Premier hosts International Literature Festival – (Literature unites: Celebrating voices, stories & perspectives)
Premier International School hosted its annual International Literature Festival, a vibrant, student-led initiative celebrating the transformative power of literature while nurturing leadership, creativity, and critical thinking. True to Premier’s mission, the festival exemplified the school’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for students to lead, engage with diverse perspectives, and grow into globally-minded individuals.
The three-day event featured thoughtfully curated, age-appropriate activities for students across all grades, from preschool to senior high school. These included storytelling sessions, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring guest sessions. By taking charge of organizing
the festival—from planning themes to managing logistics—students gained valuable hands-on leadership experience, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and confidence in their ability to manage large-scale events.
Adding intellectual depth to the festival was the panel discussion, “Between the Lines: Bias in Literature and the Writer’s Responsibility,” moderated by Mahesh Poudyal, Assistant Professor of English at Tribhuvan University. Esteemed panelists Meekha Mathema, Sharareh Bajracharya, and Beena Theeng explored how literature reflects societal norms and biases. Students actively participated, questioning their own assumptions and engaging with the panelists’ insights, exemplifying the festival’s mission to foster critical and reflective thinking.
Mr. Ananta Wagle, a distinguished children’s author celebrated for his profound contributions to Nepali literature, was felicitated during the International Literature Festival at Premier for his unwavering dedication to enriching the literary world. Renowned for his engaging storytelling and ability to craft meaningful narratives, Mr. Wagle’s works have inspired imagination and critical thinking, leaving a lasting impact on young readers and aspiring writers alike.
The School Director, Ms. Pawitra Limbu, enriched the festival with her workshop for educators, “The Power of Literature.” This session, attended by teachers from schools across the valley, delved into how literature can ignite curiosity, open minds, and foster critical thinking beyond traditional textbooks. The workshop reinforced Premier’s vision of cultivating a culture of lifelong learning and meaningful engagement with the arts.
One of the standout sessions was the “Sahitya Samalochana Samaroha: Satire in Literature” for Grade 9 students, conducted by renowned authors Mr. Puru Lamsal and Mr. Ananta Wagle. This interactive session connected students’ Grade 9 curriculum with real-world insights, allowing them to discuss satire in literature with celebrated authors. Students analyzed texts they had read, debated their interpretations, and reflected on how narratives shaped their viewpoints. The session exemplified IB philosophies, encouraging critical thinking, deeper comprehension, and personal reflection on literature’s impact.
Another highlight of the festival was the “Kavita Concert,” where celebrated poets such as Biplov Pratik, Rupesh Bhattarai, Hemantika Palikhe, and Kriti Adhikari performed alongside MYP students. The students, sharing the stage with these literary icons, confidently recited their own poetry, holding their own in the spotlight. This inspiring event underscored Premier’s dedication to nurturing creative expression and providing platforms for students to showcase their talents.
Adding a unique dimension to the event, Sanabhi Gupta, an IBDP Year 1 student, introduced her recently published literary work, now available on Amazon. This moment was a proud celebration of Premier’s commitment to nurturing student talent and empowering young authors to pursue their creative dreams.
The International Literature Festival at Premier International School ensured every grade had a tailored and enriching experience. Preschool students enjoyed multilingual storytelling sessions in French, Spanish, English, and Nepali, while Grade 1 explored unusual words through the Fancy Nancy Story, sparking creativity and curiosity. Grade 2 engaged in a workshop on wordless narratives and illustrations led by Mr. Prajwal Thapa, and Grade 3 documented timeless tales through the Fairy Tales Timeline activity. Grade 4 focused on the art of letter writing with a session led by renowned author Tiku Gauchan, emphasizing the emotional depth of personalization. Meanwhile, Grade 5 discovered the rhythmic beauty of poetry through Chanda Kavita.
Older students delved into critical and reflective activities. Grade 6 participated in panel discussions on Perspectives of Unrealistic Characters, and Grade 7 created My Reading Timeline, reflecting on their growth as readers. Grade 8 explored biases in literature during a thought-provoking library visit. Grade 9 engaged with celebrated authors Puru Lamsal and Ananta Wagle in an interactive session on Satire in Literature, critically analyzing texts and debating interpretations. For Senior High School, the festival culminated in the creation of Blackout Poems, offering a creative outlet for their literary expression. These activities highlighted the school’s commitment to making literature a meaningful and transformative experience for every student.
The festival grounds came alive with book and food stalls, with the Junkiri Feminist Library, managed by Voice of Women Media, as a favorite among students. Its diverse collection of empowering books celebrated voices from different perspectives, further enriching the event.
Student reflections illuminated the festival’s impact. Aarshiya Gorkhali (IBDP Year 1) expressed the joy of seeing peers creatively engage with literature, while Saachi Kedia (MYP 4) emphasized the event’s ability to broaden perspectives and encourage personal reflection. Jayani Pandit (Grade 9) highlighted how the festival allowed students to explore themselves while understanding diverse points of view, and Shashwat Pratap Shrestha (IBDP Year 1) described the festival as an inspiring journey into the diverse world of literature.
Premier’s International Literature Festival is not merely a celebration of stories; it is a testament to the school’s commitment to cultivating leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking. The event empowered students to lead and engage, fostering their growth as confident changemakers and thoughtful global citizens. The festival concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony honoring guest speakers, authors, and participants, leaving behind an enduring legacy of creativity, connection, and the power of literature to inspire and unite.
