DARYAGANJ 2 –Books in the Park

For those not fond of books, J K Rowling had once said, “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book!” Maybe you’ll find the right book in Daryaganj! “Daryaganj kitabon ke darya hai” (a river flowing with books), opined a book lover about what Daryaganj meant to her during the first edition of Books in the Park at Meghdutam Park in early December. What a splendid thought!

Meghdutam Rangmanch’s second edition of Daryaganj will offer several more attractions to book lovers of Noida.

1. Book Sharing, Giveaways and Takeaways (all languages, all age groups, and all kinds of books). Display your books and loan, exchange or simply give them away to booklovers.
2. Exhibit Rare and Cherished Books. You are invited to exhibit rare books in your collection and books you love and treasure. Here is an exciting opportunity to discuss your favourite authors, titles you have read or are reading, with other book lovers.
3. Creative Writing Workshop conducted by children’s author and publisher, Richa Jha. Immerse yourself into the world of storytelling under Richa’s guidance. For ages 10 and above.
   (Richa Jha is a children’s author and a passionate advocate of children’s picture books. She runs a multi-award-winning independent publishing house for picture books in India. Her books have won recognition across platforms like the South Asia Book Award, USA, the White Raven, Germany, the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf, Italy, the Golden Pinwheel, China and the NAMI Concours, South Korea, alongside winning at some of the most prestigious Indian award platforms like the Crossword Book Award, Publishing Next, FICCI, Comic Con, Neev, among others.)
4. Collector Pradeep Sharma’s Exhibition of Rare Artifacts. Mr. Sharma’s subject-wise collection of stamps and coins will take you down memory lane. A rare chance for children to witness our heritage commemorated through postage stamps and currency, both facing extinction by online communication and digital transfers.
5. Donate Books to Public Libraries. Your books will get a new lease of life, and will be read by many others, instead of being scrapped.
6. Certificates will be issued to children participating in Daryaganj.
   Daryaganj 2 is being held at the Meghdutam Park amphitheatre on 29 January, the closest Sunday to Basant Panchami. This festival is also celebrated as Saraswati Puja, in honour of the Goddess of knowledge, language, music, and arts.
   The soon-to-be circulated flyer will carry the link for registering for the event and creative writing workshop. Whatsapp 9899437350 to join the mailing list of Meghdutam Rangmanch.

by Vinod Agarwal (Sagar Presidency; 9899437350)