Kala celebrates emerging voices and cultural dialogues
The two-day Kala Literature Festival 2026, hosted at the prestigious Civil Services Officers’ Institute (CSOI), New Delhi, concluded on a high note, marking a vibrant confluence of literature, art, governance and social dialogue. Organised by Kala - Krazy About Literature and Arts, an initiative of Sanjay Chandra, the festival reaffirmed its growing stature as a powerful platform for promoting literary excellence while nurturing emerging creative voices.
Bringing together senior civil servants, industrialists, authors, poets, artists and cultural practitioners, the festival underscored the vital role storytelling plays in shaping society, deepening empathy and amplifying new aspirations. It was supported by a diverse group of partners, including Let’s Talk, CSOI, CSC WICCI, The Alcove, Readomania, IP Infra and the Indie Authors Group.
The festival opened with Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, IAS, alongside noted painter-poets Vishnu Nagar, Ashok Bhowmik and Hemraj. In his address, Dwivedi highlighted literature’s unique ability to nurture empathy and reflection, particularly within institutional and public life.
Founder Sanjay Chandra spoke of Kala’s journey from a passion project to a meaningful cultural movement. He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces where voices-especially emerging ones-find encouragement, mentorship and visibility.
Curators Neena Chandra and Atri Pandey reflected on how literature intersects with sustainability and social inclusion. “Stories allow us to step into lives beyond our own. That empathy is the foundation of responsible leadership and sustainable change,” Neena said.
Payal Chandra, drawing from her legal background, observed that both law and literature are rooted in interpretation, ethics and human narratives.
Day One featured panel discussions, workshops, book launches, a spirited Kavi Sammelan and an Odissi dance performance, blending intellectual exchange with artistic expression.
The next day began with Ashok Lavasa, Retd. IAS, along with industrialists Sushil Kumar Sayal and HKL Magu. Lavasa spoke about literature’s role in sustaining democratic values and informed societies, while Sayal and Magu stressed the importance of collaboration between business and creative communities.
A key highlight was the launch of two books commissioned by Kala-Light of Spring, an anthology of short stories by emerging writers, and Echoes of Dharma by Japan-based Indian author Dr Sarath. The publications reflected Kala’s commitment not only to conversation but also to giving promising writers a tangible platform to reach readers.
The Kala Literature Awards added a celebratory edge, honouring excellence across categories and drawing enthusiastic participation from authors nationwide. The evening concluded with the evocative dance drama Tawayafnama.
A Platform with Purpose
A special collaboration with Let’s Talk, a peer-powered wellness and conversation platform, further enriched the festival. Co-founders Pooja Chandra and Vivek Pathak noted that literature ignites thought, while conversation gives it movement-together fostering understanding and emotional well-being.
As the festival closed, Sanjay Chandra shared Kala’s vision of evolving into a sustained cultural platform-one that continues to mentor new voices, publish meaningful work and keep dialogue at the heart of creative life.
Kala Literature Festival 2026 thus stood not merely as a literary event, but as a powerful statement on the role of culture in shaping aspirations, building empathy and giving India’s emerging storytellers a stage to be heard.
