DEHRADUN – The eighth day of the Doon Book Festival 2026 showcased a convergence of emerging technology and traditional culture, drawing over 1,200 students to the Children’s Pavilion for a series of creative workshops and intellectual sessions.
AI and the Future of Industry
In a featured session at the Lit Fest, Nitin Seth, CEO and Co-founder of Incedo, addressed the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. Speaking with moderator Colonel Ajay K. Raina, Seth emphasized that AI has become an unavoidable reality, deeply linked to the future of every sector. While acknowledging the dual nature of any technology, he urged for a proactive focus on its positive applications and the necessity for the next generation to master its benefits.
Youth Engagement and Cultural Deep Dives
The Children’s Pavilion hosted several high-impact sessions designed to spark imagination and practical skills:
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Creative Arts: Workshops on voiceover techniques by Himmat Singh Negi and collaborative storytelling by the Rashtriya-e-Pustakalaya.
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Sustainability: A “From Waste to Wow” session by the Bisleri team taught children about plastic recycling and creative reuse.
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Cultural Roots: Author Sadhana Balwate discussed the role of literature and art in managing modern mental stress, citing the Ramayana to illustrate democratic values in ancient Indian culture and promoting books published under the PM-YUVA scheme.
The evening concluded with a musical performance by singer Karishma Shah. The festival is set to conclude this Sunday with a performance by the fusion band Shanka Tribe and specialized workshops on the traditional Phool Dei festival.
