Patna: Kahaanibaaz 2017, a compilation of stories by children, was released at a ceremony at Premchand Rangshala on Sunday where guests included radio jockey-cum-lyricist Neelesh Mishra, Padma Shri recipient Usha Kiran Khan, and writer Rishikesh Sulabh.

City-based enterprise Kahaanighar had earlier organised a story-telling Olympiad, Kahaanibaaz, in September and the 51 best entries were given the shape of a book which was released on Sunday. Children wrote stories both in Hindi and English. About 2000 entries came from all over the country through mail of which 51 were selected. Apart from Bihar, children from Varanasi, Pune and Delhi also sent their entries. The selection panel members included noted writers Usha Kiran Khan, Geetashree, social activist-cum-writer Nivedita Shakeel and others.

" Kahaanibaaz is aimed at infusing story writing skills among children which is missing in children these days. The stories have been published by our publication Kahaanighar itself. We are not going to sell this book rather we would distribute its copies free of cost. We didn't have an intention of making profit by this programme. Those who are interested in taking a copy of Kahaanibaaz 2017 can contact us," said co-founder of Kahaanighar, Rony Banerjee.

Meenakshi Jha Banerjee, co-founder, Kahanighar said it was an attempt to get children back to the stories of grandmothers and to reconnect with their childhood again.

Earlier, the programme started with Rony paying tribute to social worker Rana Banerjee. Children associated with Kahaanighar performed on the folklore, Kabbat Lagh Jai Dhak Se, while a short play based on the theme song of Kahaanibaaz was also performed. A local musical band's performance was also among the day's attractions.

RJ-cum-lyricist Neelesh Mishra appreciated the effort of Kahaanighar and said it was a unique effort of encouraging children to write stories.

Of the selected stories, he recited some interesting stories in his style. "The stories work to colour the fantasy of children. I would surely do a workshop in the coming days and will make children aware of the details of storytelling," he said.

Writer Usha Kiran Khan said story writing helps improve sensory, cognitive, emotional and creative qualities among children.