The 6th edition of Tata Steel Jharkhand Literary Meet was inaugurated today at Audrey House to a packed audience. The three day festival, which celebrates and seeks to promote this rich heritage, was inaugurated by celebrated author and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik in the presence of veteran journalist Ashutosh Chaturvedi and Malavika Banerjee, Director of Jharkhand Literary Meet. A curtain raiser performance was done by Padma Shri recipient Shubha Mudgal on December 8 evening where the legendary singer presented songs from poems on Sufi-Bhakti traditions.
At the inauguration, Devdutt Pattanaik’s latest book Bahubali: 63 Insights into Jainism was launched, which is followed by an interactive discussion on the importance of Bhagavad Gita in modern times. Post the inaugural session, winner of Vyas Samman noted veteran Hindi author and poet Mamta Kalia discussed her illustrious journey in the literary world. Parwati Tirkey, a promising young writer of the region who has been honoured with the Pralek Navlekhan Samman for her first poetry collection Phir Ugana shared the dais with one of the leading litterateurs of Jharkhand and Birsa Munda Award winner Mahadev Toppo discussed on the impact of Advasi Jeevan and Jan Jeevan on their literary works.
Award-winning writer Jerry Pinto spoke about the charm of coming-of-age novels. Two young maverick film makers of Jharkhand, Niranjan Kumar Kujur and Seral Murmu, discussed breaking away from storytelling stereotypes associated with the region. Bikram Grewal, author, birdwatcher, and conservationist spoke with wildlife historian, environmentalist, and storyteller Raza Kazmi about the remarkable life of India’s first ‘Birdwoman’ - Jamal Ara - and some exciting stories on the jungles of Jharkhand. Prashant Pandita, an engineer turned writer talked about his debut novel The Jehlum Boys, an exploration of the friendship and trails between two Kashmiri boys of different religions set against the backdrop of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley.
“Tata Steel Jharkhand Literary Meet has always drawn premier authors, speakers and performers not just from Jharkhand and the region, but from across India. The event has grown from strength to strength with a consistently high quality of participants and an inherent connection with local cultural ethos. I am sure this year's edition will once again celebrate unexplored ideas and unstoppable voices,” said Malavika Banerjee, Director Tata Steel Jharkhand Literary Meet.
Next day will start by celebrating fifty-five years of the publication of Shrilal Shukla’s path-breaking book Raag Darbari. The session will be followed by an interaction with bestselling author Satya Vyas, credited with setting new trends in contemporary Hindi writing. Ranchi-based writers Pankaj Mitra and Rashmi Sharma will discuss the former’s collection of stories Achchha Aadmi. Mamta Kalia, Jerry Pinto, and publishing stalwart Aditi Maheshwari Goyal will be in conversation on the renewed interest in translation and the global market for regional writing post the International Booker for Geetanjali Shree’s Ret Samadhi. Last year, Geetanjali Shree had attended the Jharkhand Literary Meet to talk about her trailblazing novel. Poetry readings will be followed by a session of well-loved melodies presented by National Award-winning lyricist, singer, and actor Swanand Kirkire. Kaagaz ke Gubbare, a play based on the works of Ismat Chugati, directed by Anubha Fatehpuria of Padatik concludes this year’s Jharkhand Literary Meet. As always, this literary and artistic bonanza is free for all with seating on a first-come first-served basis.
