The World Book Day Festival, scheduled for April 11-12 in Pune, promises to be a transformative celebration of literature and social insight. Over two days, the event will bring together writers with disabilities, visually impaired poets, and esteemed authors to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. The festival’s founder, Vaibhav Paliwal, emphasizes the power of literature to evolve and inspire, particularly for those with disabilities, the visually impaired, and those in confinement.

The event will feature a range of captivating sessions, including “Verses Beyond Sight,” which highlights the work of visually impaired poets, and “Stories That Heal and Inspire,” a panel discussion with authors advocating for accessible reading and representation. Pratham Parishrut, a visually impaired poet and songwriter, will lead a special session on how he perceives the world through the lens of poetry, despite his visual impairment. His stirring performances at gazal mushayras have captivated audiences, and his session promises to be a deeply personal and inspiring experience.

Another anticipated speaker is Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan poet and activist, who will discuss his writing process and share his work with attendees. His session, “Power of Voice,” explores the intersections of personal narrative and political expression, drawing on his decades of sharp, evocative writing rooted in identity and resistance. The festival will also feature a session led by Vishal Ghule, “In Search of Meaning,” which delves into the role of literature in navigating adversity. This session promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of how stories can help us make sense of the world and our place in it.

Throughout the two-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Siddharth Kak, a documentary maker, television producer, and presenter, who is curating the festival under the guidance of Paalvia Foundation. The festival is being organized in partnership with MIT-World Peace University, Nukkad Café, Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, the National Human Resource Development Network – Pune Chapter, Samiksha Social Initiative, and Writers web.

As Paliwal notes, “Literature isn’t just about expression, but evolution. For the visually impaired, for those with disabilities, and even for people in confinement, stories have opened minds, built resilience, and sparked new possibilities. Their journey through words inspires others and reminds us that storytelling can shape a more empathetic world.” The World Book Day Festival promises to be a celebration of the transformative power of literature and the resilience of the human spirit.