Wise Owl Literary Awards 2026 to Illuminate New Chandigarh with Literary Festivities
The prestigious Wise Owl Literary Awards 2026 is poised to unfold at the Foothills Clubhouse in New Chandigarh on February 12, marking a vibrant day-long celebration dedicated to the written word. This esteemed event will bring together a distinguished assembly of writers, poets, thinkers, and avid readers, all converging to honor exceptional contributions across fiction, non-fiction, and poetry genres.
A Day Packed with Engaging Sessions and Ceremonial Highlights
The festivities will commence with parallel sessions designed to captivate younger audiences earlier in the day. At 2:00 PM, Paralympian Deepa Malik will engage with school students in an inspiring session titled ‘Let’s Talk Courage’. This interactive dialogue will be moderated by Dr. Harmeet Singh and is organized in collaboration with the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, aiming to foster resilience and courage among the youth.
Simultaneously, at 2:00 PM, poets Akhil Katyal, Amlanjyoti Goswami, and Ranu Uniyal will participate in ‘Poetry Without Apology’, a thought-provoking discussion with literature students. This session will be chaired by Dr. Irma Maini, offering insights into contemporary poetic expressions and their societal relevance.
Main Ceremony: A Symphony of Music, Speeches, and Awards
The main ceremony will kick off at 3:45 PM with a melodious musical prelude performed by sarod maestro Subhash Ghosh, setting a reflective tone for the evening. Dr. Rachna Singh, co-founder of The Wise Owl, will then deliver a warm welcome address, followed by the screening of a short film that chronicles the platform's inspiring journey.
A pivotal moment will occur when the jury shares their perspectives in a session moderated by Dr. Ranjit Powar, providing context for the awards. The much-anticipated award announcements will follow, with winners in the non-fiction category revealed at 4:50 PM, poetry at 5:25 PM, and fiction at 6:00 PM, each celebrating literary excellence in their respective domains.
Panel Discussions Featuring Literary Luminaries
Three enriching panel discussions will punctuate the ceremony, delving into diverse literary themes. At 4:55 PM, Paralympian Deepa Malik, memoirist Sanghamitra Chakraborty, and writer Daneesh Majid will explore ‘The Making of a Life Story’, offering personal anecdotes and insights into biographical writing.
At 5:30 PM, poets Akhil Katyal, Amlanjyoti Goswami, and Ranu Uniyal will engage in a conversation about contemporary poetry with Aradhika Sharma, highlighting modern trends and challenges in the poetic landscape. Subsequently, at 6:05 PM, novelists Ruchir Joshi, Sheela Tomy, and Ministhy S will reflect on the interplay of memory and place in literature, in a session moderated by Dr. Rachna Singh.
Closing Moments and Reflections
The evening will draw to a close with heartfelt closing remarks by Dr. Harmeet Singh, encapsulating the day's themes of resilience, memory, and expression. A musical denouement by Subhash Ghosh will provide a serene finale, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of literary camaraderie.
Dr. Rachna Singh emphasized that the awards aim to celebrate not only literary excellence but also the profound role of storytelling in fostering resilience, preserving memory, and encouraging creative expression. This event promises to be a cornerstone in New Chandigarh's cultural calendar, uniting communities through the power of literature.
