Khushwant Singh Literature Festival Returns to Kasauli

The 13th Khushwant Singh Literature Festival in Kasauli celebrates resilience and renewal with top speakers, cultural dialogue, and a focus on key social issues.

on Oct 17, 2024

The 13th edition of the three-day Khushwant Singh Literature Festival (KSLF) kicks off in Kasauli on October 18, promising a rich experience of literary and cultural exchange. As the festival returns, the serene hills will host a distinguished lineup of speakers, including William Dalrymple, Imtiaz Ali, L. Subramaniuam, Amitabh Kant, Anindya Roy, Devdutt Pattanaik, and Manish Tiwari, who will engage in discussions aimed at sparking new ideas.

At a recent announcement event held at the Chandigarh Press Club, festival director Rahul Singh, son of the late author Khushwant Singh, expressed his nostalgia for the venue. He emphasized the festival’s role as a celebration of literature, music, and cultural dialogue, noting its resilience in continuing online during the pandemic.

This year's theme, "Resilience and Renewal," reflects the challenges of recent years and the enduring human spirit. Singh highlighted literature's evolving nature, emphasizing that themes of resilience are woven into narratives, offering much-needed inspiration. The KSLF aims to address pressing issues such as defense, ecology, education for girls, and secularism, all while promoting a sense of optimism.

Singh lamented the absence of participants from Pakistan, stressing the need for dialogue and inclusivity amid global instability. He reiterated the importance of unity over divisiveness and announced a future focus on promoting Hindi and Punjabi languages. Acknowledging the support of the Vianaar Group, known for constructing eco-friendly homes, he praised their alignment with the festival’s green initiatives. The festival is set to be a platform for wisdom and thoughtful discussion in the heart of Kasauli.