Scheduled for January 26-27, the 2024 edition of The Hindu Lit Fest continues its commitment to fostering dialogue around free speech, democratic values, and a rich diversity of artistic expression. Rooted in the core values of The Hindu newspaper, the festival, conceived by Nirmala Lakshman in 2011, aims to amplify voices often overlooked and explore pressing issues beyond literature.
The festival's emphasis on curation ensures a diverse yet cohesive lineup, aligning with the values that underpin the newspaper. Beyond books, this year's event expands its focus, addressing urgent global issues such as hypernationalism, countering viral falsehoods, Sangam poetry, the journey of ISRO, the history of idol worship, and the Indian economy.
Programme director Rachana Singh Davidar and programme consultant Prasanna Ramaswamy have crafted panels covering politics, the economy, food, sports, fashion, and stand-up comedy, catering to a wide audience. Expert speakers include names like Ramachandra Guha, Tarun Tahiliani, T.M. Krishna, Shashi Tharoor, and ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
The festival extends beyond the main event, with month-long on-ground engagements, including a mobile library, curated walks, storytelling workshops, quizzes, and contests. Despite challenges, support from sponsors, including title partner Gsquare Group, ensures the festival's quality and scale.
As audience participation grows, Dr. Lakshman highlights the transformative impact of literature, culture, and conversations in a democratic society. The long-term goal is to see The Hindu Lit Fest evolve into a larger platform, promoting the best of human creativity and contributing to meaningful societal discourse.
