Dehra Dun: Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva
inaugurated the third Mussoorie International Writers`
Festival at Woodstock School in Mussoorie.
After inaugurating the festival, being organised at the
school, last evening, Alva said Mussoorie had a rich heritage
of writing and was home to many distinguished authors who have
drawn comfort from the salubrious climate amid sylvan
surroundings of the hill resort.
"Mussoorie has a long tradition of learning. With more
than 25 schools located in the town, the close connection
between literature and education distinguishes Mussoorie as
one of Uttarakhand`s renowned centres of learning and
culture," she said, according to a release from Raj Bhavan.
The theme of this year`s three-day festival is
mountain literature.
In this regard, the Governor said the grandeur of
mountain ranges such as the Himalayas challenges writers to
push the limits of prose and poetry in an effort to capture
their overpowering elevation and isolation.
"In view of the perpetual conflict between nature and
development, there is an impending need for the preservation
and protection of the natural environment of the Himalayas
which provides the much required energy to writers and serves
as their subject matter of inspiration," she told participants.
Alva said that books provide the treasure of
experience, knowledge and information to those who read them.
"Great writers read books all the time and never stop
learning from other authors around them. Outstanding authors
know how to turn their experience into knowledge. Remembering
to learn from previous experiences is an important trait for
writers to carry with them at all times," she said.
The Governor said she hoped the festival would act as
a bridge between writers from the country and abroad.
Congratulating Woodstock School, one of the oldest
international schools in Asia, for organising the writers`
festival, Alva said it was the most wonderful event to bring
great writers together from around the world and provide them
an appropriate forum to interact and focus on common problems
of the mountains and their people.
Alva also released a book titled "Mussoorie Nama", by
noted writer Surendra Pundir. The book is a compilation of
articles by 18 writers from Mussoorie.
Internationally acclaimed writer Ruskin Bond, who
lives in Mussoorie, read out some portions of his book "Route
to Badrinath" to those present at the occasion.
Famous writer Stephen Alter, the main driving force
behind the festival, said more than 25 writers from six
countries are participating in the festival.
PTI
