Where Words Weave Worlds: Literary Festival at Samtse College of Education Celebrates the Power of Reading and Imagination

Samtse College of Education came alive with colour, creativity, and conversation as it hosted a vibrant Literary Festival under the theme “Where Words Weave Worlds” on October 18. The event celebrated the college’s growing culture of reading and imagination and highlighted the transformative power of literature, storytelling, and creative expression among future educators.

Held at the college football ground from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, the festival brought together Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) students from the first, second, and third years across the Science, Arts, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) disciplines. The audience included enthusiastic teachers and students from Samtse Higher Secondary School and Samtse Lower Secondary School, who joined the celebration of literature and creativity. Organised by the Literary Society and spearheaded by Ms. Tshering Om Tamang, Club Adviser, the festival aimed to inspire creativity, teamwork, and critical reflection through literature-based activities. The objectives of the programme were to encourage students to explore literature in engaging and innovative ways, enhance their communication and performance skills, and inspire their peers to develop a love for reading.

Each class selected a book of their choice and presented creative activities such as dramatisations, shadow dances, character dress-ups, musical performances, staged interviews, and poster displays, allowing audiences of all ages to experience literature in a lively and interactive manner. 

The event opened with a welcome from Literary Society Coordinator, Ms. Karma Dechen Tshering, who highlighted the festival’s goal of fostering collaboration and creativity among students. This was followed by an address by the Dean of Academic Affairs, Mr. Kuenzang Gyaltshen, who emphasised the enduring value of reading and literature in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. He reminded students that while technology can generate information, only human imagination, empathy, and storytelling can give it meaning.

Across the campus, ten creative booths transformed classic and contemporary literary works into immersive experiences. Each stall reflected a unique interpretation of literature, inviting visitors to explore, reflect, and participate. The booths remained open throughout the festival, allowing visitors to move freely, engage, and revisit their favourites.

The morning’s performances began with a lively musical theatre adaptation of Harry Potter, presented by B.Ed ICT D year III. Complete with a Quidditch game and themed photo booth, the performance drew applause and set an enthusiastic tone for the day.

The Biology/Chemistry II group captivated visitors with their Little Prince-inspired pop-out book display and food stall, celebrating the beauty of innocence and imagination. Nearby, English/Geography III scared the audience with a reimagination of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein through an interactive skit exploring the boundaries of creation and consequence. English/History I and ICT A III brought Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life with a whimsical role-play booth, while Biology/Chemistry I offered a cinematic experience with a short film based on Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, complemented by popcorn, cold drinks, and handmade bookmarks.

Emotion surged throughout English/History II’s dramatisation of The Diary of Anne Frank, a moving portrayal of courage, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. The performance captivated audiences so deeply that many returned multiple times, drawn to the raw intensity and heartfelt storytelling that brought Anne’s world vividly to life. One visiting high school student said, “I felt like I was part of the story. I couldn’t help but shout at the villain. It was so exciting, and the story really came alive for me.”

A few booths away, ICT C III delivered an adventurous dramatisation of The Hobbit, while English/History III added a participatory twist with A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, engaging audiences directly in the storytelling process. English/Geography I and ICT B III drew admiration with their presentation of Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns, combining dramatisation and an art display that explored themes of resilience and womanhood. Physic/Math II and ICT A I collaborated on Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, creating contemplative “Human Gallery” and “Wish Tree” installations that invited participants to reflect on their dreams and personal journeys.

English/Geography II’s interactive dramatisation of Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter had the audience on the edge of their seats, turning viewers into amateur detectives as they scrutinised Mary Maloney’s every move for clues. The performance sparked lively debates over her motives and the unsettling layers of her unhinged persona, with many returning to rewatch and search for hidden evidence. Simultaneously, Physics/Math I presented a Bhutanese adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, offering a culturally resonant retelling while encouraging reflection on love, conflict, and interpretation in a local context.

Visiting high school students enthusiastically engaged with the performances, shouting at villainous characters and becoming part of the unfolding stories, adding to the festival’s vibrant energy. By mid-afternoon, the campus buzzed with laughter, conversation, and shared wonder. The festival had not only showcased students’ literary and artistic talents but also created a living tapestry of imagination, where stories came to life and participants became part of the narrative.

The festival additionally functioned as a class-wise competition, judged by a panel of faculty and guest teachers. The results are set to be announced during the morning assembly, concluding a day of vibrant literary celebration.

Reported by Dorji Khandu