Akshrotstav

Imagine in one part of the school, a book exhibition stands, curated for different ages and interests. Children and adults browse, explore, and buy books. Elsewhere, children enjoy storytelling through short plays or discover a language without words through clowning. At the same time, an open cultural programme celebrates our literary and cultural heritage. One event may showcase Maharashtra’s folk traditions. Another may feature conversations with performers from the popular comedy show Hasya Jatra or musical programmes sharing the stories behind timeless songs. This is how our school looks for the three-four days of Aksharotsav.

We believe that the saying “Read to thrive” should be more than just words. It should become a lived reality. Thus the Goregaon Education Board and Keshav Gore Smarak Trust started Aksharotsav. The idea was not simply to organise a festival. We also wanted to create a space where parents and people from the neighbourhood could discover and buy books.

We wanted school children to experience something new through special programmes. These would introduce them to things they might not easily find or afford elsewhere. Through these events, one year children discovered the story of scientist Charles Darwin. Another year they met Totto-chan, a Japanese girl their own age, brought to life through theatre.

Aksharotsav’s book exhibition aims to nurture a love of reading, introduce children to different forms of literature, and let them experience the richness of books. The exhibition offers books for both children and adults. We invite publishers with diverse collections. On one occasion, Eklavya Publications from Bhopal brought a special collection of Hindi books for children. English books are always part of the exhibition, too.

Held over three or four days, Aksharotsav creates an atmosphere of curiosity, discovery, and celebration that reaches beyond the school and spreads across Goregaon.