####Children Should Move Away from Mobile Addiction, Embrace Children’s Literature, and Build a Positive Family Environment

Udaipur,  Just as the sacred Ganga nourishes civilizations along its banks, children’s literature has been flowing as a creative stream for the past 36 years, enriching young minds across Rajasthan and beyond. Continuing this tradition, Salila Sanstha, Salumber in collaboration with the Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi, Udaipur, organized the 16th National Children’s Literature Conference at the Directorate of Extension Auditorium, Udaipur, on Sunday, 24 August 2025. The event echoed with a common call: “Children must break free from mobile addiction, connect with literature, and create a positive family atmosphere.”

The inaugural session featured the lighting of the lamp before Goddess Saraswati, book releases, and the honoring of eminent children’s writers. Presiding over the session was Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, Vice Chancellor, MPUAT, while Jayanti Ranganathan (Executive Editor, Nandan, Hindustan Group) was the chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Satish Kumar, Shyam Palat Pandey, Kumud Verma, and conference convener Dr. Vimala Bhandari, who welcomed participants from seven states and 10 districts of Rajasthan.

Dr. Bhandari emphasized that Salila’s consistent mission is to engage children with literature through diverse creative activities. The latest issue of Salil Pravah focused on the works of writer Shyam Palat Pandey.

In her keynote, Jayanti Ranganathan stressed the deep link between children’s songs and child psychology, urging that kids must be gently drawn towards books and songs to counter the rising obsession with mobile phones. Prof. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, in his presidential address, highlighted that “the child within us keeps us alive,” underlining the role of children’s literature in nurturing imagination.

The event also included:

Felicitation of seven prominent children’s writers, including Dr. Sanjeev Kumar (Salila Shikhar Samman), Dr. Suraj Singh Negi (Salila Vishisht Sahityakar Samman), and others who received Shawl, Citation, Cash Prize, and Memento.

Book launches of 12 titles, including Salil Pravah, 6 Ankon Ka Jadoo (Dr. Vimala Bhandari), Naachen Khelen Mauj Karen Hum (Shyam Palat Pandey), and others.

Technical sessions discussing the role of literature in curbing mobile addiction, with Dr. Suraj Singh Negi stressing the need for role models and family involvement, while Dr. Sanjeev Kumar called for a special budget for books in households.

Book review session highlighting the importance of literary criticism in children’s writing, with reviews of Geet Suhane Bachpan Ke, Boojh Saheli Meri Paheli, and others.

Children’s poetry symposium featuring recitations from emerging and senior poets, blending traditional and modern styles.

The conference concluded with Dr. Vimala Bhandari affirming that the voices raised here will script a new chapter for children’s literature in India. Participants from across states departed with renewed commitment to nurturing young minds through stories, songs, and poems.