The Third Delhi Literature Festival (DLF) concluded on April 19 at Triveni Kala Sangam in the Capital. The three-day festival was inaugurated by the chairperson of National Book Trust, Baldevbhai Sharma and the Sahitya Akademi Awardee writer Ashok Vajpeyi.
The aim of the festival was to bring the Delhi-based authors on a common platform. “We knew that Delhi has a very rich heritage and there is a lot to discuss and write about. That is why it clicked us that Delhi should also have its own literature festival. Other States like Jaipur and Lucknow also have their literature festivals so why not Delhi?” asks Nasir Jamal, Director, DLF.
A large number of authors, poets and writers from across the country, attended the festival which showcased a vibrant panel discussions, book readings, workshops, talks, presentations and book launches. Apart from that, a short-story writing competition was organised at the event to enable budding and aspiring young writers a chance to show their talent. “We still have a lot to do to improve the credibility of DLF. We are working on it. Next year the dates of this festival will be around the World Book Fair that takes place at Pragati Maidan,” says Jamal.
Journalist Humra Qureshi, who was closely associated with Khushwant Singh and co-authored four books with the noted writer, shared her thoughts and views about Khushwant Singh and his life and also paid a special tribute to him. The festival also paid a special tribute to cartoonist R.K.Laxman through a panel discussion about cartoons and their importance as a medium of expression.
The author of “The Accidental Prime Minister” Sanjaya Baru in one of the sessions discussed his book and explained the reason for penning it. He said that he had an emotional connection with Manmohan Singh and something had to be done to express his feelings. “It was necessary to express what I was feeling emotionally for the Prime Minister. I found writing was the best way to express.”
A panel discussion titled “Will social media wipe out big media?” witnessed participation by Shazia Ilmi who supported the use of social media.
Former Union Minister and United Nations official Shashi Tharoor and writer of of “India Shastra: Reflections on the nation in our time” concluded the festival with a discussion on his book. He also launched “Fractals: New and Selected Poems” a collection of poems by Sudeep Sen and also read a few poems from the book.
