Shimla, April 23
Defying the stereotype of dwindling attention spans, young readers and writers gathered in large numbers at the Brews and Books Café on Mall Road to celebrate World Book Day with a literary event themed ‘Ghosts, Horror and Hills’.
Organised by the Keekli Charitable Trust, the event featured a book reading and signing session by journalist-turned-author Aditya Kant, whose latest work Ghosts, Horror and Hills has recently been released.
Addressing an interactive session with students, Kant highlighted evolving reading habits among Gen Z. He noted that while social media is often blamed for reduced reading, it can also serve as a powerful tool to promote books and literary culture.
“Instead of discouraging digital engagement, we should leverage it to spread awareness about the value of reading,” he said, adding that children’s screen habits often mirror the environment created by adults.
Young participants, including Maanika Sethi, Dia Chandel, Tamanna, and Tarun Sharma, shared their experiences of reading the book, praising its blend of Himachali folklore with modern horror elements.
The discussion was enriched by insights from senior journalist Rajeev Khanna and Prof. S. N. Ghosh of Himachal Pradesh University, who spoke on the psychological and creative dimensions of reading and storytelling.
Vandana Bhagra, Founder and President of the Trust, expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic participation. “The response from students strengthens our resolve to involve more youth in meaningful literary pursuits,” she said.
The event was also attended by noted writers including Minakshi Chaudhry, Jasleen Gulati, Anita Sharma, Gupteshwar Upadhyay, Aparna Sood and Shalini Goel, along with students from Auckland House School for Boys and members of the local literary community.
About the Book:
Ghosts, Horror and Hills is a collection of supernatural short stories set in Himachal Pradesh, weaving local legends with contemporary narratives. Drawing from eerie real-life experiences, especially around the Covid period, the book captures haunting atmospheres of abandoned spaces and unexplained events—offering a gripping read for young horror enthusiasts.
