INDICA Launches the Inaugural edition of Nilgiris Writing Retreat: A Weekend with Words

INDICA, an Institute for Indian Knowledge Systems, proudly announces the launch of the Nilgiris Writing Retreat, an immersive workshop designed to serve as a sanctuary for the narrative craft. This inaugural gathering is not just a workshop, but an intentional escape, offering aspiring novelists and new authors a unique opportunity for creative immersion and deep reflection.

Set against the backdrop of the tranquil hills and verdant tea estates of Coonoor, right in the lap of Nilgiris—a region whose natural beauty has long inspired contemplation—the retreat is conceived as a dedicated space where the noise of the contemporary world dissolves, allowing the voice of the story to blossom. It recognizes that transforming a promising idea into a polished manuscript requires more than skill; it demands focused sessions of ideation, creation and a profound personal breakthrough. True to INDICA’s mission to offer learning experiences that are unique, authentic, aesthetic, immersive and transformative, Nilgiris Writing Retreat is designed to just be the blend of guided exploration and manifestation of one’s creative ideas.

The program is meticulously crafted to guide participants from concept to completion, laying a solid foundation for their narrative journey. The two-day immersion focuses on the enduring pillars of creative writing, including:

● Premise & Genre: Establishing the philosophical core and thematic framework of the story.

● Plotting & Character: The essential architecture of a compelling plot and the development of multi-dimensional, authentic characters.

● Writing Sprints: Dedicated, focused time to put theory into immediate, practical use, fostering the discipline of a working writer.

The retreat is led by Nandini Sengupta, an acclaimed author of seven books and a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar. With a wealth of experience in building rich worlds and authentic characters across historical fiction and narrative history, Ms. Sengupta offers personalized guidance to a deliberately intimate cohort of 12 participants, ensuring a focused and transformative experience for every participant.

The Nilgiris Writing Retreat is an invitation to slow down, to listen to the muse of the mountains, and to engage with the craft of storytelling not as a task, but as a reflective journey toward literary excellence.

Interested writers who would like to be a part of this Weekend with words can register here.

About INDICA: INDICA is an Institute for Indian Knowledge Systems dedicated to fostering and celebrating Indic heritage, culture, and wisdom across various fields of study and creative expression.