Bangalore Literature Festival Unveils a Literary Extravaganza

Discover Bengaluru's vibrant culture at the Bangalore Literature Festival. Engage in transparent conversations, meet authors, and experience the joy of literary exploration!

on Dec 04, 2023

Bangalore Literature Festival Unveils a Literary Extravaganza | Frontlist

In the 12th edition of the Bangalore Literature Festival, which attracted an estimated 12,000-15,000 attendees, the focus was on exploring the cultural and historical aspects of Bengaluru while delving into diverse literary discussions across five locations. The festival featured over 75 sessions that spanned local narratives to global themes, engaging visitors in a celebration of literature.

The event commenced with author and physician Abraham Verghese, renowned for his acclaimed book 'The Covenant of Water.' Verghese shared insights into the inspiration behind his writing, citing a paper on infected patients that led to his debut work 'My Own Country.' Ganesh Shivaswamy, the author of 'An Everlasting Imprint,' discussed the extensive research involved in his six-volume project, emphasizing the democratization of art and its widespread impact, visible even on calendars and auto rickshaws.

A panel of experts addressed the issue of transparency within the judicial system, pointing out its unresponsiveness. Journalist Manoj Mitta highlighted the lack of transparency contributing to the denial of justice, particularly for marginalized communities. NLSIU vice-chancellor Sudhir Krishnaswamy advocated for a depersonalized analysis of the Supreme Court, focusing on constitutional outcomes.

Author Shoba Narayan, known for 'Namma Bangalore: The Soul of a Metropolis,' engaged in a conversation with author and journalist Ramjee Chandran about the inclusive nature of Bengaluru. Chandran expressed how this perspective provided a fresh understanding of the city. Additionally, a panel featuring bookstore owners discussed 'Literary Merchants: Tales from Bookstore Frontlines,' with participants emphasizing the significance of second-hand books in preserving reading culture.

Krishna Gowda from the Bookworm store highlighted the importance of second-hand books, while Leonard Fernandes advocated for bookstore crawls in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi. Narayan underscored Bengaluru's welcoming atmosphere, citing Cubbon Park and Lalbagh as places that foster a sense of belonging for newcomers, emphasizing the city's reputation as the most accepting metropolis in India.