The sessions for the upcoming edition will be announced shortly!

The poet who wins every heart - Gulzar Sa’ab - continues to create magic with each new poetry collection, interweaving the allure of old favourites through verse. Translated by award winning translator and writer, Rakhshanda Jalil, Baal-O-Par is a definitive collection of Gulzar Sa’ab's poetry comprising the complete text of six volumes of poems. Appearing in bilingual form, with the original Urdu in Devnagri script  and the English translations on the facing pages, the collection presents a remarkable tribute to his lyrical and poetic journey. In conversation with former diplomat and celebrated writer Pavan K. Varma they take us through this masterpiece, offering a kaleidoscopic view of history, human experience and poetic expression.

The 2023 Booker Prize-winning novel Prophet Song by Paul Lynch is an exhilarating, propulsive, and confrontational portrait of a society on the brink. It follows one woman’s attempts to save her family in a dystopic Ireland sliding into authoritarian rule, offering an unflinching account of the erosion of free will and liberty. In conversation with Nandini Nair, Lynch examines the nuances of his writing and explores the story of a mother's fight to keep her family together.

Historian and writer Katherine Schofield's recent book, Music and Musicians in Late Mughal India, weaves through the lives of nine musicians to provide a new history of music, musicians and their audiences during the period in which North Indian classical music coalesced in its modern form. In conversation with musician and writer Vidya Shah and historian and author Rana Safvi, Schofield discusses the many ways in which Mughal culture responded to the political, economic and social upheaval of the transition to British rule.

The sacred terrain of the high Himalaya has a timeless tradition of spiritual and mystic quests. How do enlightened masters become an enduring and living presence for religious and spiritual communities? Celebrated academic and writer Andrew Quintman has written extensively on the Tibetan master and spiritual poet, Milarepa. Actor and writer Kelly Dorji is a practising Buddhist. His book, The Hidden Rainbow, makes an attempt to take us on a spiritual journey through Buddhist symbolism in the quest for inner peace and acceptance.
Together they discuss the literary representations of Milarepa's life and further consider the manifold ways in which those life stories move beyond the written page into artistic, ritual and lived dimensions. This session will include the launch of the paperback and  Hindi edition of Mystics and Sceptics: In Search of Himalayan Masters.

Co-authored by Raghuram Rajan and Rohit Lamba, Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India's Economic Future, examines some of the critical and crucial questions surrounding India's economic trajectory.  The book proposes a number of strategies for accelerating India's economic development through investment in human capital, expanding opportunities in high-skilled services, and fostering innovative manufacturing of new products. In conversation with Naushad Forbes, they discuss the nuances of India's economic growth while navigating the challenges of being central to a global economy.

B. Jeyamohan is a Tamil and Malayalam writer and literary critic who explores mythology, philosophy and fantasy. Jeyamohan's vast and diverse literary oeuvre examines and interprets the essence of India's rich literary classical traditions. His prolific output also includes film scripts for Malayalam and Tamil cinema, including Ozhimuri, Kaanchi, Naan Kadavul, Kadal, 2.0, Venthu Thaninthathu Kaadu and Ponniyin Selvan. Writer and translator Suchitra Ramachandran has translated Jeyamohan's Ezhaam Ulagam or 'The Abyss' into English. In conversation with writer Anjum Hasan, they discuss the multilayered narratives explored by Jeyamohan through his rich writing life and the many nuances of translation.

Two brilliant women novelists, author and professor of literature Manju Kapur and writer Devika Rege, speak of their recent fiction. In The Gallery, Kapur entwines the lives of four women as they unravel and negotiate the challenges of their different paths. Set against art, as poetry and property, the novel speaks of the loneliness and longing that immerses them and asks what it takes for a woman to stand up for herself.  Devika Rege’s award-winning debut novel Quarterlife set in the aftermath of a momentous general election, holds up an incisive mirror to India’s political consciousness. The arc of Rege’s narrative charts its characters as they step foot into the country’s turbulent and shifting landscape, both as vessels for its ideals and catalysts for a future that is always out of reach. In conversation with Rachna Singh, Kapur and Rege dissect the sources of their inspiration, and give voice to their words.

For some, imagination is a luxury in the modern age; something which is by turns elusive, difficult to employ and better left to others. But what does it mean to imagine? How do we go about it, and why is it so important that we imagine for ourselves?  Albert Read’s  insightful and life-affirming book, The Imagination Muscle, puts imagination back at the forefront of our lives. Read speaks to writer Amrita Tripathi on the boundless potential of the human mind and the genesis of ideas across time.

'Sanātana Dharma’, or ‘eternal truth’ is the philosophical and practical basis of what is generally known as Hinduism.  The Bhagavadgītā is a 700-verse Hindu scripture, which is part of the epic Mahabharata and a pivotal text in understanding Sanatana Dharma.  Celebrated writer, poet and teacher of Vedanta, Partho's recent book, This Is Sanatan Dharma, is an attempt to explain some of the fundamental principles and practices of  Sanātana Dharma. He takes Sri Aurobindo as his source of inspiration and guidance. Medical practitioner and writer Pariksith Singh’s work include The Veda Made Simple, Sri Aurobindo and Philosophy and Sri Aurobindo and the Literary Renaissance of India. Together they embark on a quest to explore these sacred traditions and texts and their continuing impact on our past, present, and future.

Cricket is the de facto national sport of India. Both the spirit and the practice of the game have changed with the years, but an obsessive interest continues to bind the country together across generations and regions. Celebrated cricketer and commentator Ajay Jadeja  was a member of the Indian cricket team across its many game formats and has also played the role of a coach and mentor. He has also previously been the Captain of the Indian cricket team.  Author, commentator, coach, and former cricketer, Venkat Sundaram’s recent book, Indian Cricket: Then and Now, is a collection of fifty articles by cricketers and leading writers on the sport, celebrates legendary cricketers and chronicles key moments in India’s cricketing history. Former civil servant, journalist, and long-time Indian cricket administrator and umpire, Amrit Mathur’s incisive memoir, Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket, offers a ringside view of the transformational period of Indian cricket, and provides an intimate account of the conversation between players, their lives, and dressing room secrets.In conversation with entrepreneur and author of Gods of Willow, Amrish Kumar, they discuss their books, experiences, and anecdotes of a game that has  controlled the narrative of sports in many parts of the world for years. 

An illustrious panel explores the struggle between historical reality and theoretical idealism, and the reality of the electoral process. Writer and academic Yascha Mounk's book, The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure, draws on history, social psychology, and comparative politics to discuss the ways in which common ground can be built for a homogenous society that appeases all. Former Chief Election Commissioner of India and writer S Y Quraishi's book, India's Experiment with Democracy : The Life of a Nation Through Its Elections, evaluates the fundamental principles that set the stage for our ideas of nationhood, citizenship and democracy. Girish Kuber is the Editor of Loksatta. In conversation with Mandira Nayar, they discuss the complexities of nurturing democratic practices in a world torn apart by war, strife and multiethnic conflict.

What is it like to be a Prime Minister and control the destiny of your country? Australia's former Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, talks to author and former diplomat Navdeep Suri about  his time in office, and explores some of the key moments in recent history.

Author Sonora Jha's recent novel, The Laughter, is an illuminating portrait of class, privilege, radicalisation and modern academia that forces us to confront our assumptions of the world. The narrative follows the story of a white male college professor and his dangerous obsession with a new South Asian colleague.The New York Times has called it “a no-holds-barred comic achievement.” In conversation with Susana Torres Prieto, Jha   examines the idea of the 'other' and the semantics of entitlement in a moving saga of lust and retribution. 

Writer and Naturalist Yuvan Aves' recent work Intertidal: A Coast and Marsh Diary, spread across two years and three monsoons, is a diary of deep observations of the coast and wetland, climate and self. Diving into the in-between space where land meets sea--and also where being meets world, the narrative explores interactions with the tiniest life forms in the midst of a landscape of beauty and fragility. In conversation with celebrated author Robert Macfarlane and acclaimed travel writer and  novelist Colin Thubron, Aves takes us on a journey beyond the binaries of man, animal, sea and the coast, into the world of harmonious coexistence.

A session that connects the dots between climate change, shifting resources and a new map for sustainability across urban and rural clusters and vulnerable communities who are impacted the most. Author and social entrepreneur Shashank Mani's book, Middle Of Diamond India, explores the ethos of the Tier 2 and 3 cities that form an integral backbone of the country.  Founder-Director of The Antara Foundation, Ashok Alexander's recent memoir, How the Light Gets in, takes a journey through the roots of the country, evaluating the conditions of mothers and children. Former member of the Planning Commission of India and writer Arun Maira has written extensively on  transformational change, leadership and both nation and business building for India's future. His recent book, Shaping the Future: A Guide for Systems Leaders, follows the three disciplines of System Being, Systems Thinking, and Systems Acting, that lay down a framework for future leaders. Susan Ferguson  Country Representative for UN Women India and has had a distinguished career in international development spanned by themes of gender equality and social justice.

American writer and former copywriter, Bonnie Garmus’s debut novel Lessons in Chemistry, revolves around a frustrated chemist as she finds herself at the helm of a cooking show that sparks a revolution in 1960’s America. The novel’s protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, battles a sexist establishment and the perils of being a woman in a man’s world. In conversation with Bee Rowlatt, Garmus discusses the electric impact of her poignant work and a world beyond one where women are tied to the kitchen.

How do you grasp another life and pin it to a page? What does it take to immerse yourself completely into someone else’s story, to comb through history and bring it alive? Biographers of luminaries and figures across time come together in a panel to discuss what it means to bring these personae to life, compellingly and authentically, and the challenges they face in doing so.

Two brilliant women novelists, author and professor of literature Manju Kapur and writer Devika Rege speak of their recent fiction. In The Gallery, Kapur entwines the lives of four women as they unravel and negotiate the challenges of their different paths. Set against art, as poetry and property, the novel speaks of the loneliness and longing that immerses them and asks what it takes for a woman to stand up for herself.  Devika Rege’s award-winning debut novel Quarterlife set in the aftermath of a momentous general election, holds up an incisive mirror to India’s political consciousness. The arc of Rege’s narrative charts its characters as they step foot into the country’s turbulent and shifting landscape, both as vessels for its ideals and catalysts for a future that is always out of reach. In conversation with Rachna Singh, Kapur and Rege dissect the sources of their inspiration, and give voice to their words.

A session traverses the diverse culinary traditions, kitchens and hearths of South Asian cuisine. Steeped in memories, recipes and familial history, writer and cultural historian Tarana Husain Khan and writer and historian Rana Safvi take us on a delectable journey through the rich cultural and social traditions of Awadhi and Rampur cuisines and the ways in which it has transformed with time.

A session that discusses the core issues and changing realities of the North Eastern states, through the eyes of a journalist, a poet-politician, and an academic.  Together they explore the natural treasures and rich cultural diversity of the  region and the social, political and environmental concerns that continue to beset it.

Acclaimed author Amish and his sister Bhavna Roy explore burning questions on the true meaning of idolatry in Idols: Unearthing the Power of Murti Puja, a companion volume to their bestselling Dharma. Together, they search for the essence of Ishta Devata and bhakti—that of a personal god and the path of devotion—through simple, insightful interpretations of myths and religious texts. In conversation with Satyarth Nayak, author of the national bestseller, Mahagatha - 100 Tales from the Puranas, they discuss the symbolic and the deeper meanings of idol worship and the search for divinity within and outside us. 

A session that discusses the integration of mental health with general health policies, as well as the associations between illness and disability. The panelists also examine the treatment gaps, socio-economic conditions, and ground cultural realities in the process of assessment.

Journalism is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. Has the changed landscape of media communication and the barrage of new technologies impacted the understanding of the core values of journalism?

For years, it appears that Indians have concerned themselves with making their environs, and themselves, smell good.

With 18,500 varieties of aromatic plants, from the voluptuous allure of the rose to the musky tang of oud, the woody notes of sandalwood to the heady smell of jasmine and the lingering aroma of vetiver, fragrances unlock something at the very heart of India.

In conversation with author John Zubrzycki, writer and journalist Divrina Dhingra discusses her recent book, The Perfume Project: Journeys through Indian Fragrance, which investigates the idea of scent as a powerful trigger for memories and emotions, as well as a mode of self-expression and identity.

In the tapestry of Indian language publishing, the threads of sexuality had limited colours for a long time. Recently, writings in Hindi, Rajasthani, and other languages are reflecting a gratifying new trend of exploring the spectrum of sexualities. How do publishers, authors, and commentators view this long-overdue harbinger of change?
 

The phenomenally successful Malayalam publishing company DC Books celebrated its 50^th birthday in 2023. Listen to the inspiring story of the journey with Ravi Deecee in conversation with Karthika VK. 
 

Comedian and actor Kanan Gill's debut novel, Acts of God, is an ode to comedic science fiction, blending together questions of human existence, the multiverse and life itself. In this conversation with Sarthak Kaushik, Gill dives into this post apocalyptic world and gives us a glimpse into his comedic and writing life.

A session that examines the realities of war reportage and how literature is impacted by the intrinsic nature of war. Journalist and writer Roger Cohen earned a Pulitzer Prize and a George Polk Award with The Times teams, covering the Ukraine war. He has previously reported from various troubled zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Iran. Journalist and award-winning author Anjan Sundram has reported from the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. In conversation with President, international, The New York Times Company, Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, they take a piercing look at the ways in which strife has impacted their journey and craft.

Louise Fowler-Smith's recent work, Sacred Trees of India, examines the fundamental threat posed by deforestation to ecological sustainability and the continuation of life on earth. Drawing on 10 years of fieldwork in India, Fowler-Smith expertly documents the sacred trees and groves of India and the traditions of tree-worship which present a powerful alternative to the Western capitalist commodification of nature. Environmentalist and filmmaker Pradip Krishen’s book Jungle Trees of Central India is a lavishly illustrated account of the trees found in the region.In conversation with Mridula Ramesh they discuss the nuances of a culture whose reverence for trees has helped them prevent outright ecological destruction.

A multi vocal poetry reading where different languages, rhythms and styles converge in a joyous celebration of imaginative possibility.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz’s recent work, Trust,  is a riveting tale that challenges the myths shrouding wealth, and the fictions that often pass for history. Following the different versions of the story of a Wall Street businessman and his wife in the years leading up to the Great Depression,  the novel strikingly captures the human weakness for self deception. Winning the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for fiction the novel will also soon be adapted into a TV series.  In conversation with art critic and writer Katie Kitamura, Diaz reflects on the concept of trust as both a moral quality and a financial arrangement, as though virtue and money were synonymous. 

Historian, writer and broadcaster Jerry Brotton’s work The Orient Isle reveals England’s relationship with the Muslim world and its influence on the commercial and political landscape of the England of Shakespeare. The individual stories covered form part of a rich tapestry of interaction that was ultimately directed by the geopolitics of the day. In conversation with historian, writer and festival's co-director William Dalrymple, Brotton examines the political, cultural and social imperatives that laid the ground for a shared history across the east and the west.

The fame of the Buddha stands in contrast to the shadowy figure of Yashodhara, the young wife he left behind in the palace. Shyam Selvadurai’s thought-provoking novel, Mansions of the Moon takes us back to India of the 6th century BC as he explores Yashodhara’s early years of marriage and the anguish that descends upon her when her husband abandons her. Another perspective comes from Vanessa R. Sasson whose evocative book, Yashodhara: A Novel, recounts the story of Buddha from Yashodhara’s perspective and in doing so, resurrects hidden aspects of Buddhist monasticism and the sangha. Her recent book is The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women.  In this session, Selvadurai and Sasson discuss their interpretations of Yashodhara’s life—her turmoil, her sacrifices and her spiritual enlightenment in conversation with poet and writer Arundhathi Subramaniam.

Two prominent writers and public intellectuals, Mani Shankar Aiyar and Gurcharan Das, speak of their recently published memoirs and the stories behind the stories. Combining the personal and the political, they examine their eventful lives and the lessons and learnings along the way. Former diplomat and politician, Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Memoirs of a Maverick: The First Fifty Years and its sequel, The Rajiv I Knew, are candid, thoughtful and witty recountals of his life in the foreign service and in politics. Author, columnist and former CEO of Procter & Gamble, Gurucharan Das’s recently published Another Sort of Freedom: A Memoir is a moving story that takes us through the twists and turns of his life from the chaos of Partition to failed first loves and unconventional career decisions. In this engrossing session, they speak with Mandira Nayar about their lives and read from their books.

The art and science of marketing books is changing. Specialist agencies, social media engagement and reviews on YouTube are just some of the ways that determine how books stand out in an attention deficit economy. Meet experts who are driving the change from the front.
 

What happens when the decisions of one character changes the course of the narrative arc?
What happens when an action has a domino effect? 

A session on protagonists and literary characters from whom the narratives stem. The authors and translators of the books shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature 2023 respond to questions about the voices they championed.

In 1944, Rudolf Vrba became one of the first Jews to escape from Auschwitz — one of only a tiny handful who ever pulled off that near-impossible feat. Against all odds, he and his fellow escapee, Fred Wetzler, climbed mountains, crossed rivers and narrowly missed German bullets until they had smuggled out the first full account of Auschwitz the world had ever seen—a forensically detailed report that would eventually reach Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and the Pope. In conversation with journalist Roger Cohen, Freedland delves into the story of a brilliant yet troubled man—a gifted “escape artist” who even as a teenager understood that the difference between truth and lies can be the difference between life and death, a man who deserves to take his place alongside Anne Frank, Oskar Schindler and Primo Levi, those rare individuals whose stories define our understanding of the Holocaust.

77 years after India attained freedom at the stroke of the midnight hour, the Indian economy has emerged as one of the largest in the world. An expert panel of stalwarts in the policy, business and finance field come together to discuss the future of Indian business and enterprise while evaluating the heritage and development of India's economic story. Amitabh Kant will unveil his latest book, The Elephant Moves: India’s New Place in the World at the end of this session.

Ramacharitmanas is the sixteenth-century epic poem composed in Awadhi by Goswami Tulsidas. In this popular version, Tulsidas made Lord Rama accessible to the common people.  Philp Lutgendorf’s publication of the seventh volume of The Epic of Ram, the English translation of the poem in 2023 coincides with the 450th anniversary of the epic’s traditional date of composition.

Together with renowned writer, poet and cultural figure, Yatindra Mishra, and writer and academic Harish Trivedi, they focus on the history, significance and timeless nature of this epic text and its abiding impact on Indian culture in a conversation with Pragya Tiwari.

An engrossing session that has prominent voices from Assam and Odisha, Anuradha Sarma Pujari and Itirani Samanta, speaking of their work and its cultural and literary milieu. Sahitya Akademi award winner and journalist Anuradha Sarma Pujari is the editor of the newspaper Sadin and the magazine Satsori, and the author of ten works of fiction. Her novel, Hriday Ek Bigyapan, has been translated by Aruni Kashyap from Assamese as My Poems Are Not For Your Ad Campaign. 

Novelist, essayist and short story writer Itirani Samanta is the editor of the Kadambini and Kunikatha magazines, and director of Kadambini Media. Her novel, Sakuntala Ra Jhia has been translated from Odia as Shakuntala’s Daughter by Dipty Patnaik. In conversation with Rachna Singh, they discuss their multifaceted literary engagements with their mother languages and the sources and inspirations of their work.

Veteran feminist publishers Urvashi Butalia and Ritu Menon in conversation with R Sivapriya to celebrate this milestone.
 

Yascha Mounk,Badri Narayan and Sreenivasan Jain  explore the interwoven landscapes of identity, ideas, and the individual. Navigating demographic, ethnic, gender and religious factors that polarise a population, an informed panel examines the juxtapositions of our times.

Travel writing is among the most ancient forms of literature. It allows invaluable social, cultural and political insight. It can signify personal journeys and growth, the intricate histories of places and peoples, and even the power and limits of the mind. Colin Thubron, Nicholas Shakespeare, Sam Miller, Yuvan Aves and Divrina Dhingra discuss their work, inspirations and choice of genre with writer, historian and Festival Co-Director, William Dalrymple. 

An important session which navigates the  frameworks of history, law and the social expectations of an evolving society towards persons facing physical and mental disabilities. In this discussion, an engaged panel evaluates governmental policy initiatives and practical measures to provide accessible facilities and support systems for those struggling with disabilities, and the challenges faced by their caregivers.

What does the face of power look like? 

Who gets commemorated in art and why? 

And how do we react to the statues of politicians who we deplore?

What did Roman Emperors really do? 

Leading classicist and cultural commentator Mary Beard’s recent books, Twelve Caesars: Images of Power from the Ancient World to the Modern and Emperor of Rome explore Roman power from different angles: how Roman art has shaped the Western world’s understanding of power for over two millennia; and what the day-to day nature of their power was. Examining ancient imperial imagery, modern visual imagination and little-known ancient texts, Beard explores the image and reality of Roman emperors, especially the ‘Twelve Caesars’,  from the ruthless Julius Caesar to the fly-torturing Domitian, to understand their ancient and modern significance. In conversation with historian and author Peter Frankopan, she discusses changing identities, the clueless or even deliberate misidentifications and the challenges of modern assumptions about ancient imperial power.

At a time when change appears to be the only constant, a session that evaluates the swiftly transforming world around us and human strategies of survival, adaptation, and growth. A diverse panel speaks of their individual approaches to dynamic flux, and how imagination, skill and resilience help them ride change.

Lexicographers are unsung heroes who toil to expand the universe of languages. Translators, linguists, readers and writers all owe them a huge debt. What drives them to take on this gargantuan task which is never finished? This session explores all these questions and more!
 

Gulzar Sa’ab is the most beloved of all Indian poets and lyricists. His humour, sensitivity, and empathy tug at the heartstrings across generations. Yatindra Mishra's new book Gulzar Sa’ab takes us on a journey through his life and times.  Based on meticulously recorded conversations, recorded over two decades, translated into English by Sathya Saran, Mishra's book is a tribute to the genius of Gulzaar Sa’ab.

The magnificent big cats of the jungle ecosystem, such as the great Bengal Tiger, have inspired writers of both fiction and nonfiction for generations.  News anchor and environment reporter Gargi Rawat’s recent book, Tiger Season, is a fictional account of an environmental journalist's tryst with tiger conservation, love, and the great outdoors. Writer, novelist and nature activist Arefa Tehsin was appointed the Honorary Wildlife Warden of Udaipur district by the government of Rajasthan and has pursued nature conservation through her books and articles. Together, they discuss the mystique of tiger tales and the story of conservation efforts in Rajasthan.

The Amur River forms the highly contested border between Russia and China. It is the most densely fortified frontier on earth and represents the histories of both countries, as well as their unique relationship. Colin Thubron, the laureate of travel writing, follows the dramatic journey of the Amur, from its secret source to an expanse of almost 3,000 miles in his acclaimed book, The Amur River: Between Russia and China. In this astonishing account of an often perilous journey, among diverse peoples, climates and terrain, Thubron reveals the urgent history of this river of the far east and its links to global geopolitics. In conversation with historian and writer Peter Frankopan.

Bestselling historian Ben Macintyre’s latest nonfiction book, Colditz: Prisoners of the Castle, is a true story of the most infamous prison in history. Colditz gained international infamy as a prison of war camp during World War 2 for Allied officers who had repeatedly attempted to escape from other camps. Set in the time of World War 2, Macintyre presents a biography of the prison itself, the world detainees built within it and their thrilling escape. In conversation with writer Narayani Basu, Macintyre takes us on a deep dive through real life espionage within the walls of a German prison.

Journalist Charles Glass' recent book Soldiers Don't Go Mad, is a poignant history of the friendship between two great war poets, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, alongside a narrative investigation of the origins of PTSD and the literary response to World War I. Bound together by brotherhood, poetry and mental illness, it explores the story of the soldiers and doctors who struggled with the effects of industrial warfare on the human psyche. In conversation with author and journalist Mukund Padmanabhan, Glass takes an immersive look at the healing power of art in the face of the destructive nature of war.

As societies evolve, so must systems of learning; education and innovation are indispensable to changing realities and lying-in-wait challenges. Experts in education in its many shifting dimensions come together to discuss the future of education and the ways in which it can be tied to wider social welfare and public good.

Professor Charlie Jeffery is the Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of York. He believes that education can render social and economic welfare. Co-CEO of Archie Comics, Nancy Silberkleit, has worked extensively on the ways in which graphic novels can be used as a valuable tool to encourage literacy and a love for reading among children. Academic and writer Sital Kalantry is an associate dean at Seattle University School of Law. Priyank Narayan is a seasoned entrepreneur and an educationist. He is the Founder of IndiaPreneurship, an organisation focused on showcasing entrepreneurial opportunities in India to the world.

They will be in conversation with Sanjoy K Roy.

Award-winning Calcutta born writer Shumona Sinha's translated work, Down With the Poor!, written in French as Assommons les pauvres!, takes a multilayered look into France's modern day refugee crisis. Translated into English by Teresa Lavender Fagan, the narrative attempts to understand the circumstances and rage of a woman who attacks a refugee in the Paris Metro over the course of one night. The story won the Valéry Larbaud Award in France, was on the short list for the Renaudot Award, won the Internationaler Literaturpreis in Berlin, and was adapted to theatre in Germany and Austria. In conversation with translator and writer Arunava Sinha, she attempts to explain the political undertones of her story and the simmering violence seeping through the pages.

Podcasts bring a unique connection between voice and text. High quality podcasts connect with listeners with an intimacy that fosters trust. How are podcasts making more listeners into readers?  This is a session that examines the deepening symbiosis. 
 

The first novel is always the most difficult. Three super successful first timers speak to literary critic Merve Emre about the trials and tribulations of writing first fictions and read from their work.

India is a country of many contradictions. Balancing between being the world's fastest growing economy and burgeoning technological prowess, we also see a land of poverty with the masses struggling to survive. A distinguished  panel comes together to evaluate policy and strategies towards inclusive development and growth. Former member of the Planning Commission of India and writer Arun Maira has written extensively on  transformational change, leadership and both nation and business building for India's future. His recent book, Shaping the Future: A Guide for Systems Leaders, follows the three disciplines of System Being, Systems Thinking, and Systems Acting, that lay down a framework for future leaders. Padma Vibhushan awardee Raghunath Mashelkar has been an influential thought leader in shaping science, technology and innovation policies in post-liberalised India. In conversation with co-chairman of Forbes Marshall and author of The Struggle And The Promise: Restoring India's Potential, Naushad Forbes, they present a conceptual roadmap for India's future, suited to its diverse social, economic and cultural needs.

Two committed writers talk about their recent books, the themes of which navigate hope, dissent and despair. Prominent political theorist and scholar of multiculturalism and secularism in non-western societies, Rajeev Bhargava, in his new book, Reimagining Indian Secularism (History for Peace) interrogates the abuse and the deliberate distortion of Indian secularism by its opponents. His earlier collection of essays, Between Hope and Despair, explored the idea of an inclusive, pluralist India, raising pertinent questions on India’s collective ethical identity. Noted political economist and social commentator Parakala Prabhakar’s recently published The Crooked Timber of New India: Essays on a Republic in Crisis investigates the idea of ‘New India’ against the backdrop of rising religious majoritarianism and authoritarianism. Together, they will be in conversation with Mohit Satyanand.

Sensitisation towards an equitable social, cultural, and economic environment that helps provide equal opportunities to women is essential for a just and progressive society. A distinguished panel discusses how to facilitate an increase in women's decision-making power and their access to opportunities and resources, creating an egalitarian platform to reduce the gap in accessibility between men and women. 

As more readers across the world reach out for translations, they also receive attention and recognition in book awards. An erudite panel discusses the reach and impact of books that cross linguistic and cultural borders.
 

A thoughtful session that looks at the world and India's place in it. As a culture, India has retained its core identity despite our centuries of invasions, migrations and societal change. What is the core essence behind this continuity and what are the factors that have nurtured it.  Manmohan Vaidya is the Sah Sarkaryawah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the author of We and the World Around. Badri Narayan is a Sahitya Akademi award winning poet, essayist and professor at the School of Social Sciences, JNU and works on the political understanding and constructs of Northern India. Writer, politician and former diplomat Pavan K Varma  has written extensively on India and Indian civilisational values. In conversation with journalist Mandira Nayar, they discuss the idea of India and its place in a changing world.

Many feminisms and perspectives, both current and prevalent across cultures and societies, have perhaps provided a greater flexibility to the women's movement. Issues such as women rights, intersectional feminism, ethnic marginalisation, social hierarchies and economic deprivation all take on many forms and have to be understood in their multiplicity. This session brings togethers writers and activists from across the world to speak of their immediate contexts and the wider search for equity and justice.

The legacy of Indian fashion is a vibrant tapestry, seamlessly weaving together elements of the past and present, tradition and modernity. Fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani’s creations navigate these histories, from the impact of globalisation and colonisation on attire to the revival of long-forgotten techniques. His book, Journey to India Modern, written with investigative journalist Alia Allana, reveals the paths he takes for his craft, and the significance of his luxury design studio in today's world. In conversation with writer Shivani Sibal, Tahiliani shares insights into his explorations in fashion around the globe, his efforts to merge stories across time and space, and the questions he seeks to pose through his designs.

Two exceptional writers explore the nuances of the written word and the world of fiction. Anjum Hasan’s latest novel, History's Angel, follows the journey of a mild-mannered school teacher at a time in India's history when Muslims are seen as either hapless victims or live threats. The poignant narrative deftly highlights the power of ideas and the peril of majoritarianism. Tania James’ recent novel, Loot, is a luminous tale of history that explores the far reaches of empire and human desire. The narrative follows the journey of a young woodcarver as his art catches the attention of Tipu Sultan—his journey mirroring the transformation of nations and dynasties ravaged by war across India and Europe. In conversation with Anish Gawande.

As AI storms into various aspects of our lives, publishing is no exception. What does the future hold with AI entering the domains of editing, translation and audio books? How will AI impact legal contracts and the understanding of originality in IP? This session attempts to read the new shapes on the horizon.
 

A session that engages with Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, Braj bhasha and Spanish in translation of poetry and epic texts. Venerated scholar Oscar Pujol studied Sanskrit at Banaras Hindu University. He has also authored the first Sanskrit-Catalan dictionary. His Spanish translation of  The Bhagavadgītā was published in 2023. 

Mridul Kirti has translated highly respectable Hindu scriptures such as the Samaveda and Ashtavakra Gita, written in Sanskrit. into Hindi and Brij Bhasha. They will be in conversation with publisher Aditi Maheshwari Goyal.

The Freedom to Dream is the most precious of all freedoms. Samsung explores the power of innovation and digital artistry to enable new levels of joy through the intuitive skills of its very latest model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series. An inspiring panel of artists, writers, musicians, historians, mathematicians and entrepreneurs discuss the many ways in which one can educate, create and conceptualise thought in a constantly transforming world.

Acclaimed author and journalist Mrinal Pande’s novel, Sahela Re, pays tribute to the declining gharanas of Hindustani classical music  as she attempts to record, in her words, “The last cry of a lost aesthetics, an art form, a way of life.” Pande’s protagonist, Vidya, collects old letters, photographs and gramophone records on a tantalising quest to unearth the stories and traditions of a time when the practice of music was likened to sacred worship.

Writer, columnist and cultural icon Yatindra Mishra has worked extensively on the heritage of Indian music. His books include biographies of Lata Mangeshkar and Begum Akhtar among others. In conversation with academic and writer  Katherine Schofield, Pande, herself a trained Hindustani classical musician, and Mishra, speak of the history and memory of this music, the unspoken codes of artistes’ lives, and the links between their stories and the legacy of Indian classical music.

Three prominent Indian poets share their work and inspirations, and talk to each other about metre, rhyme, and the muse. Naveen Kishore’s hypnotic verses in his new collection Mother Muse Quintet, an ode to the birth mother and the mother tongue, emerge fog-like from the depths of memories and dreams, and swirl, like time itself, in a slow timeless vortex of loss and longing, death and life. Ranjit Hoskote’s eighth collection of poetry Icelight transits between audacious exploration and contemplative retreat as it archives lost worlds and relationships, and curates poignant versions of the past, the present, and the future. Arundhathi Subramaniam’s recent anthology Wild Women: Seekers, Protagonists, and Goddesses in Sacred Indian Poetry weaves together haunting voices of, by, and for women across the Indian subcontinent as it traverses the sacred feminine and invites us to reclaim an explosive inheritance of female power, rapture, and wisdom. Introduced by Anisha Lalvani for a session of free flowing conversation and verse.  This session will include the unveiling of Ranjit Hoskote’s latest collection of essays, To Break and To Branch, a tribute to celebrated poet, playwright and painter,  Gieve Patel.

Author John Boyne's recent book, All the Broken Places, is a powerful sequel to his bestselling work, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. The narrative is a devastating yet poignant account of a woman who must confront the transgressions of her past, and a present in which it is never too late for courage and redemption. In conversation with literary critic and writer Merve Emre, Boyne discusses the tragedies of the past and the inevitable shadows they cast upon the future.

Be it to preserve memory or to keep alive the soundscape of different languages, the drumbeat of creativity powers the work of committed publishers from various countries. Tune in to this thoughtful panel of publishers  hailing from lands as diverse as Mauritius and Tibet.
 

Pulitzer Prize winning writer Kai Bird speaks to historian and writer Jonathan Freedland on his writing life and  literary journey. Co-authored with the late Martin J. Sherwin Bird famously wrote, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, which acted as inspiration for the Chirstopher Nolan’s film, Oppenheimer. He is also known for his writings on United States-Middle East political relations, and his biographies of political figures such as Jimmy Carter.  

“Every Ramayana is different, every Mahabharata is different,” says author, columnist and screenwriter Anand Neelakantan. Recounting Indian epics from their antagonists’ perspectives, he crafts striking interpretations of the tales, laying bare a world of immense possibility and inexhaustible retelling. The author of thirteen books, including the famed Bahubali Trilogy, Neelakantan is a storyteller whose diverse tools involve novels, television shows, audio books and films. In this session, Neelakantan, in conversation with Satyarth Nayak, author of the national bestseller, Mahagatha - 100 Tales from the Puranas speaks about the unyielding power of myths and the multitude of stories they carry within.

Amitabh Kant, Mukesh Bansal and Neelkanth Mishra  explore the timely theme of cherishing our planet and our place in the cosmos. As India makes strides in reaching out to explore our planetary systems and beyond, our vision as a species expands and our horizons widen. Even as the consciousness of ‘One World’ dawns, greed and hubris divide the world, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, writers, technocrats and future space professionals explore the exciting potential of a global economy within the burgeoning space ecosystem. A stimulating and visionary ‘Future Now’ session examining our changing world.

A session exploring the artistic genius of our  country’s foremost modern artist, Raja Ravi Varma. Two of Ganesh V. Shivaswamy's six-volume series, Raja Ravi Varma: An Everlasting Imprint, navigates through the life, artistic style and ever lasting impact of Raja Ravi Varma's creative journey. In conversation with Asad Lalljee.

A powerful session of readings and recitations which platforms extraordinary poetic talent within the oral tradition of indigenous literature.

A visit to a bookstore should open doors to a world of magic. Bookstore wizards speak up for the fine art of curation and display. This is a session that looks at how booksellers expand the circle of readers. 
 

Charu Nivedita's Conversations with Aurangzeb, originally in Tamil, boasts a sprawling narrative of a hundred and forty-five thousand words. Translated by Nandini Krishnan, the novel cleverly combines history and satire to provide a sharp social commentary.  In conversation with podcaster and writer Eric Chopra, Nivedita and Krishnan talk about the process of collaborating to 'transcreate' a narrative in which the spirit of an erstwhile emperor speaks through an Aghori, spilling his views on themes such as myth, cinema, language, society, and politics.

Historian and archaeologist Josephine Quinn's recent work, How the World Made the West, is an expansive history of the origins of the West spanning 4000 years. Questioning the idea of ‘civilisations’ within history, Quinn presents an intriguing idea of how it was contact and connections, rather than distinct and isolated civilisations, that drove historical change.  In conversation with historian and writer Peter Frankopan and classicist and writer Mary Beard, Quinn calls for a reassessment of the idea of the ‘West’ and takes a deep dive into a shared history lost in time.

The landscape of modern love has changed, adapting and evolving to our times. A diverse panel of writers examines the transforming terrain of romance, desire and commitment. Columnist and writer Seema Goswami’s popular column ‘Spectator’ examines contemporary life and society. Author Shivani Sibal’s debut novel Equations looks at family, social change and class divides. Writer and translator Anish Gawande is the curator of Pink List India — an archive of Indian politicians supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. Together they discuss the refuge of love in a world of ceaseless turbulence and shift with Maria Goretti.

Books can be burned, banned, and branded dangerous, but the often unexpected and subversive ideas that they contain cannot be suppressed. Mridula Garg is a reputed and prolific Hindi writer and a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award. Her novel Chittacobra was branded obscene and led to her arrest. Kalpana Raina is a patron of translation across diverse languages and has recently co-translated For Now It Is Night  - stories by the late Hari Krishna Kaul. Former diplomat Navdeep Suri has translated the words of his grandfather Nanak Singh, whose poems, Khooni Vaisakhi and Zakhmi Dil had been banned and censored after Jallianwala Bagh and the Guru Ka Bagh Morcha. Merve Emre is the Shapiro-Silverberg Professor of Creative Writing and Criticism at Wesleyan University and the director of the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism. Novelist and columnist Nilanjana S. Roy is the editor of Our Freedoms and has written extensively on free speech. In an important session, they speak of books that  were suppressed and silenced, and how they survive obliteration and censorship.

The regions around the Indian Ocean are connected through ancient traditions of island nations and their cultures. This session brings together diverse voices from countries that share a common heritage of oceanic experience in their linguistic, literary and poetic identities. Anitah Aujayeb is a Mauritian poet, historian and multilingual educator. Polyglot Ibrahim Waheed is a Maldivian writer, poet, academic and television show host. Shyam Selvadurai, is an acclaimed novelist from Sri Lanka. Indian poet and Diplomat Abhay K’s  book length poem Monsoon , weaves the biodiversity, cuisine and heritage of IndianOcean islands and the Indian subcontinent into one poetic thread.

Educational publishing remains the commercial backbone of the Indian book industry. Some leading publishers discuss the prospects of growth in the current policy environment and the implementation of the NEP. They also explore areas of common interest between educational and trade publishers.
 

A session on the idea of justice and how the Supreme Court of India strives to face the challenges of a changing world.

Former Chief Justice of Orissa High Court Justice S. Muralidhar has also practised law in the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court for nearly two decades. Justice Madan B. Lokur is presently a Judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji, was appointed the Additional Solicitor General of India, and has also been a Judge at the Delhi High Court  and a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Sital Kalantry and Aparna Chandra's co-authored book, Court on Trial: A Data-Driven Account of the Supreme Court of India, builds on deep research to observe the challenges and trials faced by the Supreme court and its processes. The narrative provides an overview of the Supreme Court and presents data-driven suggestions for improving its effectiveness. In conversation with  former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court and Telangana High Court, Chief Justice Chauhan, an illustrious panel weaves through the past, present and future to provide a holistic account of the highest court of justice.

Namita Gokhale, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, reminisces about her debut novel, Paro: Dreams of Passion, first published in 1984, which has remained a cult classic over the years. In conversation with journalist Pragya Tiwari, podcaster and writer Eric Chopra and founder of A Suitable Agency, Hemal Sodhi, Gokhale also talks of the trajectory of her literary life, her 23 published books, and her new novella, Never Never Land.

Complex and crucial health issues often have simple core solutions. The many levels of  devastation caused by the vagaries of climate change include drought and flood situations where the lack of access to proper sanitation can cause immense damage. A session that flags the need and necessity to commit to core health through sanitation, hygiene and  cleanliness.

This session will include the launch of the Dettol Hygiea Android game. Join the battle of hygiene and let's bust some germs with the Dettol Hygiea Android game by Dettol Banega Swasth India on its 10-year anniversary. The launch will be led by EVP South Asia, Gaurav Jain; Director of External Affairs and Partnerships South Asia, Ravi Bhatnagar; and Deputy CEO of MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, Sanjeev Dham.

Award-winning biographer Nicholas Shakespeare's recent work, Ian Fleming: The Complete Man, offers us a fresh portrait of the man behind James Bond and his enduring legacy. The evolution of what Bond represents about ideas of masculinity, the British national psyche, and global politics has shifted over time, as has the interpretation of the life of his author. However, Fleming himself was more mysterious and subtle than anything he wrote. Historian and writer Matthew Parker's book Goldeneye: Where Bond was Born, provides an intimate peek into Fleming's stay at Goldeneye in Jamaica, the space in which the Bondverse materialised. Together, they pay homage to the man behind 007.

Both Diana Evans, half-Nigerian and half-English, and Ivy Ngeow, born and raised in Malaysia, live in London and tell stories about the urban middle-class through the lens of mixed-race ethnicities. Set in South London, against the backdrop of Barack Obama’s historic win in the 2008 US presidential elections, Evans’s third novel, Ordinary People, is the story of two couples who find themselves at a moment of reckoning as they deal with midlife relationship crisis, the demands of parenthood and the loss of loved ones. Ivy Ngeow’s recent novel, The American Boyfriend, is a thrilling tale of how Phoebe, a single mother with a dead-end job in Southwark, lands herself in trouble when she goes to Florida with her two-year-old toddler to meet her long-distance boyfriend. Together, they will be in conversation with academic Veio Pou, as they talk about their books and discuss how their writerly experiences are shaped or not by their hybrid cultural identities.

The vibrant hum of energy is heard across the landscape of Indian language publishing. What books are finding greater traction? Get a peek into the diverse worlds of Telugu, Malayalam, Bangla, Tamil, Hindi and Punjabi publishers.
 

Writer Devdutt Pattanaik's recent book, Bahubali: 63 Insights into Jainism, explores the stories, symbols, rituals and ideas associated with one of India's most ancient faiths. Steeped in philosophy and with accompanying illustrations, the book follows the journeys of  the Tirthankars who were known to be the perfect beings, showing the path of truth and liberation to humanity while examining the lesser-known tenets of the faith. Introduced by  Satyarth Nayak, author of the national bestseller, Mahagatha - 100 Tales from the Purana, the master storyteller weaves together knowledge, ritual, social imagery and reality.

India is a federation of states and union territories, and the relationship between the centre and the states is crucial. This relationship is interpreted differently and often contentiously through diverse lenses and perspectives. An illustrious panel, including  former Chief Election Commissioner of India Navin Chawla; and former Governor of Rajasthan Margaret Alva, Indian Lawyer Pinky Anand speak to author and academic Varghese K George about the fine balance between the centre and the state and the constant juxtaposition between the two.

Novelist and playwright Damon Galgut’s The Promise is the sharp and meditative winner of the 2021 Booker Prize. It conveys the play of power in relationships - with self, society, state - against the backdrop of post-apartheid South Africa. A white family, nettled by changing society, wrangles over a farm and a delayed promise. As South Africa churns with a violent past, turbulent politics, and the rumbles of change, Galgut weaves together the stories and struggles of relationships from both. Galgut’s other works include A Sinless Season, The Good Doctor, and Arctic Summer. In conversation with writer Anish Gawande.

A riveting session that looks at aspects of subcontinental engagement in the Great War through the eyes of three writers.

Mukund Padmanabhan’s The Great Flap of 1942 describes the panic caused by the Japanese threat to India during the Second World War. His Majesty’s Headhunter by Mmhonlumo Kikon provides an inside perspective on the epic siege of Kohima. In conversation with  Vishnu Som they speak of different facets of military history, and discuss impacts and outcomes.

The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 was a glorious moment in the history of the Jewish people; however, for the Palestinian inhabitants of the land, the development was a catastrophe. After several regional wars and decades of conflict, the two State solution espoused by the international community remains a distant dream. Since Israel's occupation in 1967 of  Gaza and the West Bank, expanding Jewish settlements in the latter have further reduced the land available for a Palestinian State and exacerbated tensions. Today, as the world watches the wave of violence and destruction following the horrific Hamas attack of October 7, an informed panel discusses the complicated history of the conflict, the present developments and their likely impact on the region. 

Historian Matthew Parker’s latest book, One Fine Day: British Empire on the Brink, is a critical historical exploration of the British Empire at both the peak of its global reach—and the moment it began to topple. On  29 September 1923, the British empire reached its peak, geographically speaking. As the Palestine mandate, administered by Britain, came into force. Through the prism of this single day from Jamaica to London to a tiny Pacific island, Parker captures the pinnacle of British imperialism in vivid detail. In conversation with writer and historian David Veevers,  Parker examines a moment of palpable change leading up to the sun setting on the British Empire.

Leading publishers discuss the current taxation regime. What are the changes they would like to see? How are they grappling with the problem of pirated books? Are the legal remedies satisfactory? This session takes a close look at the hard questions. 
 

How do you take a work of prose and turn it into a screenplay? Celebrated writers Bonnie Garmus, Kai Bird, Ben Mcintyre and Nicholas Shakespeare discuss the process behind transforming the written word for the screen and the nuances of the craft, with film, television and literary agent Charles Collier.

An engaged conversation observes the current global climate crisis and its impact on India's primary energy needs and dependence on fossil fuels. Exploring the opportunities and trends driving the energy transition in the country, they discuss the shift to sustainable sources of energy while evaluating its larger political, economic, and diplomatic implications and complexities.

The Chola empire reigned over the southern reaches of the peninsula, covering the Krishna-Godavari delta in northern Andhra Pradesh and extending their influence towards South East Asia at the height of its power. They unified peninsular India south of the Tungabhadra River and maintained this territorial unity for three centuries, from 907 to 1215. An expert panel comes together to evaluate the key figures who played a crucial role in establishing Chola supremacy and the cultural, political, economic, and social paradigms that facilitated this expansion.

An engaged conversation observing the current global climate crisis and its impact on India's primary energy needs and dependence on fossil fuels. Exploring the opportunities and trends driving the energy transition in the country, they discuss the shift to sustainable sources of energy while evaluating its larger political, economic and diplomatic implications and complexities.

The book as an object of enduring beauty takes shape under the discerning eye of outstanding designers. An inspiring session where extraordinary talents talk about their creative process and the outcome that we get to hold and cherish.
 

Can like-minded nations stay together to protect a rule-based global order?  Can countries of the QUAD move beyond geopolitical compulsions and political hubris to rise towards a future of common goals and interest? Journalist Suhasini Haider discusses the QUAD and beyond with American Ambassador to India, H.E. Eric Garcetti; Former Prime Minister to Australia, Malcolm Turnbull; High Commissioner of Australia to India Philip Green; and the former Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, Shyam Saran.

The territorial imperative drives most species on the planet. Aggression is wired into the human psyche; the hotspots of war and violence in Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Palestine stand testament to irrationality and violence. An engaged panel discusses the whys and wherefores of these conflicts and how reason, rationality and peace could prevail.

With an enhanced focus on translation among publishers and a growing tribe of translators from languages, big and small, the larger literary canon is being enriched in multiple ways. Currently, the translations for the international market emerging from India are mostly in English but there is growing interest from other languages. The session will explore questions such as: What are publishers in the West looking for from the translated literature of non-English languages? What are translators' learnings in this context?

Books signpost the zeitgeist of nations and seek out universalities across the world. Publishers from different countries share what inspires them to grow their lists and what the future holds for reading communities.
 

Susheela Raman and Sam Mills, in the company of William Dalrymple, bring their latest project to the Jaipur Literature Festival stage, performing the visionary poetry of William Blake. Blake has been an inspiration for countless poets, artists and philosophers.

Alongside their brilliant, original settings of Blake in song, William Dalrymple recites his words, becoming ‘The Voice of the Devil’ from Blake’s classic ‘Marriage of Heaven and Hell’. Two centuries after his death his sublime and provocative work reinvents itself for each new era.

Artificial intelligence and data science have transformed our understanding and application of knowledge in various fields. The intersection of AI with climate and environmental challenges provides transformative opportunities to accelerate and optimise affordable clean energy and reduce the planet's carbon footprint.  A session that takes a comprehensive look at the positives and negatives of using AI to mitigate climate change and other scientific questions while addressing the challenges ahead.

Language and communication derives from the interplay of words and images, sounds and symbols. In a session that celebrates the power of graphics, a panel comes together to discuss the ways in which publishers and authors are reimagining context, references and illustration for today's technological generation and its ever-reducing attention span. 

A multi vocal poetry reading where different languages, rhythms and styles converge in a joyous celebration of imaginative possibility.

For an industry poised to grow, data on the book market in India remains quite scarce. The Nielsen Report provides some valuable insights on the size of the market, trends and the factors that will drive growth. Industry experts unpack key findings and advocate for the collection of more data across the spectrum of publishing. 
 

Winner of the 2023 International Booker Prize, Bulgarian author Georgi Gospodinov’s compelling dystopian fiction Time Shelter introduces us to an eerie world where people seek refuge in artificially recreated pasts. Translated into English by Angela Rodel, Gospodinov’s enigmatic tale unravels a curious aspect of the human psyche which uses nostalgia to deal with sadness and despair. In conversation with Nandini Nair, he talks about his book and the personal and political experiences which shaped this unique read.

The wise and witty Sudha Murthy's writing covers a variety of themes and genres. Her recent book, Common Yet Uncommon, is a heartwarming picture of everyday life and the quirks and foibles of ordinary people. In conversation with editorial and publishing consultant Meru Gokhale, she speaks of her stellar and extraordinarily successful life and what keeps her rooted with her feet firmly on the ground. 

Our planet needs therapy. Anger spills over into political judgement and international cooperation. A high-powered panel of diplomats and thinkers consider strategies of mindfulness and discuss the checks and balances that are needed to encourage peace in a fraught world.

Many people think climate change primarily implies warmer temperatures, but temperature rise is only the beginning of the story. Because the Earth is a system, where everything is connected, every little change has the capacity to influence other aspects. Weaving through history and current politics, an illustrious panel evaluates the lessons from our past to better understand the impact of the climate crisis in our present and future.

The Festival Reading Room finds inspiration in the range of voices and narratives across platforms. A session that brings together author and columnist Arefa Tehsin and academic and author Saras Manickam as they speak of their inspiration and the quest of the written word.

Seagull Books celebrated its 40^th birthday in 2023. The iconic publishing house has created fine books across borders and boundaries. Naveen Kishore walks us through the extraordinary journey of Seagull, one full of leaps of faith, friendships and rewarding literary connections.
 

Vedic monk Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is the author of the bestselling memoir Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation. A graduate of Stanford University with a PhD in psychology, Sadhviji has lived on the banks of the sacred Ganga at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, for more than twenty-seven years where she gives spiritual teachings, writes, serves as a unique voice of female leadership and oversees a variety of humanitarian projects, for which she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by President Biden. In an inspirational session with media professional and energy healer Puneeta Roy, she discusses her spiritual practices and wisdom teaching.

Celebrated television presenter and writer Richard Osman’s best-selling crime series, The Thursday Murder Club, a series which has sold well over 3 million copies, follows four unlikely friends as they meet up once a week in their peaceful retirement village to investigate unsolved murders. The series includes The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed and The Last Devil to Die. In conversation with Somnath Batabyal, Osman takes a deep dive into this unorthodox septuagenarian world of murder, mystery and mayhem.

Journalist, literary critic and novelist Nilanjana S Roy's recent novel Black River, writes of a society that unravels in the midst of class divides, religious strife and gendered violence. Exploring themes of friendship, love and grief, Black River is a tender and reflective search for justice interwoven with the politics of religion and the loss of home and country. In conversation with journalist and entrepreneur Pragya Tiwari, Roy discusses the murky storyline, fast-paced narrative, and the grim unfolding of a murder in a village rife with devastation. 

Leonardo da Vinci's reputation as an inventor and scientist, and the complexity of his creativity and personality, have sometimes almost overshadowed the importance of his aims and techniques as a painter. Museum curator and art historian Luke Syson is the Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge. His highly acclaimed  Leonardo da Vinci – Painter at the Court of Milan exhibit  attempted to  understand the complex nature of one of the most sought after names of the Renaissance period. In conversation with celebrated writer Tim Parks, Syson takes a deep dive into the art and times of Da Vinci.

Two outstanding women who lead by example speak about empowering the next generation with physical and mental strength. Writer and academician, Pardis Mahdavi’s new book, Book of Queens, is the untold story of generations of Middle Eastern horsewomen and their efforts to defend their homelands from the Taliban and other terrorist outfits. Emmy winning journalist, activist and founder of the anti-sex trafficking NGO, ‘Apne Aap’, Ruchira Gupta’s recent book, I Kick and I Fly, revolves around the escape of a girl from Bihar from being sold into the sex-trade because of the timely intervention of the owner of the local hostel for ‘at-risk girls’, someone who also helps her reassess the value of her body through Kung Fu. In conversation with Rachna Singh, they talk about their work and women who defy conventional narratives of femininity.

An outside-in view of publishing from the specialists in the OTT space. What can publishers do to leverage content, old and new, with the OTT industry? How do they build greater synergy? This is a session that opens windows to fresh ideas and exchange.
 

Writer and literary chronicler Perumal Murugan's recent novel, Fire Bird, translated from Tamil into English by Janani Kannan, is the winner of the 2023 JCB Prize for Literature. The transcendental work draws from Murugan's own life experiences of displacement and movement, and explores the fragility of our fundamental attraction to permanence and our futile efforts to attain it. In conversation with publishers Kannan Sundaram and Manasi Subramaniam, he takes a poignant look into the human desire for roots and belonging in an ever changing world.

Celebrated writer Katherine Rundell’s work, The Golden Mole: And Other Living Treasure, is a lavishly illustrated tribute to endangered animals across the world. A session which gives us a chance to be awestruck and lovestruck with the beauty of our world in all its fragility and strangeness. In conversation with Yuvan Aves.

How do you grasp another life and pin it to a page? What does it take to immerse yourself completely into someone else’s story, to comb through history and bring it alive? Biographers of luminaries and figures as illustrious and complex as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad  and Indira Gandhi come together in a panel to discuss what it means to bring these personae to life, compellingly and authentically, and the challenges they face in doing so.

India speaks in a thousand tongues. India reads in several scripts. Discerning literary voices from across the country reflect upon experiments in form and content. What is keeping readers, old and new, glued to the page or the screen?
 

Intertwining corporate avarice and the intergenerational empire behind the opioid crisis in America, a gripping and foreboding session that unravels the infestation seeped into the pharmaceutical industry. Writer and journalist Patrick Radden Keefe’s explosive book and winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for 2021, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty, traces the family's ambitions and ruthless methods and their role in the OxyContin epidemic. A disturbing narrative on American morality and ambition, the saga investigates the owners of Purdue Pharma and their complete disregard for human health. In conversation with Pragya Tiwari.

The inimitable Shashi Tharoor offers us time-tested aphorisms of our age. His latest book The Less you Preach, the More you Learn: Aphorisms for our Age, co-authored with Joseph Zacharias, gives short and pithy life lessons on coping, surviving and succeeding. The bestselling author persuasively shares ways in which we can conquer frustration, insecurity and improve relationships with our friends and family.

It is the best of times; it is the worst of times. The synthesis of the sciences allows us to interpret our world from the sub-atomic to the edge of the universe. Yet we continue to battle each other as human greed and hubris destroy the fragile balance of our planet. A crucial session that addresses geopolitics, the burdens of history, planetary consciousness and the urgent need for cooperation between governments, continents, and cultures.

Uncontrolled and erratic, the online world can be a fearful and uncertain ecosphere for young users to navigate safely. Author and columnist Neha J. Hiranandani has written articles on parenting for The Indian Express and Vogue India. Her new book, ‘iParent’, leads parents of the digital generation through the world of cyber-safety for their kids. Shivani Sibal is a parent and the author of the novel Equations, which explores family, social change and class divides. Parent, writer, mathematician and Professor of Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford, Marcus du Sautoy, is the author of several books including, his recent book Around the World in 80 Games explores how mathematics and games have always been deeply intertwined. In conversation with Priyanka Khanna they discuss the stark differences in digital environments across generations, guidelines for parents coping with these, and how a world of devices may be handled with caution.

Award-winning journalist and seasoned political commentator Neerja Chowdhury's recent book How Prime Ministers Decide

explores the tenures of six prominent Prime Ministers of independent India and dissects the pivotal decisions that shaped the course of Indian history. Weaving through first hand interviews, anecdotes and eye-opening accounts, the narrative sheds light upon the world of power and human fallibility. In conversation with Mandira Nayar, Chowdhury shares her deep insights into the inner workings and often opaque processes behind these events, and reflects upon what they indicate in the larger context.

Three accomplished writers who chronicle and creatively reinterpret India’s rich repertoire of myths. Author and academic Koral Dasgupta has written the evocative Sati series, which explores the Pancha Kanyas from the Hindu epics with a feminine consciousness. The latest in the series, Mandodari, recounts the struggle of Ravan’s wife as she confronts myriad challenges, and tries to balance love and ethical duties. Author, screenwriter, and former anchor Satyarth Nayak’s best-selling book Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas compiles some of the greatest mythological tales, including many lesser known stories. Beginning from the Satya Yuga and ending with the arrival of the Kali Yuga, Nayak’s illustrated edition seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the psyche of gods, demons, and humans. Editor and writer Saksham Garg’s novel, Samsara: Enter the Valley of the God, takes us on a fantastical journey through the realm of the gods hidden in the heart of the Himalaya. Together they discuss the process of returning to ancient texts and the hoary past, and present them to contemporary readers. 

Tamil publisher Kalachuvadu has consistently published Perumal Murugan's writing over the last twenty years. The latest JCB award for Fire Bird is but one testament to the creative synergy between them. What goes into the making of such a long standing literary friendship?
 

Historian and writer Peter Frankopan’s latest book The Earth Transformed: An Untold History is a revolutionary new history that reveals how climate change has dramatically shaped the  development—and demise—of civilisations across time. Spanning centuries and continents, Frankopan explains how nature has always played a fundamental role in the writing of history and evaluates the fall of civilisations at the behest of Mother Nature.  In conversation with Yuvan Aves.

Our planet is changing in extreme ways. With ocean levels rising and temperatures soaring, governments and industries across the world have begun taking systemic steps to mitigate the challenges brought on by climate change. A panel championing the leadership, solutions and ambitious action that are driving the transition to a more sustainable, equitable, climate-resilient global economy.

Virginia Woolf is recognised as a major twentieth-century author, a great novelist and essayist and a key figure in literary history as a feminist and a modernist. Author and literary critic, Merve Emre’s The Annotated Mrs. Dalloway, presents her illuminating commentary on Virginia Woolf’s  groundbreaking novel, Mrs Dalloway, in a lushly illustrated hardcover edition. The narrative is considered to be a pivotal work of literary modernism and one of the most significant and influential novels of the twentieth century. In conversation with Anish Gawande, Emre explores Woolf’s aesthetic and political ambitions while diving into the nuances of her characters.

Where does fiction come from? What is the process of its creation? How do you make up characters and situations that are believable? And why should the reader care? Five of the world’s acclaimed novelists, Damon Galgut, Hernan Diaz, Tim Parks and Katie Kitamura, share their insights on the art of creating a novel in conversation with Nandini Nair.

Rear Admiral Santosh Kumar Gupta and Commodore Gurnam Singh and speak to Commodore Srikant Kesnur on the critical role played by the Navy during the 1971 Indo - Pak War.

The flourishing Indie publishing scene in the UK and India never ceases to surprise and delight, as it continues to throw up creative talents fearlessly treading new paths.  There is much fertile ground for ongoing exchange between Indie publishers from the two countries.

Uncommon Love, a heartwarming biography written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, recounts the early years of Sudha and Narayan Murthy’s courtship, their marriage and parenthood, and the founding years of Infosys. The narrative gives us personal insights  into the  struggles  and ideals of the Murthys before they became the icons of business success and philanthropy.  Together with Priyanka Khanna, they explore the interwoven fabric of business and family and the values that have held them both together.

Sprawled across a quarter of the world’s land mass that claimed nearly seven hundred million people, Britain’s empire was the largest in human history. An illustrious panel evaluates the establishment of this superpower and  explores the ways in which communities across the world resisted and defied both the Empire and the East India Company.

Navdeep Suri and Navtej Sarna, both writers, translators, and former diplomats, speak about the essence of Punjabiyat in this session, invoking its spirit of emotional generosity and compassion through the works of their forebears. Suri’s recently published translation of his grandfather Nanak Singh’s Khoon de Sohile (Hymns in Blood) is a grim reminder of the violence and trauma that religious conflict can bring in its wake.  The sequal to this will be the recently launched, Agg di Khed(A Game of Fire). His earlier translations include Singh’s long poem, Khooni Vaisakhi, on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Sarna’s Savage Harvest is the translation of his father Mohinder Singh Sarna's collection of short stories on the Partition of India. His own novel, Crimson Spring, is also a poignant recounting of the horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh bloodshed. Together, in conversation with academic Sarabjot Singh, they return to the past to examine the enormous legacy of their respective forefathers and the formative role they played in Punjabi literature.

Libraries ignite the first spark for the love of books and reading. The JCB Foundation's deep commitment to literacy and to literary outreach is reflected in the Community Library Project which embodies the idea of ‘Reading Is Thinking’. A committed panel talks about the vision of an accessible library network for all.

Picture books draw first readers into unravelling the mysteries of image and text. How do publishers make the first happy step on the reading ladder turn into a giant leap of becoming a bookworm?

Actor Irrfan Khan's transformative oeuvre took Indian cinema by storm. From his National School of Drama days to his nearly decade-long stint in television and his work in path-breaking movies such as The Namesake, Life of Pi, Maqbool and Hindi Medium, Irrfan's special quality of stardom touched all his viewers. Film critic and writer Shubhra Gupta's, Irrfan: A Life in Movies, is a collection of conversations with his contemporaries and their memories of their time with the legend.  In conversation with his beloved wife and theatre actor Sutapa Sikdar and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, they dive into the art, craft and life of Irrfan with Sathya Saran.

In conversation with former civil servant, journalist, and long-time Indian cricket administrator and umpire, Amrit Mathur, cabinet minister at the Industry & Commerce, Youth Affairs & Sports Department and Olympic medallist Rajyavardhan Rathore; owner of Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals, Manaj Badale; and Sports Expert and United Nations Ally for Women in Sport, Harini Rana discuss the future of sports in India and its role in education and nation building.

From c. 324 BCE to c. 185 BCE, the Mauryas controlled almost the entire Indian subcontinent with efficiency and administrative finesse. Following key moments through Mauryan history, an expert panel discusses the enigmatic ruler Chanragupta Maurya, his successors and how colonial and post colonial writing has dramatically transformed our understanding of one of the first pan-Indian dynasties.

An important session upon the transformative power of gender-inclusive language in challenging and reshaping societal norms towards more equitable and inclusive perspectives. The panel will also discuss the broader implications of this approach, highlighting its potential to inspire change in social attitudes and contribute to a more accepting and diverse society. It will also focus attention on the critical role of representation in breaking stereotypes and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.

A session that brings together writers who transit easily between languages and believe in linguistic and cultural dialogue as a desirable cosmopolitanism. B. Jeyamohan writes in both Tamil and Malayalam, and Shumona Sinha is a Bengali who writes in French.  Polyglot Ibrahim Waheed is a Maldivian writer, poet, academic and television show host. In conversation with writer and translator Suchitra Ramachandran, they speak of the many languages, cultures and literary spaces they inhabit and discuss how they negotiate them

This session invites publishers from India and abroad to share information about their eclectic lists. The perfect platform to start professional matchmaking and do better business across borders.

Delhi has always played an integral role in the geographical, social, and political landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Swapna Liddle’s recent book, Broken Script, delves into the intricate struggle between the last two Mughal emperors and the East India Company— one wielding considerable symbolic authority, the other a fast-growing military and political power. Historian and writer Rana Safvi’s trilogy on Delhi— Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi; The Forgotten Cities of Delhi; and Where Stones Speak: Historical Trails in Mehrauli, the First City of Delhi — takes a nuanced look into the city's magnificence through its forts and buildings, living monuments to the grandeur and strife of the past. In conversation with historian, Festival Co-Director, and author of The Last Mughal, William Dalrymple, they explore the gallis of the old Mughal capital.

Writer, mathematician and Professor of Public Understanding of Science, Marcus du Sautoy’s recent book Around the World in Eighty Games traverses the globe while exploring the genesis of games and what makes them fascinating. Drawing on the mathematics of chance, game theory, gamification, gaming strategies and computer games, Sautoy’s captivating book reveals the secrets behind the invention of engrossing games in cultures around the world.  In this conversation, he discusses the mathematical insides of board games, card games and dice games in a riveting session that unlocks their eternal and universal appeal.

Author, academic and singer Reba Som's recent memoir, Hop, Skip and Jump, is a travelogue of her experiences as a Foreign Service Officer's wife, spanning the many decades she spent through multiple postings and environments. Civil Service Officer Rajan Kashyap's memoir, Beyond the Trappings of Office, follows his journey through his student years into the civil services, giving us a peek into the inner workings of a department that remains the backbone of our country. In conversation with media professional and energy healer Puneeta Roy, they take us through their journey as an integral part of the Indian socio-cultural fabric

The relationship between the human species and their pets constitutes a deep and meaningful bond. A panel of animal lovers come together to celebrate the inseparable healing bond between humans and their animal best friends and the comical, nostalgic and heartwarming ways in which they impact our lives and bring families together even long after they are gone.