Chandigarh, May 6 -- More than 300 school students from various schools across the tricity of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali participated in a day-long literature festival (LitFest) organised by the Hindustan Times (HT) PACE team at Moti Ram Arya Senior Secondary Model School, Sector 27, Chandigarh on May 2. The event started with a cultural performance followed by events, such as Just-a-Minute (JAM), poetry recitations, flash fiction, TED-style talks, and Popcorn Prophecies. Addressing the participants, Vivek Atray, a former IAS officer, motivational speaker and author, who was the chief guest, said: "When society engages in literary activities, it becomes richer in thought and culture. Such habits light a flame in young minds that never fades." A podcast session, moderated by Pranav Joshi and Margaret, was also organised in which Atray and Hindustan Times, Punjab, business head Chhatra Chhetri discussed the importance of reading among children, particularly in the digital age. "Cultivating the love for reading must begin at home. As screens take over, the habit of reading is fading among youngsters. Children mimic what they see. If parents and teachers read, so will children," said Atray, who released his latest book, The Middle of Everything, recently. "Events like this are not just celebrations, they are a cultural legacy. By blending tradition with modern creativity, such LitFests ensure that the written word continues to thrive in young minds," Atray added. The director of Moti Ram Arya School, Sector 27, Rachna Mahajan, termed the LitFest a celebration of intellect, imagination, and expression. School principal Seema Biji said the festival was envisioned as a platform for encouraging the imagination and critical thinking of young minds....