase their work and connect with established authors, the festival plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Indian storytellers.

As part of the university’s broader commitment to literary excellence, the Crooked Lines Festival serves as a vital link in the chain that connects young writers to the broader literary community. This is particularly important in a country where emerging voices can often struggle to be heard. Festivals like these offer the chance to level the playing field, giving young creatives access to industry veterans and professional guidance.

A Day of Insightful Discussions on Authorship and Creativity

The festival was not just about celebrating young talent; it also featured panel discussions, readings, and keynote speeches from a variety of authors, scriptwriters, and academics. These sessions provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of authorship and creativity. With prominent figures from contemporary literature and the arts addressing attendees, participants had the chance to delve into the intricacies of writing, editing, and storytelling.

For example, Professor Sam North, a novelist and scriptwriter from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, spoke about the changing landscape of authorship in the digital age. His insights, alongside discussions by Prof Jonathan Cook and Indian novelist and filmmaker Samit Basu, allowed attendees to explore the challenges and opportunities facing modern writers. These conversations reflected broader questions about how technology, particularly AI, is changing the way stories are written and consumed. These discussions provided both inspiration and a clear-eyed view of the challenges writers face in an increasingly competitive and digitised world.

The Crooked Lines Festival also explored how the globalisation of literature and the rise of online platforms are influencing what young writers can achieve. Writers no longer have to rely solely on traditional publishing routes. They now have a direct connection to readers through self-publishing, blogs, and social media, a topic that sparked debate during the festival. These conversations are invaluable for aspiring writers seeking to understand the evolving world of authorship.

A Multidimensional Cultural Experience: The Film Screening and More

In addition to the panels and discussions, the festival also included a screening of the 1996 film Matilda, adapted from Roald Dahl’s iconic novel. This film screening was an interactive and engaging part of the festival, helping to bring literature and cinema together. With over 150 attendees present, the screening highlighted the intersection between visual storytelling and written narratives, an essential part of the creative process for young writers. This event tied the theme of literature to broader cultural experiences, offering visitors a multi-dimensional experience that combined reading, film, and live discussions.

Future of Literary Festivals: A Stronger Focus on Young Writers

Looking ahead, the Crooked Lines Festival has the potential to grow into one of the most influential literary events in India. Given the increasing interest in creative writing, literature, and storytelling, festivals like these will continue to play an essential role in shaping India’s literary landscape. These festivals not only encourage young writers to hone their craft but also foster a deeper appreciation for literary arts across the country.

By expanding its scope and welcoming a more diverse range of participants, the festival could attract even more international attention, further boosting the region’s appeal as a literary tourism destination. The integration of films, performances, and discussions also offers a broad cultural experience for tourists who want to engage with literature in a more dynamic way.

As literary festivals continue to thrive, they will undoubtedly contribute to India’s growing reputation as a cultural tourism hub. More importantly, they provide an essential space for young voices to be heard and celebrated, enriching India’s literary culture and attracting global attention to the country’s literary talents.

Conclusion: Literary Festivals as Catalysts for Cultural Tourism

In conclusion, the Crooked Lines Festival at Shiv Nadar University serves as a shining example of how literary events can contribute to both the cultural fabric and the tourism industry. By focusing on emerging writers and offering a space for dialogue between writers, readers, and professionals, the festival not only nurtures young talent but also encourages visitors to explore Greater Noida and its cultural offerings.

As India continues to develop its tourism and cultural landscape, literary festivals such as this one play a significant role in broadening the appeal of the country. By drawing international attention to India’s literary achievements and offering a unique platform for local talent, the Crooked Lines Festival demonstrates how storytelling, creativity, and community engagement can boost both cultural tourism and the country’s broader reputation on the global stage.

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