By Dr Tania Saili Bakshi & Nikita Aggarwal
The inaugural event of the nineth edition of the Valley of Words, Literature and Arts festival took place on January 12, 2025. Hosted at the Vow Café on Sahastradhara Road, "Author from the Valley" opened to a house full. The evening marked a significant moment, celebrating the tapestry of stories and poems that traverse the chasms between languages, cultures and countries. The event was centred around Dehradun born and bred Dr Nidhi Thakur, a bilingual writer and poet, who has carved a niche for herself in the literary world with her evocative blend of Hindi-Urdu and English writings.
Pic Credits: Shivang Yadav
Dr. Thakur's latest English language publication, "When She Married Dr. Patekar And Other Stories," published by HAWAKAL, was the highlight of the evening. This collection of short stories has already been lauded as a finalist for the American Fiction Awards, engaging in the lives of desi immigrants navigating their existence in a post-9/11 world. The book captures their tales with sensitivity and a keen eye for the human element, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of immigrant identity as the author states, “I have lived two lives in this lifetime,” with a constant quest for belonging.
The event featured a discussion moderated by Mr. Kulbhushan Kain, a celebrated educator and author from Dehradun. Mr Kain engaged Dr Thakur in a deep dive into the themes of her book, nostalgia for home, her sense of belonging, exploring the nuances of cultural identity and the role of language in crafting narratives that resonate across geographies.
Dr Thakur shared her journey from the by lanes of her hometown Dehradun to the academic halls of the University of Chicago and now to her life in Short Hills, NJ, where she balances her roles as an economist, a professor, and a writer.
Pic Credits: Shivang Yadav
The session also touched on Dr Thakur's significant online presence. It also showcased her versatility and commitment to cultural chaos, and the immigrant experience.
Mr. Kain, with his extensive background in education and writing, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of Indian education and literature. His anecdotes from a career that spans four decades founding schools in India and abroad added a layer of depth to the discussion, connecting educational narratives with literary expressions.
The audience was a wonderful mix of young students, academicians, and literature enthusiasts, eager to learn about the challenges of articulating hybrid identities.
Pic Credits: Shivang Yadav
The evening concluded with a book signing by Dr. Thakur, where fans had the opportunity to interact with her personally, expressing their admiration and discussing their interpretations of her stories. "When She Married Dr. Patekar And Other Stories" is
available globally on Amazon and is also featured in the BCCLS library system of NJ, making it accessible to a wider audience eager to explore its rich narrative landscape.
‘Author from the Valley,’ Valley of Words monthly event aims to foster a culture of literary appreciation and intellectual discourse in Dehradun. The success of its first event in 2025 sets a high bar for future gatherings, promising more enriching experiences as one enters the magical world of words
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