- 9th edition of the Ahmedabad International Literature Festival 2024 begins with a flourish at the Center for Environment Education, Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad
- Renowned author and screenwriter Niren Bhatt exhorts aspiring writers to cultivate the good habit of life-long reading and stay ahead of their peers
- The evening sees a special session on Gujarat tourism titled “Gujarat Nahi Dekha To Kya Dekha,” where Somraj Singh Jhala, Manish Vaidya, and Ronak Rana share their perspectives on the majestic beauty and heritage of Gujarat
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, OCT 5
Lauding the rich heritage of books and literature in India, a galaxy of intellectuals on Saturday emphasized the need to nurture a book-loving and book-reading society that fosters forward-looking ideas and helps build a progressive social order. Books alone will help us define our identity and navigate into the future and mankind has an uninterrupted love affair with books. Despite the onslaught of digitalization, books will never lose their charm in our country in this knowledge century, they said.
They were speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 9th edition of the Ahmedabad International Literature Festival, at the Center for Environment Education, Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad. AILF Organized under the visionary leadership of Umashankar Yadav, the festival’s founder-director, the event celebrates the richness and diversity of Indian literature and culture. This year’s edition features over fifty speakers from India and abroad, across a variety of fields, who will engage in around twenty thought-provoking sessions over two days.
The festival began on a cultural high note with a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Rachna Yadav, which set the stage for a day filled with engaging literary sessions. One of the most anticipated events was the session featuring the renowned author and screenwriter Niren Bhatt, whose insights captivated the audience.
A special tribute was paid to Dr. S.K. Nanda, with Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, and Umashankar Yadav emphasizing the significance of continuing his legacy. In his honor, a dedicated session was held, adding a heartfelt and reflective note to the festival’s proceedings.
Across the two days, the festival features a distinguished lineup of speakers including Abhay K., poet and diplomat; Dr. Sagar, lyricist; Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, edupreneur and writer; mythological author Kavita Kane; Shailesh Jha, Chairman of Gujarat Sahitya Academy, poet and novelist Mukul Kumar,Krishna Kumar Yadav, writer and bureaucrat; Dr. Upendranath Raina, Dr. Hira Lal, IAS, Ajay Chaudhary, IPS, Naishadh Purani, and many others. Their participation ensures a vibrant exchange of ideas across literature, cinema, and cultural heritage.
The evening saw a special session on Gujarat tourism titled “Gujarat Nahi Dekha To Kya Dekha,” where Somraj Singh Jhala, Manish Vaidya, and Ronak Rana shared their perspectives on the majestic beauty and heritage of Gujarat. The eventful day concluded with the launch of Shraddha Ramani’s book, “Smriti.”
With its rich array of sessions, performances, and cultural activities, the Ahmedabad International Literature Festival 2024 continues to be a premier platform for literary and cultural exchange, offering attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of words, art, and heritage. The festival will continue through October 6, promising more enriching experiences for literature enthusiasts.
