After mesmerizing presentations in Bharatnatyam, classical music, and engaging open-mic performances, the second day of Akshar touched new heights and explored literature, culture, traditions, and cinema.

The day opened with a Kathak performance curated by the Zeeshan Ali Group and presented by performers from IIT Kanpur campus.

It was followed by a mesmerizing life-like recital of Shivani’s stories by Bollywood Actress Nayani Dixit of “Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana” fame. The audience were moved and were left in awe of Nayani’s brilliant play-acting of Shivani’s stories and left craving for more as she left the stage.

A lively discussion took place on the topic "Aaj ke Takneeki Daur Mein Lekhan Evam Prakashan" with participation from leading publishers like Shri Alind Maheshwari from Rajkamal Prakashan Ltd., Anurag Vats from Rukh Prakashan, Bal Krishna Birla (an IIT Kanpur alumnus and technocrat), and acclaimed writer and critic Anand Kakkad. The main topic of discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities in today’s writing and publishing, considering the exposure to social media and technological advances like AI and Chat GPT etc.

The discussion was followed by a divine rendition of Kabir Ke Bhajans by Naman Singh, Prakhar Pandey, Dr. Devanand Pathak and Shri Harish Jha. The audience enjoyed the devotional music and the beautiful performance of the artists.

A discussion on the depiction of women in Indian cinema followed, led by noted Bollywood producer and director Shri R Balki, noted film critic and analyst Shri Komal Nahata, and Ms. Surabhi Modi, a literature enthusiast and CEO of Possible Education. The discussion delved into the changing portrayal of female characters in Indian cinema over the years and acknowledged that although roles have evolved, there is still work to be done to break free from the stereotypes attached to female roles in our families and society.

The day concluded with a thought-provoking conversation featuring noted poet and author Shri Ashok Chakradhar and noted poet Smt. Bhavna Tiwari, revolving around the life and works of Shri Ashok and the role of literature in society and our individual lives.

Concluding the day, Prof. Ark Verma, co-coordinator Shivani Centre and Professor-in-Charge, Rajbhasha Prakoshth, IIT Kanpur, delivered the vote of thanks.