The Chandigarh Literary Society hosted Literati 2024, the 12th edition of the Chandigarh Lit Fest, in November against the picturesque backdrop of Sukhna Lake. With the warm, mellow sun casting a golden glow and the crisp autumn breeze carrying articulate literary voices, the festival resonated with a unique charm. The serene surroundings provided an ideal setting for the event, where creativity and literature intertwined, connecting hearts and minds across diverse languages—English, Hindi, and Punjabi. The theme for this year, “Celebrating Creativity,” paid homage to writers, artists, and thinkers who dare to dream beyond conventions, challenging limits and offering unique perspectives.

 

A Tribute to Creativity

The festival, led by Sumita Misra, IAS, stood as a testament to the belief that creativity forms the lifeblood of culture and progress. Under her guidance, Literati continues to foster a vibrant and dynamic community where ideas flourish and diversity is cherished. The organizing team of CLF Literati, comprising nine literary gems, embodies this ethos. These writers and poets not only pursue their individual creative passions but also strive tirelessly to promote literature and creativity in Chandigarh and beyond.

 

The tone of the festival was set by an enchanting performance from Pt. Subhash Ghosh, whose sarod resonated with the audience, creating a harmonious and inspiring ambiance. The stirring melodies seemed to echo the festival’s spirit, preparing the audience for two days of engaging literary conversations and thought-provoking sessions.

 

Day One Highlights

The sessions began with an engrossing conversation with Dr Thomas Mathew about his recently released biography, Ratan Tata: A Life. The discussion, moderated by Dr Rachna Singh, a writer and Editor, The Wise Owl,  offered a profound insight into the life of one of India’s greatest industrial icons, Ratan Tata, delving into his values, challenges, and unparalleled contributions.

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Following this was a powerful session on the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and the narratives surrounding it. Acclaimed writer Lady Kishwar Desai and former bureaucrat and award-winning author Navtej Sarna engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with Manraj Grewal, Resident Editor of The Indian Express. This session revisited a pivotal moment in Indian history, shedding light on its enduring impact and historical interpretation.

 

Voices of Valour was another inspiring highlight. General Ian Cardozo, a decorated war hero, enthralled the audience with real-life stories of courage and resilience. Despite his physical handicap, Gen. Cardozo’s leadership and spirit have left an indelible mark on India’s military history, and his session resonated deeply with the audience.

 

The day’s vibrancy continued with a session featuring Sumita Mishra herself. As the festival director, she captivated the audience with her eloquence and shared insights from her multifaceted life, including her identity as a published poet. Her conversation with Aradhika Sharma was filled with energy, wit, and inspiration.

 

The day concluded on a heartwarming note with actor and filmmaker Tushar Kapoor discussing his book, Daddy in the Driver’s Seat: A Single Father’s Experiences. His candid narration of the joys and challenges of single fatherhood struck a chord with the audience, adding a deeply personal touch to the festival.

 

 

Day Two Highlights

The second day commenced with a poignant tribute to Surjit Patar, the celebrated Punjabi poet who passed away recently. This heartfelt homage set a reflective tone for the day’s sessions.

 

One of the standout discussions was History as Storytelling, featuring Ira Mukhoty and Sonia Chauhan. Their conversation delved into the art of weaving history into compelling narratives, highlighting the importance of preserving historical authenticity while engaging readers.

 

Another riveting session brought together Rakshanda Jalil and Vijai Vardhan in conversation with the erudite former judge, Shabihul Hasnain. Their dialogue bridged literature and societal issues, offering nuanced perspectives on the interplay of law, culture, and storytelling.

 

Another session that added a wonderful poetic flavour to the day was on ‘Katha aur Kalpana’ with Dr Madhav Kaushik, Chairman of National Sahitya Akademi and Jitendra Srivastava, a poet of eminence. And was moderated with elan by Shayda, editor of Dainik Bhaskar.

 

A session with luminaries MK Raina and Neelam Man Singh, moderated by the insightful writer Nonika Singh, provided a deep dive into Indian theatre and cinema. Both stalwarts shared their journeys, anecdotes, and the challenges they faced while pushing artistic boundaries.

 

The session on artificial intelligence (AI) was particularly intriguing. Moderated by journalist Renu Singh, Affan Yesvi and Khushwant Singh dissected the pros and cons of AI tools, sparking a lively discussion on the future of creativity in an increasingly digital world.

 

 

A Unique Celebration 

Over the years, Literati has earned its place as a boutique literary festival with a distinctive identity. Its past editions have featured a galaxy of eminent speakers, including Ruskin Bond, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Jerry Pinto, Rajdeep Sardesai, Shiv Khera, Preeti Shenoy, and Shauna Singh Baldwin, among others. The festival’s unwavering commitment to promoting literature and creativity has made it a cornerstone of Chandigarh’s cultural landscape.

 

The 12th edition of Literati not only lived up to its legacy but surpassed expectations, offering a rich tapestry of sessions that inspired, educated, and entertained. From honouring literary legends to addressing contemporary issues, the festival celebrated the true spirit of creativity. As the final applause echoed across the salubrious surroundings of Sukhna Lake, it was evident that Literati continues to be a beacon for writers, thinkers, and dreamers, enriching the region’s cultural fabric and fostering a vibrant literary community.