The festival was divided into six sections, offering a blend of panel discussions, performances, book launches, and interactive sessions.
Published Aug 11, 2024 | 6:42 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 11, 2024 | 6:42 PM
Chinnara Loka catered to children with storytelling sessions
The Book Brahma Literature Festival 2024‘s three-day literary extravaganza concluded on Sunday, 11 August, marking a significant celebration of South India’s literary and cultural heritage.
The festival, held at St John’s Auditorium Hall in Koramangala, Bengaluru, was divided into six thematic sections: Mantapa, Mathana, Angala, Akshara, Pustaka, and Chinnara Loka.
Each section offered a unique blend of panel discussions, performances, book launches, and interactive sessions, drawing in a diverse crowd of literature enthusiasts.
The day began with a soulful Hindustani classical vocal performance by Pandit M Venkatesh Kumar, accompanied by Satish Kolli on harmonium and Keshav Joshi on tabla.
Hindustani Classical Vocal performance by Pandit M Venkatesh Kumar.
This was followed by a captivating performance by actor Prakash Raj, titled “Diverse Languages, Same Feeling,” which highlighted what unites India’s linguistic landscape, despite its diversity.
Prominent sessions included a discussion on the latest trends in Malayalam poetry, featuring poets like Sandhya E and S Joseph, and a panel on the intersection of literature and cinema in Kannada, with celebrated filmmakers Girish Kasaravalli and Sumana Kittur.
The day also saw discussions on Telugu short stories and new trends in Tamil novels, bringing regional literature to the forefront.
Prakash Raj’s performance “Diverse Languages, Same Feeling.’
The evening concluded with the prestigious Book Brahma Sahitya Puraskar-2024 awards ceremony, followed by a mesmerising Yakshagana performance of “Panchavati.”
Mathana’s sessions explored contemporary Kannada novels, subaltern voices in Telugu literature, and the pluralistic dimensions of Karnataka’s languages.
The three-day festival was packed with over 80 panel discussions
A particularly engaging panel discussed the impact of generative AI on Indian writing, examining how technology is shaping the future of literature.
Angala hosted thought-provoking discussions on contemporary theatre, the art of storytelling, and the evolving vision for literature.
The section also revisited iconic characters from Indian mythology, with a session dedicated to “Shakuntala,” offering new interpretations and insights.
Akshara sessions focused on the global opportunities for South Indian literature, with discussions on the role of literary agents and editors in Indian language publishing.
A roundtable with South Indian publishers and international experts highlighted the challenges and prospects of taking regional literature to a global audience.
Pustaka was dedicated to book launches and conversations with authors. Highlights included a conversation with Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar winner Shruthi BR and the launch of “Nemmi Neelam” by Avineni Bhaskar.
The section also featured release of Kannada books, showcasing the latest literary contributions from the region.
The event celebrated literature and honoured excellence.
Chinnara Loka catered to children with storytelling sessions, art competitions, and interactive workshops.
Renowned storytellers like Roope Pai and Shivalingappa Handihal engaged young audiences, fostering a love for literature from an early age.
The Book Brahma Literature Festival 2024 successfully brought together writers, poets, scholars, and artists from across South India, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange.
The event underscored the importance of preserving and promoting regional languages and literature, while also exploring new avenues for their global reach.
As the festival drew to a close, it left attendees with a deep appreciation for the literary richness of South India and a sense of anticipation for future editions.
(Edited by Neena)
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