My college XIC ( Xavier Institute of Communication ) boasted the most excellent faculty for journalism. Revered Journalist Kumar Ketkar sir who taught us Political Journalism acquainted us with the exemplary, versatile writing style of Mr. Anil Dharker. Yes, the same Anil Dharker who edited Debonair , Midday. The Independent , The Illustrated weekly of India , headed India TV, wrote columns for TOI , The Hindu , The Economic Times, , Khaleej Times , Gulf News , The Scotsman, The Sunday Observer , The Asian Age , The Financial Chronicle, The Huffington Post etc. Since then, I wanted to interact with Anil Dharker sir to understand his social, cultural and political views. On 20th October , this most sought after opportunity appeared in the form of an invite, thanks to dear friend Manjulika
Cafe Zoe, was literally Lit Live, when we arrived for the Bloggers Meet. It was fun clicking pictures of quirky art decor.
Post the welcome-drinks , Ms. Priyanka of Writersmelon did a brief intro of the distinguished panel members, Mr. Anil Dharker (Director : Tata Literature Live), popular author Ravi Subramanian and Deepa Gahlot. The real fun began with 'Freedom Of Expression'. This is the most controversial as well as the most popular topic.
Generally everybody in India and particularly in Mumbai loves to express their myriad views about everything under the Sun and above Earth. Tata Lit Fest Bloggers meet was free for all as Literature is our First love.
We the Literature Lovers are eagerly waiting for Tata Lit Live! The Mumbai LitFest to begin. In Mumbai, Our Diwali starts earlier than usual with the heralding of Tata Lit Fest, which is on from October 29 - November 1 , 2015.
Our Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest will bring together an exciting mix of over 120 celebrated writers, thinkers, and literature lovers, from more than 14 countries across the world. What's more the entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis for the four-day festival, which will be held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Nariman Point, and the Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. Outstanding literary works will be recognised with seven literary awards in various categories and the winners felicitated.
The star-authors who will dazzle the Tata Lit Fest are : Vikram Seth , Germaine Greer, Guillermo Martinez , Ofir Touche Gafla , Jon Turney, Nick Davies, Hussain Zaidi , Kiran Nagarkar , Mona Elthahawy, Siddhartha Gigoo , Meena Kandswamy, Rohan Murty, Malavika Jayaram.
That's not all, there will will be Performances — plays, performance poetry, dances based on stories and poetry, and storytelling with music — are an integral part of the festival. An invigorating line-up of debates and talks will dot each day, interspersed with book readings and conversations with eminent authors and poets. Other vital ingredients include exciting workshops for both adults and children, including a special Harry Potter workshop and one on writing for young adults by Canadian writer S J Laidlaw, and the Tata LitliveMyStory Contest, which invites entries from unpublished writers and is live on the festival’s Facebook page and website. The jury will pick three winners from a shortlist of 10 entries, based on public votes.
Dr Mukund Rajan, member, Group Executive Council, and brand custodian, Tata Sons, says, “The Tata group is pleased to bring the sixth edition of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest, yet again, to audiences not only in Mumbai, but also those who visit us every year from around India and the world. Over the past five years, the festival has grown from strength to strength, attracting well-known authors and performances, and delighting literature lovers with an invigorating line-up of events that celebrate the finest literature worldwide. This year’s edition promises no less but much more, and we hope that you’ll join us in the coming days to enjoy the exciting programme that the festival team is putting together.”
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Oh Sujata you do have a hotline here...