Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Aug 12, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - With the aim of promoting Indian society, culture, and literature, and encouraging awareness and interest in literature among the youth, Lab Academia Publications celebrated the *'Aaj Rang Hai'* festival on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in the capital. The festival, dedicated to highlighting the vital role of literature in the development of Indian culture, society, and individual growth, attracted a large gathering of literature and art enthusiasts. The event provided a platform for talented youth to showcase their skills, while also featuring prominent speakers, poets, social workers, and academicians.

On this occasion, the cover of the book *"The Soul of Delhi: Stories from the Capital"* was unveiled by *Dr. Amna Mirza, Associate Professor at Delhi University, along with Farha Naaz from Lab Academia Publications.* The festival began with a Sufi rendition by *classical singer, author, and poetess Kasturika Mishra,* which was highly appreciated by the audience. The event also featured a discussion on the bestselling book Humans of Nurture Life, with contributions from *Advocate Mrs. Abha Singhal Joshi, founder of the mental health awareness NGO Nurture Life, Farha Sarosh, former Indian Air Force officer and renowned mountaineer Toolika Rani, and acclaimed psychologist Dr. Supreet Bali* , who inspired the audience with their insights. The book *Lohar by Kumud Kishore* was also launched by esteemed guests at the event. Renowned author, poet, and academic *Dr. Sandesh Yadav (Associate Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia)* recited poetry from his book Zara Sa Sahas.

A panel discussion on the need to promote gender exclusivity and diversity featured award-winning author *Anu Shakti Singh, writer and changemaker Siddhartha Yadav, Meghna Mehra (Founder, All India Queer Association), and Sakshi Arora, a research scholar at Allahabad University,* who shared their thoughts on the subject. Notable authors *Zahra Naqvi, Bushra Alvi, and Sameena Naqvi* engaged in a discussion on the theme *"Literature Reflects Culture and Society,"* raising awareness about the importance of literature and art in our society.

The festival also saw acclaimed poetess *Kena Shri* enthralling the audience with her stories and poems, while *Dr. Sanjay Agrawal, founder of Learning Movement* and a motivational speaker, inspired the youth with his address on achieving goals and striving forward. Esteemed storytellers and authors such as *Amit Dahiyabadshah, Kena Shri, Rizwana Iqra, Sajjad Akhtar, Parag Pawan, Asrar, Aryan, Rohan, Vrinda, and Komal Soni* added charm to the event with their poetry recitations. The festival witnessed a vibrant gathering of poets, storytellers, and literature enthusiasts.

All the guests and participants were honored with mementos and certificates. The event was successfully hosted at Kunzum Books, Greater Kailash 2, Delhi, with Shefali Yadav as the master of ceremonies.