A quick recap before the Shimla Book Fair begins from 25 June to 3rd July, 2022… Books, books & more books… make the most of it.
The recently concluded three-day International Literature Festival held in Shimla, was full of intrigue, educational and literary discussions, readings by distinguished guests from all over India and a few from international platforms as well. Hosted by Sahitya Akademi and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India along with Language Art & Culture, HP, this festival introduced a diverse panel of eminent writers, poets, literary critiques who enlightened the audience about the impact of literature. Celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence UNMESHA was a beautiful expression of Words. Words that set a tone for any conversation, that brings out expressions in their totality, and above all helps in creating a dialogue by removing any kind of boundaries. (CLICK TO VIEW ALL VIDEOS)
The magnanimity of the event could be gauged from the fact that in a span of three days, 425 writers were featured and daily 20 to 24 events were being held simultaneously in the Gaiety Complex, covering each and every topic of expression, but for one. There were talks, discussions and readings on topics such as environment, tribals, literature in cinema, LGBTQIA+, unsung heroes, India’s Independence, Bhakti movement, young writers to name a few, which in its totality intended to celebrate literature as a subject and exhibit its expressive nature to people.
One main topic missing from the festival was children’s literature and works of young children. Even though they may have been first time writers but giving them a voice and a stage was definitely missed. We often talk about engaging children more actively to pick up books and read, but how many times, a chance is given to them to read their own creations in front of an eminent audience and then engage them in a discussive conversations. The subject of missing audience or grooming new readers is often a concern raised by many, but have enough steps been taken to initiate this subject seriously. Missing audience, something the International Literature Festival too experienced. Halls that featured celebrity writers had overflowing audience, but reading of poets and story writers witnessed half empty chairs. The saddest feature of the event as parents, school and college managements failed to garner interest among children and youth to sit and listen to some amazing discussions. Yes, photo ops were aplenty!
The discourses of the panellists exposed the audience to various fields of literature that showed intersectionality which is created through reading only. The presence of writers from different part of India presenting their writings in native languages with a focus on translations was highly commended and opened opportunities to discuss the future of readers and vast resources of literature available across each diaspora.
The floating audience had a lot to learn, a lot to engage in and with peers; as well as the cultural evening delights were an amazing way to end the day during the festival. Each and every event was curated so professionally by the Sahitya Akademi and LAC, HP, that left the audience with a thirst of wanting to spend more time. But three days and 64 literary sessions, it is hard to do justice to all.
A Photographic Journey of International Literature Festival, Shimla
