From January 22 to 24, Premier International School conducted its annual International Literature Festival. This vibrant, student-organized event recognizes the transformative power of literature while promoting leadership, creativity, and critical thinking. In alignment with Premier’s mission, the festival highlighted the institution’s commitment to providing significant opportunities for students to assume responsibility, engage with diverse perspectives, and evolve into globally conscious individuals.
The three-day festival featured meticulously curated activities appropriate for preschool and senior high school students. Highlights included storytelling sessions, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring guest speakers. The festival's comprehensive organization—encompassing theme planning and logistical management—gave students invaluable leadership experience, fostering their collaboration, teamwork, and confidence in managing large-scale events.
The festival's panel discussion, "Between the Lines: Bias in Literature and the Writer’s Responsibility," moderated by Mahesh Poudyal, Assistant Professor of English at Tribhuvan University, contributed significantly to the intellectual discourse. Distinguished panelists Meekha Mathema, Sharareh Bajracharya, and Beena Theeng thoroughly examined how literature reflects societal norms and biases. Students actively engaged by questioning their assumptions and interacting with the insights provided by the panelists, thereby exemplifying the festival’s commitment to fostering critical and reflective thinking.
Mr. Ananta Wagle, a distinguished author of children’s literature recognized for his significant contributions to Nepali literature, was honored during the International Literature Festival for his steadfast commitment to enhancing the literary landscape. Celebrated for his captivating storytelling and capacity to create profound narratives, Mr. Wagle’s works have inspired imagination and critical thinking, making a lasting impression on young readers and aspiring writers.
The School Director, Ms. Pawitra Limbu, enhanced the festival through her workshop for educators entitled “The Power of Literature.” This session, attended by teachers from various schools across the valley, explored how literature can stimulate curiosity, broaden perspectives, and promote critical thinking beyond conventional textbooks. The workshop underscored Premier’s objective of fostering a culture of lifelong learning and meaningful engagement with the arts.
One of the notable sessions was titled “Sahitya Samalochana Samaroha: Satire in Literature,” facilitated by distinguished authors Mr. Puru Lamsal and Mr. Ananta Wagle for Grade 9 students. This interactive session bridged the students’ Grade 9 curriculum with pertinent real-world insights, enabling them to discuss satire in literature with esteemed authors. The students analyzed the texts they had studied, engaged in debates concerning their interpretations, and contemplated how narratives influenced their perspectives. The session served as a prime example of International Baccalaureate philosophies, fostering critical thinking, enhanced comprehension, and introspective reflection on the impact of literature.
Another festival highlight was the “Kavita Concert,” during which esteemed poets, including Biplov Pratik, Rupesh Bhattarai, Hemantika Palikhe, and Kriti Adhikari performed alongside MYP students. The students, sharing the stage with these literary luminaries, recited their poetry with confidence, effectively asserting their presence in the spotlight. This inspiring event emphasized Premier’s commitment to fostering creative expression and providing opportunities for students to exhibit their talents.
Sanabhi Gupta, a first-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) student, enriched the event by presenting her recently published literary work, now accessible on Amazon. This occasion proudly celebrated Premier’s dedication to fostering student talent and enabling young authors to realize their creative aspirations.
The International Literature Festival at Premier International School provided each grade with a customized and intellectually enriching experience. Preschool students participated in multilingual storytelling sessions in French, Spanish, English, and Nepali. Furthermore, Grade 1 students engaged with the Fancy Nancy Story to explore uncommon vocabulary, stimulating their creativity and curiosity. Grade 2 participated in a workshop on wordless narratives and illustrations facilitated by Mr. Prajwal Thapa. In addition, Grade 3 chronicled timeless tales through the Fairy Tales Timeline activity. Grade 4 dedicated their efforts to the art of letter writing, attending a session presented by the esteemed author Tiku Gauchan, which underscored the significance of emotional depth in personalization. Meanwhile, Grade 5 explored the lyrical beauty of poetry through Chanda Kavita.
Older students engaged in critical and reflective activities. Sixth-grade students participated in panel discussions focusing on Perspectives of Unrealistic Characters, while seventh-grade students developed My Reading Timeline to reflect on their growth as readers. Eighth-grade students examined biases in literature during an intellectually stimulating visit to the library. Ninth-grade students interacted with esteemed authors Puru Lamsal and Ananta Wagle in a dynamic session centered around Satire in Literature, facilitating a critical analysis of texts and debating various interpretations. For Senior High School, the festival concluded with creating Blackout Poems, providing a creative avenue for their literary expression. These activities underscored the institution's dedication to making literature a meaningful and transformative experience for each student.
Book and food stalls animated the festival grounds, and the Junkiri Feminist Library, administered by Voice of Women Media, emerged as a favored attraction among students. Its varied collection of empowering literature celebrated diverse voices from multiple perspectives, further enhancing the event's overall experience.
Students' reflections elucidated the festival's significant impact. Aarshiya Gorkhali (IBDP Year 1) expressed delight in observing her peers engage creatively with literature. Similarly, Saachi Kedia (MYP 4) underscored the event’s capacity to broaden perspectives and promote personal reflection. Jayani Pandit (Grade 9) emphasized that the festival allowed students to explore their identities while gaining insights into diverse viewpoints. Additionally, Shashwat Pratap Shrestha (IBDP Year 1) characterized the festival as an inspiring journey into the multifaceted realm of literature.
The Premier’s International Literature Festival is beyond just a celebration of stories; it beautifully showcases the school’s dedication to nurturing leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking. This uplifting event empowered students to step up and engage, helping them grow into confident changemakers and thoughtful global citizens. The festival ended with a warm and heartfelt closing ceremony that honored our wonderful guest speakers, talented authors, and enthusiastic participants, creating a lasting legacy of creativity, connection, and the incredible power of literature to inspire and unite us all.
