Young Readers and Writers Mark World Book Day in Shimla with ‘Ghosts, Horror and Hills’
Literature lovers, noted authors, and enthusiastic young readers came together at Brews and Books Café on Mall Road to celebrate World Book Day. The occasion was marked by a special book reading and signing session by journalist-turned-author Aditya Kant, following the launch of his fiction title Ghosts, Horror and Hills.
Organised by the Keekli Charitable Trust, the event created an engaging platform for local youth to interact with the author. During an interactive session, Kant spoke about the evolving reading habits of Gen Z.
“It’s heartening to see young readers challenging the stereotype that they lack the attention span for books,” he said. “While social media is often viewed as a distraction, it is also the primary space where this generation connects and learns. Instead of discouraging its use, we should leverage it to promote the value of reading.”
He also highlighted the role of parents, noting that children’s digital behaviour often mirrors the environment shaped by earlier generations.
Young participants, including Maanika Sethi, Dia Chandel, Tamanna, and Tarun Sharma, shared their experiences of reading Ghosts, Horror and Hills—a collection of eerie stories set against the iconic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
The discussion was further enriched by senior journalist Rajeev Khanna and Prof. S. N. Ghosh from Himachal Pradesh University, who spoke about the cognitive and creative dimensions of reading and writing.
Vandana Bhagra, Founder and President of the Keekli Charitable Trust, expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic participation. “The strong response from students reaffirms our commitment to encouraging young minds to engage in meaningful literary pursuits,” she said.
The event was also attended by Minakshi Chaudhry, Jasleen Gulati, Anita Sharma, Gupteshwar Upadhyay, Aparna Sood, and Shalini Goel, along with students from Auckland House School for Boys and several prominent journalists and writers from the region.
About the Book
Ghosts, Horror and Hills by Aditya Kant is a collection of supernatural stories set in the mystical terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Blending local folklore with contemporary storytelling, the book explores eerie themes—ranging from abandoned villages and whispering winds to unexplained incidents reported during and after the Covid period, such as strange sounds in deserted hospitals and mysterious disturbances in isolated homes. Designed for young readers who enjoy spine-chilling tales, the book offers a gripping mix of tradition and modern-day suspense—best read, perhaps, under a blanket with a flashlight.
