The Sahitya Akademi annual literary extravaganza ‘Festival of Letters,’ world’s largest literature festival is currently being held at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi from 11 – 16 March, 2024. The festival was inaugurated by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Honor’ble Minister of State for Culture, Government of India.
The Akademi has been adjudicated for organizing the Largest Reading Relay by Writers / Poets in Multiple Languages on a Single Day by the World Book of Records London. Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous organization working under the Ministry of Culture,
Government of India to promote literature in the 24 languages it has recognized including Indian English and also in the tribal and oral traditions of the country.
In this interview, K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi talks about the creative vision behind ‘Festival of Letters 2024’ Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023, Gulzar’s Samvatsar lecture, and the various other attractions at the festival.
Excerpts
Q. As Sahitya Akademi commemorates its 70th anniversary, what significance does this milestone hold for the organization and the literary community at large?
A. It is not very often does a national level literary organization completes 70 years, in India or anywhere in the world. It is a milestone for the organization that will set the tone for more growth, more development and more diversification and as for the literary community as a whole, everyone should celebrate this occasion and walk with Sahitya Akademi hand in hand with the resolve to make it a truly global institution.
Q. With over 1100 writers and scholars participating, how has the festival managed to maintain its inclusivity and diversity?
A. From 1985, when the Festival of Letters was first organized, till date it has remained India’s most inclusive literature festival. Care is taken every year to include and provide more opportunities to different sections of literary fraternity of India. This year too we have taken care include more sections and as for diversity is concerned, we make it a point to include more language representation as many linguistic communities do not get to present themselves at the national and international forums easily.
Q. Could you highlight some of the key initiatives and achievements of Sahitya Akademi showcased in the exhibition during the festival’s inauguration?
A. The photo feature showcased at the Akademi Exhibition contained the capturing of Akademi’s journey through 70 years, a section showcasing Akademi’s seminal moments and achievements in the year 2023 and highlights of various programmes organized by Sahitya Akademi in 24 languages in the past year, etc
Q. The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023 presentation ceremony is a much-anticipated event. Tell us about the ceremony. How does it contribute to the recognition of literary excellence?
A. The awards selection procedure is multi-layered and involves thousands of writers, academicians and scholars. It is a year-long process and as for the process is concerned, Akademi has managed to maintain the process as transparent and at the same time confidentiality is maintained strictly where even the names of the jury members are kept confidential till the declaration of the awards.
Q. Gulzar’s Samvatsar lecture is sure to be a highlight of the festival. Can you provide insights into the choice of Gulzar as the speaker and the expected impact of his lecture?
A. Samvatsar Lecture is an annual lecture delivered by the intellectual on the topics of literary merit and that are beneficial to scholars and laypersons alike. General Council of Sahitya Akademi recommends 365 days in advance on the scholar to deliver the lecture next year. As for impact is concerned, the lecture took place only on 13 March 2024. Sometimes the impact of the great lectures are felt after years only while in some cases it is felt immediately.
Q. What are some of the unique sessions, panel discussions, or symposia that attendees can look forward to, and how do they cater to diverse literary interests?
A. With respect to 2024 edition of Festival of Letters, there were more than 60 panel discussions, dozens of sessions of readings, national seminar, birth tercentenary of Mir Taqi Mir, a symposium on The Story of Rama in popular consciousness, differently abled writers’ meet, tribal writers’ meet, LGBTQ writers’ meet etc. Some interesting sessions, apart from the above, to feature in this festival are: Panel Discussion on Flash Fiction in Indian languages, Panel Discussion on Theatre as a Medium of Cultural Expression, Panel Discussion on Issues with translating children’s literature in India, Panel Discussion on Technology and Literature, Panel Discussion on eBooks, Panel Discussion on Copyright and Royalty featuring publishers, writers and literary agents, Panel Discussion on Graphic Novels of India, Panel Discussion on 21st century Indian Novels, Panel Discussion on 21st century Indian writing, Panel Discussion on Literature and Social Movements, Panel Discussion on What Limits on Freedom of Expression are Justifiable etc.
Q. How does the Sahitya Akademi envision the future of Indian languages and literature, and how does the Festival of Letters contribute to this vision?
A. Indian languages are ancient and rich. They have overcome many obstacles, revived themselves from extinction in every era and have been wonderful springboards for vast and rich literature to emanate from. By providing opportunities to more languages every year, the Festival of Literature contributes to the ways to preserve and propagate the languages through literature.