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Crafting Stories, Preserving Heritage: A Creative Writing Workshop at NSD




On a crisp morning of November 17, 2024, the National School of Drama (NSD) transformed one of its halls into a vibrant hub of creativity and imagination. The occasion was a creative writing workshop led by the distinguished Dr. Kaynat Kazi, founder of the Bougainville Art Foundation. The event opened with a warm welcome extended by Sh. Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Registrar of NSD, and Sh. O.P. Sagar, Deputy Registrar. Their words of encouragement set a gracious tone, underscoring the value NSD places on literary and cultural enrichment.

Adding to the morning’s insights, Smt. Chetna Vashisth, Assistant Director (OL), spoke about the delicate balance between creativity and technical precision in storytelling. She emphasized that while imagination gives stories their soul, structure and clarity are what enable them to truly resonate with audiences.

An Immersive Learning Experience

The workshop was more than a simple lecture—it was a carefully designed journey into the heart of storytelling. Participants, many of them NSD employees from diverse professional backgrounds, were invited to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in the craft of writing.

Under Dr. Kazi’s thoughtful guidance, attendees engaged in exercises designed to break creative barriers and unlock their unique narrative voices. The sessions moved seamlessly between theory and practice: one moment participants were absorbing insights into the nuances of character development, and the next, they were drafting vivid scenes inspired by their own experiences.

A Fusion of Art and Education

The workshop stood at the intersection of literary artistry and cultural responsibility. By encouraging participants to write in Hindi, it reaffirmed the importance of nurturing indigenous languages and literary traditions in an increasingly globalized world.

Renowned authors and accomplished scriptwriters brought decades of experience into the room. They discussed the building blocks of impactful writing—from shaping multi-dimensional characters to crafting plots that surprise, challenge, and move readers. They also addressed the subtle art of pacing, dialogue, and descriptive detail, ensuring participants left with practical tools to enhance their craft.

Key Highlights of the Workshop:

  • Interactive Sessions – Energizing group activities and brainstorming exercises encouraged participants to experiment boldly with different genres, tones, and perspectives.
  • Expert Guidance – Esteemed literary figures shared not just technical knowledge, but also personal stories from their writing journeys—successes, failures, and the lessons in between.
  • Peer Review and Feedback – The workshop fostered a spirit of collaboration, with participants offering constructive critiques that enriched each other’s work.
  • Showcase of Talent – The final session was a celebration, with select pieces read aloud to the group—turning the room into a gallery of voices, each distinct yet united in their love for storytelling.

A Commitment to Cultural Heritage



The collaboration between the Bougainville Art Foundation and NSD was more than an event—it was a statement of shared purpose. Both institutions recognize that stories are not merely entertainment; they are vessels of heritage, empathy, and societal reflection. Through workshops like this, they aim to keep alive the tradition of Hindi literature while also adapting it to contemporary contexts.

Dr. Kazi reminded participants that every story—whether rooted in personal experience or imagined worlds—has the potential to bridge divides and inspire change. In her words, “A well-told story can outlive its author and speak to generations yet to come.”

Conclusion: Writing the Next Chapter

As the day drew to a close, the participants left with more than just notes and writing exercises—they carried a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence to share their stories with the world. Many expressed that the workshop rekindled their passion for creative expression, something that often gets buried under the demands of everyday life.

By fostering this literary community, the Bougainville Art Foundation and NSD have taken a meaningful step toward shaping the next wave of Hindi storytellers. Their collaboration is not only safeguarding India’s rich narrative traditions but also ensuring that new voices emerge to carry them forward.

In the heart of NSD that day, words became bridges, connecting the past, present, and future—one story at a time.

 

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