In a first, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and National Book Trust of India today organized Children’ s Literature Festival which is scheduled to run for three days.The festival was inaugurated by noted writer, Chatter Paul who also presided over the inaugural session. Prof R L Shant was the chief guest on the occasion.The participating scholars and writers drawn from different parts of the State will deliberate on various shades of children’s literature with special reference to such writings in Jammu and Kashmir.Among others, noted authors Bansi Lal Sharma, Gianeshwar Sharma, Krishan Sharma and Dhian Singh presented papers on the works and contribution of writers of Jammu & Kashmir to children’s literature.Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary JKAACL Dr. Aziz Hajini said that the idea to hold an exclusive festival on children’s literature was to discuss and debate various aspects of such writings of state languages.“Such events help writers in honing their skills in the light of the interaction with experts and the experience they gain here,” he said, adding Academy will continue to support such initiatives.The main focus of the event is to find out possibilities for production of quality literature of children’s interest so as to link them with the local languages of the state.In his presidential address, Prof. Shant hailed the joint initiative of NBT India and Academy to hold a festival exclusively devoted to children’s literature and related issues.The festival will, among other things, feature interactive sessions and lectures besides discussions on contemporary trends in children’s literature. NBT India was represented by Dojinder Kumar.