Parul University students experienced Mumbai through art, literature, and storytelling on the Writer’s Tour, discovering creativity, expression, and the power of imagination in every form.
For every artist, there comes a moment that shifts something within — where inspiration becomes lived experience. For the students of Parul University, the Writer’s Tour Mumbai was exactly that: a week where art, literature, and life intertwined into a single, unforgettable narrative. From the quiet of galleries to the buzz of studios, from eyes scanning pages to ears listening intently, each moment was savored, deliberate, and transformative.
Where a Dot Becomes a Universe
The journey began at the National Gallery of Modern Art, where creativity filled the space. Raza’s hypnotic dots seemed to leap from the canvas, Souza’s bold paintings captured the human spirit, Laxman Shrestha’s sweeping landscapes mesmerized, and Balkrishna Vaidya’s retro Bollywood portraits evoked nostalgia and smiles.
A Raavan sculpture reminded students that education alone doesn’t shape character, while Raza’s mantra —
“Every creation in the universe starts with a dot” —
set the tone for the journey: curiosity, attention, and wonder are the foundation of creation.
A Library That Whispers Secrets
At Title Waves, students entered a sanctuary of stories. Executive Director Trushant Tamgaonkar described it as “a community that breathes literature.” Life coach Ritu Walia added,
“Self-love is the permission you give yourself to be who you really are.”
Students understood that while books connect us outwardly, creativity begins within, and reading fuels the imagination that drives storytelling.
The Spark That Ignites Worlds
At Whistling Woods, ideas leapt from concept to creation. Screenwriter Deepanjan Roy demonstrated how a simple question, “what if?”, can build entire worlds. Students learned that stories are living entities — every choice shapes the journey, every challenge enhances the narrative, and the strange often becomes extraordinary.
Crafting Dreams Into Reality
At Chetana Publications, students witnessed how manuscripts transform into books. Shamlee Bhingarde and editor Smita Sale emphasized that every word, illustration, and layout matters, especially in children’s literature. Students saw that patience, precision, and purpose are essential to bring stories to life.
When Words Take Flight
At Radio Club, storytelling came alive. Speakers Shubha Vilas, Malini Agarwal, and Shabnam Meenwala highlighted that writing is courage, heart, and authenticity. Hearing stories aloud deepened students’ appreciation for storytelling as both craft and personal expression.
The Burden of Centuries & Minds of Masters
Curators Anil Menon and Zeyad Khan traced the evolution of creativity through sculptures and artifacts, showing students that their own work exists within a continuum of ideas and narratives.
Creators Smriti Kiran and Abbas Tyrewala demonstrated that creativity is a journey, not a destination. From discipline amidst chaos to the power of restraint and imagination, students learned how ideas unfold in real time.
The Story They Took Home
By the end of the tour, Mumbai had offered more than inspiration — it had shifted perspectives. From dots to brushstrokes, pages to scripts, and history to contemporary voices, students understood that creativity isn’t a goal; it’s a way of living, sharing, and growing.
As the city faded behind them, it seemed to whisper:
“Every story starts with a dot. What will yours become?”
They realized that humans are unique because we create, and every stroke, every word, every story reflects the innate desire to express, shape, and leave a mark on the world.
