There are days that remind us why we fell in love with literature in the first place. October 16, 2025, was one of those days at East West University. The campus felt different-so alive it almost breathed. Laughter spilled from every corner, friends huddled in the courtyard, terrace, and wifi zone rehearsing lines, and the sound of poetry echoed through the air like music. Students and literature enthusiasts from 22 universities across Bangladesh gathered for a day-long celebration of creativity, ideas, and culture.
Events like Lit-Carnival are more than just competitions; they are essential platforms for young people to explore and express themselves. From Spot Poetry and Recitation to Comic-Con and Cosplay, Poster Presentations, Drama, and Masquerade, each segment encouraged participants to think critically, collaborate creatively, and present their ideas to a wider audience. The festival also included interactive elements such as a literature-themed food court and a used-book swap, fostering community and informal learning alongside formal competition.
So why are such events becoming increasingly popular among today's youth? In an era dominated by smartphones, AI, and virtual interactions, students crave spaces where they can engage directly with peers, share ideas, and experience culture first-hand. Lit-Carnivals provide this space-a rare opportunity to step away from screens and immerse in collective creativity, to perform, debate, design, and experiment in ways that classrooms alone cannot offer.
Literature has always been a mirror to our lives, quietly reflecting our fears, our hopes, and the countless emotions that make us human. Every poem, play, or story holds a fragment of someone's truth, reminding us that our struggles and dreams are never ours alone. At events like the Lit-Carnival, these reflections come alive. When a student performs a monologue, writes a poem, or designs a literary poster, they're not just creating art, they're translating their lived experiences into words and performance. That's the beauty of literature: it doesn't stay on paper. It grows, moves, and connects us, showing that even in different forms, all stories are part of the same shared human heartbeat.
Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Founder Vice Chancellor and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, East West University, graced the occasion with his presence during the inaugural ceremony in the morning. Ms. Luva Nahid Choudhury, Director General of Bengal Foundation, attended as the Chief Guest. Students were captivated by her address as Ms. Choudhury shared her insightful reflections on literature and creativity, and officially inaugurated the stalls at the East West University courtyard. Ms. Munize Manzur, Member of the Board of Trustees at East West University and Principal of Sunbeams School, emphasized in her inspiring speech the vital role of literature in academia.
The presence of esteemed academics and cultural figures- Eminent professors Dr. Fakrul Alam, Dr. Tahmina Ahmed, Dr. Mashrur Shahid Hossain, and Munize Manzur-added both rigor and inspiration. Yet the most striking feature was the participants' enthusiasm: spontaneous applause, peer collaboration, and the sheer joy of performance made the event a living celebration of literature. Universities such as North South University, Gopalganj University of Science and Technology, Eastern University, and Presidency University earned recognition across categories, while East West University students shone brightly in Drama, Spot Poetry, and Poster Presentations. Professor Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of East West University, attended the closing ceremony as the Special Guest and delivered his concluding remarks.
The event was convened by Ms. Israt Jahan, Assistant Professor, Department of English, East West University, and Ms. Shahnaz Ameer, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, East West University.
Adiba Maharu Hasan, an undergraduate student of the 11th batch of the Department of English, East West University, a volunteer, and emcee of the event who kept the audience in awe with her bubbly persona, shared how faculty members and student volunteers worked with dedication and passion, handling challenges calmly and ensuring that visiting faculty, participants, and guests were well cared for throughout the event.
The Chairperson of the Department of English, East West University Dr. Akhter Jahan, described the significance of the carnival, stating, "This event marks a celebration of the creative and intellectual spirit that lies at the heart of literary study and cultural engagement. The Lit-Carnival brings together an inspiring blend of activities thoughtfully curated to encourage literary enthusiasm, artistic innovation, and meaningful collaboration among our students and the wider academic community."
EWU Lit-Carnival 2025 highlighted the enduring human desire for meaningful connection and creative expression, even in an age where mechanization and AI often dominate.
The Department of English, along with generous sponsors Foodi, Mutual Trust Bank, Wings Learning Centre and media partner The Daily Observer deserves credit for this landmark event. As the sun set over East West University campus, the laughter, applause, and verses slowly faded, but the feeling lingered. Lit-Carnival wasn't just a day of events; it was a reminder that even in a world obsessed with speed and screens, there is still room for wonder. It proved that stories are not relics of the past, they are living, breathing parts of who we are. Long after the last performance ended, what remained was something deeper: the shared understanding that literature will always find its way back to us, as long as we keep listening to the world with open hearts and curious minds.
The writer is an Editorial Assistant, The Daily Observer
