Didihat (Pithoragarh): A seminar on the topic “Children’s Literature and Children” was organized at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Didihat under the joint aegis of Almora-based children’s magazine बालप्रहरी and DIET Didihat. Educationists, teachers, writers, and trainees participated in the event and discussed various aspects of children’s literature and its role in the development of young minds.
Presiding over the seminar, DIET Principal भाष्करानंद पांडे said that children already possess immense knowledge and talent; they simply need opportunities to express themselves. He emphasized that children’s literature should be engaging and enjoyable so that children feel motivated to read it.
He stated that the New Education Policy encourages children to ask questions such as “why,” “how,” and “what,” and therefore literature for children should promote scientific thinking and logical reasoning. According to him, in today’s scientific and technological era, there is a strong need for rational and knowledge-based literature for children.
Former Block Education Officer डी एस पांगती said that although a large amount of children’s literature is being written today, the major challenge is ensuring that it reaches children effectively. He remarked that writers must think like children in order to create literature that truly connects with them.
Teacher धीरज खड़ायत stressed the importance of reviving reading culture among both parents and teachers. He said that people spend hours on mobile phones but complain about not having time to read books. According to him, adults must first adopt reading habits if they want children to develop an interest in books.
Senior lecturer जितेंद्र मिश्रा highlighted the importance of preserving mother tongues in the era of globalization. He said that while learning global languages is beneficial, children must remain connected to their native language and cultural roots.
Principal and writer प्रेमसिंह पापड़ा stated that social media and the internet have created new opportunities for children’s literature. He emphasized that literature for children should be entertaining, inspirational, and psychologically relevant to their needs.
DIET lecturer पुनीत प्रकाश जोशी expressed concern that urbanization, globalization, and the breakdown of joint family systems are distancing children from nature and emotional family bonds. He noted that mobile phones and computers are replacing outdoor play and traditional interactions with grandparents.
During the seminar, Bal Prahari editor उदय किरौला introduced the concept of the magazine and the Bal Sahitya Sansthan. He also announced that a national seminar on children’s literature will be organized at DIET Didihat from June 12 to 14, 2026, in which nearly 100 writers from across the country are expected to participate.
Several teachers, writers, and DIET trainees also shared their views during the event and emphasized the need to strengthen reading culture and promote meaningful children’s literature in society and educational institutions.
