A proud and inspiring moment unfolded for Apeejay School, Saket as four of its student-authors were felicitated at the Children’s Pavilion during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 on January 10, 2026. The honour was conferred as part of the Child Author’s Meet organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, an initiative that celebrates young literary voices and promotes a strong reading culture among children and adolescents.
Student Authors and Their Published Works
The students recognised for their literary accomplishments were Shreeya Kumar (Grade XII), Adam Bashneen and Ritvik (Grade XI), and Madhavi Shandilya (Grade VIII). Each of them has authored a published book, demonstrating exceptional creativity and commitment to writing at a young age.
Shreeya Kumar authored Stories Untold, while Adam Bashneen’s All Poets Die stood out for its thoughtful poetic expression. Ritvik showcased his versatility through two titles – The Old Bench and The Resurrection of Tomorrow. Madhavi Shandilya’s Mahabharata Retold offered a fresh and accessible retelling of the epic for young readers.
A Lively Celebration of Reading and Writing
The Children’s Pavilion buzzed with energy, bringing together readers, educators, parents, publishers, and young writers from across the country. Reflecting on the atmosphere, Ms Ritesh Sharma, Senior Academic Coordinator, Apeejay School, Saket, said, “The Children’s Pavilion was full of energy, enthusiastic readers, parents, teachers and resource persons all under one roof. It truly felt like the world had come together to promote the culture of reading and celebrate book lovers.”
As part of the felicitation, each student was given an opportunity to speak on stage about their book and the inspiration behind it. These brief interactions helped students develop confidence, articulation, and clarity of thought—key learning outcomes essential for holistic education. Adam Bashneen, in particular, received widespread appreciation for his articulate presentation, drawing interest from fellow participants and literary enthusiasts.
Encouragement Beyond Recognition
The event was attended by teachers, parents, and grandparents, making the recognition even more meaningful. The exposure encouraged students to think ahead, with several already planning sequels and future writing projects. Some of the students have been engaged in creative writing for over four to five years, highlighting the importance of sustained encouragement and mentorship.
The participation was made possible through the initiative of the school leadership, Dr Sujeet Eric Masih, who coordinated with the National Book Trust to secure this opportunity. The selection criteria focused on students with published works, ensuring deserving young authors received a national platform to showcase their talent.
Aligned with Educational Vision and NEP Goals
Participation in a national literary event aligns closely with the school’s educational philosophy and the National Education Policy’s emphasis on reading, writing, and cognitive development. Highlighting this approach, Ms Sharma added, “At the heart of our learning philosophy is the belief that reading and writing are foundational skills. In today’s digital world, nurturing this habit early is essential for developing cognitive abilities and critical thinking.”
Through literary festivals, school magazines, newsletters, and continuous classroom initiatives, Apeejay School, Saket remains committed to creating meaningful platforms that empower students to read, write, and express themselves with confidence.