Message to Parents that are Requesting Online Workshops

Dear Parents:

We understand that several of you are requesting an online option instead of attending the physical regional workshops. We want to provide some context on why the Katha National Writers’ Workshop is designed to be an in-person experience in all zones where physical sessions are being held.

The purpose of the Utsav goes far beyond writing. These two days are about children coming together across schools, backgrounds, languages and lived experiences to understand the world and one another. 

When children sit in the same room, they:

• listen to diverse views
• work collaboratively
• build stories as a group
• learn personal leadership
• negotiate differences
• understand cultural contexts
• gain confidence through real conversations
• form new friendships
• discover their abilities without screens or filters

This is the foundation on which the writing grows. It is not a competition. It is shared learning.

In the last few years, we have seen that online sessions cannot replicate this environment. 

During online workshops:

• mentors cannot physically see the child’s writing process
• they cannot observe verbal expression, focus, body language or energy
• Children get far less peer interaction
• attention becomes harder to sustain
• and sometimes there is unconscious help from parents, the internet, or tools like chatbots, which affects the accuracy of the learning and evaluation

None of this is intentional, but it is the reality of the online medium.

We also run online workshops for regions where a physical Utsav is not possible, as well as for children in remote or marginalised settings where travel is difficult. But in zones where we are conducting in-person sessions, we strongly encourage children to attend in a physical environment.

Children who attend the physical event consistently tell us how much they enjoyed meeting peers, working in groups, talking to mentors, and participating in activities without screens. Parents who attend also value the live workshops, panel discussions, and the chance to ask questions directly to mentors and the Executive Director.

If you are able to attend the physical Utsav — even if your regional round is online — we would be genuinely happy to welcome you on site. The energy, learning and community-building are always richer in person.

Thank you for understanding the intention behind this. Our goal is to ensure that every child receives a deep and meaningful learning experience, not just a session.

Warm regards,

Team Katha Utsav