The second annual DSC South Asian Literature Festival got underway here on Saturday with the launch of a new biography of Sonia Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi: An Extraordinary Life, an Indian Destiny by Rani Singh, a London-based broadcaster and analyst.
Based on interviews with Ms. Gandhi's family friends and Congress party members, it claims to “cast new light” on her life and work and examine her legacy.
Leading writers and critics from India and Pakistan are attending the 17-day festival spread in venues across London. Events include, debates on a range of issues of contemporary relevance to South Asia, conversations with writers, book-readings, and launch of new titles.
“A thrilling mix of the written word, imagery, film, music, performance and art…in this truly unique, cross-disciplinary festival” was how the organisers described the fare.
Pakistani writer Mohammed Hanif, whose debut novel A Case of Exploding Mangoes received wide critical acclaim, will launch and discuss his second book, Our Lady of Alice Bhatti , set in downtown Karachi seething with social and political heat.
More than 70 writers, including Amit Chaudhuri, Romesh Gunesekera, Kamila Shamsie, Mirza Waheed, Anjali Joseph, Rana Dasgupta, and Moni Mohsin were reported to have confirmed participation.
Headline events include, the screening of Van Maximillian Carlson's documentary, ‘Bhopali,' about the survivors of Bhopal's gas disaster; and a peep into Afghanistan's little-known but apparently vibrant literary scene.
The festival will conclude on October 24 with the announcement of the shortlist for this year's $50,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.
Sponsored by DSC Limited, who are also the principal sponsors of the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival, the London festival was founded by publishing colleagues Jon Slack and Bhavit Mehta.
