Literature Still Wins Over Digital Noise: A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Human Connection
The 11th Global Literary Festival Noida 2025 began on September 24 at AAFT with a vibrant celebration of the written world. The theme this year, “Love, Peace & Unity through Art & Culture”, set the perfect tone for a festival that reminded us all that, even in a world buzzing with quick scrolls and fleeting likes, literature still has the power to connect us in ways nothing else can.
A Grand Start with Global Voices
The opening ceremony was a sight to behold. Ambassadors from Cuba, Palestine, Panama, and Spain joined the event, giving it a truly international spirit. Their presence highlighted exactly what literature does best: breaking barriers and building bridges across cultures.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT and a man with an incredible 10 world records to his name, lit up the stage with his words. He also launched four books across London, Dublin, Dubai, and Delhi, all within just 12 days, an achievement recognised by the World Book of Records.
Writing with Heart, Not Just Skill
The day opened with a workshop by bestselling author Astha Gill, who spoke about writing in a way that hit straight to heart. For her, true writing is about “Love, Rebel, Therapy, and Confession.” She reminded everyone that vulnerability is not weakness, it’s power.
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She drew on examples we all know: J.K. Rowling pushing past rejection, Taylor Swift turning heartbreak into music, and Bhagat Singh writing letters in prison that still inspire generations. The takeaway? The best writing doesn’t just tell a story, it shares a piece of your soul.
Books vs. Social Media: Why Stories Still Matter
One of the day’s most engaging discussions centered on the question: “Why do books still matter when social media dominates our lives?”
Author Abha Iyengar described books as the ultimate “digital detox,” offering the focus and depth that endless scrolling can never give. After all, the average online reader barely spends a minute on a piece of content, hardly enough time to really feel or learn anything.
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Hindi author Narendra Nagdev brought in moving stories about how literature heals, sharing how Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea helped someone he knew overcome depression. His words echoed Hemingway’s famous thought: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”
Dr. Sushil Bharti, Festival Director, tied it all together beautifully, showing how human history itself is built on stories, from cave walls to printing presses to the narratives that shape even the biggest corporations today.
Poetry That Breathed Life into the Evening
As the day wound down, the Kavi Sammelan (poetry session) filled the hall with rhythm, laughter, and deep reflection. Dr. Marwah opened with a thoughtful question: “Do you remember your ancestors’ names?”, a gentle reminder of the stories we carry within us.
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Ignite Your Ambitions- Seize the Opportunity for a Free Career Counseling Session.The event saw the launch of The Moon is Also Alone by alumnus Somil Pande, followed by performances that kept the audience hooked. Nisha Bhargav’s witty lines had everyone laughing, while Pratibha Johri grounded her poetry in both truth and beauty. Dr. Manoj Bhargav surprised all with his satirical edge, proving that poetry doesn’t belong only to poets, it belongs to anyone with something to say.
With lively moderation by Dr. Awadhesh Tiwari and heartfelt verses by poets like Sankalp Jain, Dr. Gitaka Chaturvedi, Upendra Arpan, and Dr. Usha Shrivastav, the session reminded us how poetry makes words breathe and emotions dance.
Music, Memories, and Modern Touches
The evening wasn’t just about words, it was about music, too. AAFT students lit up the stage with timeless melodies like “Chahunga Mein Tujhe Saath Samundar Paar” and “Kya Hua Tera Wada”, instantly taking the audience back to the golden days of Indian cinema.
And then came a forward-looking twist: the launch of Convertible Pixels Game Design E-Magazine by the School of Animation, a reminder that storytelling is constantly evolving, embracing both tradition and technology.
Handcrafted Stories Beyond Pages
Perhaps the most touching sight of the day was the marketplace outside the festival halls. More than just stalls, these were living stories told through human hands.
- Aurobindo Roy from Howrah showcased three decades of jewellery-making mastery. His work is so fine that once, thieves mistook his creations for real diamonds!
- Jaysraj Varma from Amethi brought 40 years of clothing design expertise, confidently declaring that he can bring any vision to life.
- Agami Bhattacharyya, founder of Women’s Moksha NGO, represented 5,000 artisans, keeping alive the spirit of “Vocal for Local” while preserving traditions.
These artisans reminded everyone that literature isn’t the only form of storytelling; art, craft, and handmade creations are stories, too.
The Bigger Picture
Day 1 of the 11th Global Literary Festival wasn’t just a celebration of books, it was a celebration of life, culture, and creativity in every form. From powerful workshops to moving poetry, from nostalgic songs to innovative new launches, from international voices to local artisans, it showed one truth again and again: stories are everywhere, and they are what make us human.
As Abha Iyengar so perfectly put it: “Leave your mobile for a while and look for a book with a smile.”
And that, perhaps, is the most important reminder this festival has to offer.
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