Scribe - The Creative Writing Society
Scribe is the English Literary Society of Hindu College. At the heart of our literary society lies a profound vision and unwavering aim: to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates the power of words and storytelling. We believe in the immense capacity of literature to illuminate minds, ignite imagination, and spark meaningful connections among individuals from all walks of life; to cultivate a space where individuals can explore the diverse realms of literature, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience. We seek to create an environment that encourages curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love for the written word. Our literary society welcomes anyone who has a passion for words and stories, regardless of their background or experience level. We believe that literature can enrich our lives, broaden our mental horizons, and inspire our creativity.
Through our carefully curated events, workshops, and collaborative projects, we aim to start conversations that wouldn’t happen otherwise with the hope that it leads to deeper and wider inner reflection for everyone involved; to serve as a haven for those who seek solace and enrichment in the beauty of literature and provide an inspiring and inclusive environment for individuals passionate about the written word. Through a range of engaging activities, we
encourage creativity, exploration, and meaningful dialogue. As an example, participants can delve into the captivating art of blackout poetry, where existing texts are transformed into new verses that reflect their unique vision. We also offer diverse writing activities that allow members to engage with writing and share their work within a supportive community. Furthermore, our society fosters enriching discussions on literary pieces, where themes, characters, and artistic techniques are explored in depth. Additionally, we delve into universal literary themes, facilitating insightful conversations that resonate with our shared human experience. Our society goes beyond the confines of traditional literary pursuits by organising site visits to museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions. These excursions provide members with immersive experiences that enrich their understanding of various art forms and inspire new dimensions of creativity. Through these activities, we aim to ignite imagination, nurture talent, and deepen our collective appreciation for the profound impact of literature.
In pursuit of our vision, we strive to break down barriers and bridge the gap between different literary genres, cultures, and perspectives. By embracing the rich diversity of literary and artistic forms we aim to foster a community that values and appreciates the unique voices and stories that shape our world. The society welcomes people from all programs and hopes to serve as a welcoming, enriching and inclusive space for everyone.
Staff Advisor:
Dr. Ashma Sharma
Office Bearers for 2023-24:
President: Chirag Singh
General Secretary: Anshu Yadav
General Secretary: Pratham Gupta
Creative Head: Anigrah Peer
Activities at a Glance:
Intersectional Pride: Film Screening
On 24th June 2022, Scribe, the literary society of Hindu College, in collaboration with Hindu College Queer Collective hosted a film screening on the theme ‘Intersectional Pride.’ The event was a celebration of representation of queerness and diversity in cinema. Four short movies, namely Geeli Pucchi, 1987, Sisak and les lèvres gercèes, were screened during the event, showcasing various themes such as caste privilege, identity and so on. The screening was then followed by a discussion between the attendees.
Slam poetry
On 16th September, 2022, Scribe in collaboration with The Hindu College Queer Collective and The Women's Development Cell organised a slam poetry event as part of the parade's cultural events. The event took place before the parade. Only individuals on the queer spectrum were invited to submit their original pieces of poetry for it.
NGMA visit
Scribe, the literary Society of Hindu college organised a visit to the National Gallery of modern art on 13th November, 2022. The art on display spanned various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. The diverse collection was a testament to the breadth of artistic expression, with each piece offering a unique perspective on the human experience. Overall, the visit to the art gallery was a stimulating and thought-provoking experience, offering an appreciation for the visual arts and showcasing the importance of creative expression.
Festivals of the society
Cinéaste:
Conducted in collaboration with the Film Appreciation Society this year, this one-day film festival was an ode to the storytelling power of cinema, its ability to mirror society and it’s potential to imagine a space where the self is unfettered.
Recognizing this ability of films to ignite reasoned debate and nuanced discussion, the event screened some critically acclaimed and one-of-their-kind films that engaged with issues of identity, emotions and representation. The screenings were followed by a panel discussion wherein the creators of these documentaries elaborated on their experiences, the inspiration for their work and the hopes they harbored.
First on the list was Surbhi Dewan and SA Hanan's Trans Kashmir, which chronicled the history and legacy of the Kashmiri transgender community. An exquisitely poignant portrayal of the kind of lives the Kashmiri Hijras lead, the movie focused on the challenges they face, the dreams they dare to see and the change they long for. Following this was Mohd Fehmeed & Zeeshan Amir's Ruuposh, a satirical family drama and a brutally honest exploration of the lives of the three protagonists, who are a minority living in 21st century India. Next on the list was Shweta Ghosh's Accsex, which takes a look at the idea of beauty standards, sexuality and disability through the lived experiences of four women in modern India.
Giving a perfect end to the event was Rohil Ghosh's brilliant and thought provoking presentation on the Japanese new-wave film the Funeral Parade of Roses. Rohil explored this landmark film, holding the audience spellbound with his nuanced analysis of the film's style, its syntax and its path-breaking technique of narration.
Ambrosia:
The flagship event of SCRIBE happened on the 25th of April 2023. It was a celebration of everything which culture, music, art and literature have to offer through varied perspectives. The literary festival fostered intellectual conversations and lively debates, serving as a platform for deep reflection and literary exploration. It consisted of the following events:
Slam poetry:
Poets from various colleges participated in the slam poetry competition, exploring the theme of “Love: a tender riot”
A wide variety of interpretations of the theme were presented and the participants communicated their ideas and feelings in a lucid and accessible manner
Human library:
A unique event under which we paired people up based on their interests and personalities, human library sought to promote inclusivity and empathy and allowed for meaningful conversation between strangers.
Debate competition:
A healthy debate took place with participation from many colleges. The debate had two rounds. The motion for the first round was ‘Are eBooks better than Paperbacks’ with the second round’s motion being ‘Should children’s books be retold through a new moral lens.’
Overall, this event promoted out of the box thinking and asked the teams to consider different sides of the issue.
Literary Joyland:
Many participants took part in this event to demonstrate their knowledge about literature and entertainment. We saw people display their critical thinking skills in the decoding of the questions. It was an opportunity to gain knowledge about a diverse range of topics while engaging in a spirit of healthy competitiveness.
Film Screening:
In words of the filmmaker Anureet Watta themself, ‘Oranges in the Winter Sun' is about the entanglements between memory and letting go. Told as a retelling, it is about two people finding space for their love in the cramped corners of the world. It is about a camera, with only twelve films - hence beckoning the photographer to decide what to leave inside and outside of a frame. It looks at the city of New Delhi through a queer lens.
