British scholar and novelist C. S. Lewis had rightly said, “Literature adds to reality, enriches necessary competences that daily life provides and it irrigates the deserts that our life has already become”.
The tri-city had its very own Chandigarh Literature Festival at Hotel Taj, Chandigarh , from 7th to 10th November, 2013.
The festival was inaugurated on Thursday, 7th November, 2013 , with a brief welcome speech by Mt. Mitul Dikshit, Chairman- Adab Foundation. Next, Mr Altaf Tyrewala , Festival Director- CLF acquainted the audience about how this fest was born with the intent of giving Chandigarh its very own annual literary event. Mr Tyrewala emphasized the uniqueness of this festival, which was – its focus on books…books…books…. and nothing else. There were no marketing gimmicks, no publicity stunts and no authors eclipsing the event. This fest intended to celebrate books, which it truly did, over a period of 3 days from 8th November to 10th November, 2013. Thirteen books by thirteen Indian authors were discussed threadbare, by the nominating critics and the participating audience. Interestingly, these books were shortlisted not on the basis of the star status of the authors nor on the basis of the number of copies sold. On the contrary, these books were nominated by the very people, whose job is to sift through scores of new publications, and separate the chaff from the grain- the critics.
Next three days included panel discussions touching upon literature, politics and society. The Day 1 Sessions included:
‘Manzilain – The Destinations’: Author Mahmood Shaam in conversation with critic Nirupama Dutt; ‘This Side That Side: Restorying Partition’: Author Vishwajyoti Ghosh in conversation with critic Giriraj Kiradoo; ‘Day Scholar’: Author Siddharth Chowdhury in conversation with critic Trisha Gupta; ‘Cuckold’: Author Kiran Nagarkar in conversation with critic Jerry Pinto.
On Day 2 the Sessions were: “The Mirror of Beauty’: Author Shamsur Rahman Faruqi in conversation with critic Ashok Vajpeyi; ‘The Extras’: Author Kiran Nagarkar in conversation with critic Manjula Padmanabhan; ‘Patna Roughcut’: Author Siddharth Chowdhury in conversation with critic Jerry Pinto; ‘Shanti Parav’: Author Desraj Kali in conversation with critic Nirupama Dutt; ‘Adi Parva’: Author Amruta Patil in conversation with critic Deepanjana Pal; and ‘Bolero Class’: Author Prabhat Ranjan in conversation with critic Satyanand Nirupam.
Sessions for Day 3 were: “The Mirror of Beauty’: Author Shamsur Rahman Faruqi in conversation with critic M. Asaduddin; ‘Kari’: Author Amruta Patil in conversation with critic Manjula Narayan; ‘The Competent Authority’: Author Shovon Chowdhury in conversation with critic Deepanjana Pal; ‘Death in Mumbai’: Author Meenal Baghel in conversation with critic Trisha Gupta; and ‘Em and the Big Hoom’: Author Jerry Pinto in conversation with critic Nirupama Dutt.
Critics presented their analysis of the books and helped audience gain insight on the literary merits (or demerits) of the books. The critics also engaged with the books’ authors, giving readers a glimpse at the mechanics of planning and writing a book. Episodes from each book were dramatized as heart-rending performances by known Theater groups of Chandigarh.
The critics and authors participating in the festival will contribute a piece of original writing in a genre of their choice. These contributions will be compiled in an anthology dedicated to the city of Chandigarh. This format will become a blue-print for the Chandigarh Literature Festival for years to come.
Each day concluded with a movie-screening and a musical performance. Piyush Mishra enthralled the audience with “ Husna” and his other soul-stirring numbers.
Midnight’s Children an epic film from Oscar-nominated director Deepa Mehta, based on the Booker Prize winning novel by Salman Rushdie was also screened at the festival.
The screening of movie was followed by an invigorating session with Ms Deepa herself.
Next day ended with screening and discussion on Ghanchakkar followed by discussion with Raj Kumar Gupta (Film maker), Sanjay Chauhan,. The festival concluded with screening of movie BA Pass and discussion between Sanjay Chauhan, Mayank Shekhar, Rajeev Masand, Raja Sen, Ajay Behl (Film maker) and Shilpa Shukla (Actor)
Films such as Midnight’s Children, Ghanchakkar and BA Pass were screened to depict the intersection between cinema and the literary form. These film screenings were followed by discussions between critics and film-makers.
The critics and authors participating in the festival will contribute a piece of original writing in a genre of their choice. These contributions will be compiled in an anthology dedicated to the city of Chandigarh. This format will become a blue-print for the Chandigarh Literature Festival for years to come.
This city has the country’s highest per capita income, one of the highest rate of literarcy, a rich theatre culture, acclaimed poets and authors as well as innumerable readers. Chandigarh Literature Festival has helped to string the various pearls together and given us what we truly love to talk and know about- Books! In a country where there are over 67 literary festivals, Chandigarh Literature Festival truly stood out like a David amongst the Goliaths. Still in its nascent stage, CLF undoubtedly has a promising future.