The Oasis logo.
Credit: DH Illustration
Can language help foster connection, reflection and inspiration? It certainly can, when used to spread harmony rather than discord. By acting as a catalyst for betterment, language can assist us in connecting with ourselves and others. I grasped this truth recently while attending the annual literary fest of a reputed educational institution in the city.
The two-hour long fest ignited the auditorium with inspiring speeches, stunning programs and captivating performances. I was moved by the enthusiasm and dedication of the principal and staff for promoting literature among the students.
They spoke passionately about the importance of nurturing love for language, emphasizing on how it cultivates critical thinking and self-expression. Their words resonated deeply, prompting to me the vital role that educational institutions play in developing young students.
I was also fascinated to see how the fest became a channel to unite students through language. It provided the perfect setting for the youngsters to work together, kindling their imagination and engaging in their talents, thoughts and aspirations.
Through the multi-lingual and multi-cultural songs and dances, the participants brought out the diverse ways in which languages can be wielded on young minds. The ‘debates’ and ‘monologues,’ that were part of the fest, elicited the competitive spirit of the students in a healthy and educative manner. Their ability to communicate effectively was not only impressive but also rousing and left me with a renewed appreciation for the art of language.
In all the events of the fest, the participants were entertaining and charmed the audience with their lively discourses and recitations. They brought the pages of celebrated prose and poetry alive and real. They captured the very essence of human emotions and empathy in a touching manner. The universal theme of love over hatred, truth over deceit, kindness over cruelty and freedom over oppression, connected powerfully through literature, was well showcased. It was a reminder of how language, in its many forms, can evoke emotions and create lasting memories.
Collectively, the literary fest thus had the underlying message, that when we learn to appreciate and integrate all languages in our culture it opens doors to camaraderie and establishes deep bonds among diverse groups. This revelation helped me fathom that language can indeed foster connection, reflection, and inspiration to all.