AILF 2023 Comes to a Poetic and Promising End

Explore diverse literature, vibrant discussions, and cultural performances at the 8th Ahmedabad International Literature Festival, fostering creativity and intellectual engagement.

on Dec 05, 2023

AILF 2023 Comes to a Poetic and Promising End | Frontlist

The 8th edition of the Ahmedabad International Literature Festival, which began on November 24, 2023 at the Centre for Environment Education, Thaltej Tekra Ahmedabad, finished on November 26, 2023 on a beautiful and promising note. The final day began with young school pupils reading their own poems. During the day, noted actor Rajendra Gupta delivered well-meaning Hindi poems written to him by his followers. In addition to discussing many other topics, he stated his strong views on the society's cutthroat competitiveness, which is most likely incited by an invisible marketer to keep ahead of others. In the evening, university students performed and recited English poems.

Dr. Sagar, a well-known lyricist, also spoke about Hindi and Bhojpuri filmi songs on the same day.

During the opening day welcoming speech, Umashanker Yadav, the festival's founder director, emphasised the role of literature festivals in making society progressive, thinking, and inclusive. He stated that the effect of these collectives can be sluggish at times, but it is definite and long lasting. Many people who attend and actively participate in these festivals seek a sea change in their personal and professional lives and attitudes. Many of them have become writers, authors, better humans and many have achieved success professionally.

Dr. Justice (Retd.) KJ Thaker, currently chairperson of the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission, launched the festival, referring to literature as the "google of contemporary times." He also stated that "literature means thoughts, writings of people who have evolved certain ideas." Dr. SK Nanda IAS (Retd. ), the festival's mentor, spoke about the importance of literature in society. In his inaugural speech, noted actor Akhilendra Mishra expressed concern about the society's declining intellectual and moral norms.

Dr. SK Nanda, Chiranjeev Patel, Kusum Kaul, and Umashanker Yadav explored the relevance of creative industries, artists, and their inventiveness in mainstream businesses, and how it aids in human growth in the first session.

The tagline 'Discuss, Debate, Deconstruct' was used to discuss topics such as inner power, different communities, films and society, world literature, feminist writings, journalism, culture, society, children's literature, North East literature, schools, lyrics, partition literature, pursuit of happiness, achieving dreams without stress, contemporary Hindi Literature, Gujarati Literature, in search of self, places to visit in Gujarat, Film Journalism, and more.

Many publications and cover pages were released by well-known speakers. This year, like in previous years, we launched the books of authors who were inspired and encouraged to write by this festival. There were classical dances, drama, singing, and other activities to keep the audience entertained over the three days.

Poetry aficionados were treated to Gujarati, Hindi, and English Kavi Sammelans on each evening.

Ballet dance performance by Kazakhstan artists organised by ICCR as part of the 7th edition of India International Folk Festival received a standing ovation from an overflowing auditorium.

There were prominent speakers who took part in stimulating debates. Including actors Rajendra Gupta, Yashpal Sharma, Akhilendra Mishra, Ravi Yadav and Tushar Sadhu. Other speakers were Raj Yogi BK Nikunj Ji, Manvendra Sinh Gohil, Gujarati poets Harsh Brahmbhatt, Anil Chavda, Krushna Dave. Women authors Dr. Ishmeet Kaur Chaudhri, Preeti Gill, Prof. KB Veio Pou, Preeti Das, Raksha Bharadia, Maitridevi Sisodia, Jyoti Yadav, Dr. Shirish Kashikar, Mayank Shekhar, Prof. Sunil Maheshwari IIMA, Dr. Sudhir Shah, Manjula Pooja Shroff, Dr. Heera Lal, IAS, Kirti Thakar, Kainaz Jussawala and Chiranjiv Patel.

The active engagement of students, principals, teachers, and professors made this edition unique. Young school and college students volunteered to anchor and moderate, as well as manage the stage, backstage, and other events, with great excitement and a sense of belonging.

Umashanker Yadav, the festival director, praised the speakers, volunteers, audience, and crew for their contributions to the success of the 8th edition, promising to keep coming up with newer ideas and shows in the future. He also thanked all of the sponsors, including Gujarat Tourism as PATRON, Enertech Fuel Solutions Pvt. Ltd, GMDC, ONGC, Gujarat Maritime Board, and Ikon Barcode Solutions Pvt. Ltd.