Soar in right direction, actor Piyush tells youth
“Gen Z is an unguided missile, and it is our responsibility to fuel it with the right literature, cinema and music to ensure it soars in the right direction,” remarked Piyush Mishra, the celebrated actor, lyricist, author and theatre maestro. His words set the tone for the three-day literary festival, Kitab Utsav, a festival of stories, organised by the School of Liberal and Creative Arts at Lovely Professional University, in collaboration with Rajkamal Prakashan. The event, themed ‘KitabDost’, brought together literary pioneers, renowned authors and creative visionaries to inspire and engage students.
LPU Chancellor Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal along with Pro-Chancellor Dr Rashmi Mittal warmly welcomed the notable guests. Dr. Mittal stated, “Reading is the foundation of personal growth and academic excellence. LPU’s central library, with its extensive collection of books, reflects our dedication to cultivating a culture of learning and knowledge.”
Piyush Mishra’s session captivated the audience as he shared his journey from theatre to cinema, shedding light on his creative process and personal struggles. Discussing his autobiography “Tumhari Aukaat Kya Hai”, he described it as a candid portrayal of his life, addressing triumphs and flaws. “It addresses social issues like alcoholism,” he said.
In a heartfelt tribute, he encouraged students to draw inspiration from historical figures like Bhagat Singh, urging them to take pride in being from his land. His electrifying performances of popular songs “Ik Bagal” and “Arambh Hai Prachand” received thunderous applause. He also shared that his band, formed in 2016, includes Jayant Patnaik, an LPU alumnus.
Sarbpreet Singh, a renowned author also spoke to the students and shared the story behind his novel, “The Sufi’s Nightingale”. He delved into the life of Shah Hussain, a renowned Sufi poet, whose tale inspired his work. Anuradha Beniwal, national chess champion and author, shared her journey at Kitab Utsav 2024, drawing from her book ‘Azadi Mera Brand’.
Anuradha Beniwal also led a chess workshop for students, inspiring them with her strategies and mindset. Author Vineet Kumar discussed the need for a digital detox in an age of rising screen time.
The students enthusiastically competed in calligraphy, bookmark-making, handwriting, essay writing and a drama/one-act play contest. The event also featured a diverse book fair, showcasing genres from fiction and non-fiction to history, poetry, cinema and autobiographies.
