The much-anticipated Western Ghats Lit Fest 2024, launched today in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has brought together a vibrant gathering of intellectuals, authors, and cultural thinkers from across Bharat and abroad. Organized by The Verandah Club, the two-day festival promises to be a platform for deep discussions and reflections on India’s cultural resurgence, with the theme of “Bharat: Fast Forward” guiding this year’s discourse.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Kanagasabapathi, Chairman of the Western Ghats Lit Fest, spoke about India’s reemergence as a global leader, emphasizing the nation’s strong social fabric and entrepreneurial spirit. “Bharat is reemerging, and we are pioneers in several fields. Our ancient way of life is now being recognized worldwide, yet we face challenges that demand introspection,” he said. Highlighting the importance of social capital and family values, Prof. Kanagasabapathi expressed hope that the festival would serve as a forum for forming and spreading ideas that address both the achievements and obstacles facing modern India.
Director Shefali Vaidya further underscored the need for Indian voices to narrate Indian stories from an Indian perspective. “We need to speak our stories, by our people, from our perspective. This festival is a step towards encouraging future writers who will shape the narrative of our nation,” she said, urging participants to engage deeply with the literary world and take ownership of India’s cultural narrative.
And the #WesternGhatsLitFest has got off to an auspicious start with prayers by students from @anaadifdn Gurukul @GhatsLitFest @jaggu916 @abhijitmajumder @ashwinsanghi @vishnujain3 @sudarsh77433441 pic.twitter.com/kPex6kwONR
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) October 19, 2024
The event’s first session featured two prominent speakers: Vishnu Shankar Jain, a Supreme Court lawyer, and Ashwin Sanghi, a renowned author. Their session delved into India’s legal and historical contexts, blending discussions of India’s rich past with contemporary legal challenges.
Why is the #Gyanvapi temple not being fast tracked in the courts and why is the matter not decided? Why to delay?
– Advocate @Vishnu_Jain1 at#WesternGhatsLitFest @GhatsLitFest @theverandahclub @jaggu916 @ShefVaidya pic.twitter.com/ZEKv5aFq7B
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) October 19, 2024
At #WesternGhatsLitFest, @ashwinsanghi takes the audience through the amazing connectivity of civilisations. pic.twitter.com/ZXVncXjIpV
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) October 19, 2024
With over 27 speakers lined up from diverse backgrounds, the Western Ghats Lit Fest is set to be a remarkable confluence of ideas, literature, and culture. The festival’s program includes panel discussions, book launches, and cultural performances that aim to spark meaningful conversations and inspire new generations of writers and thinkers.
Grateful for some amazing coverage in press for the Third Edition of #WesternGhatsLitFest by @theverandahclub @eOrganiser
Coimbatore to host third edition of Western Ghats Lit Fest 2024 on October 19-20https://t.co/wmGJaxKMpP@SwarajyaMag
Western Ghats Lit Fest – Third…
— Jagannathan (@jaggu916) October 10, 2024
As Coimbatore plays host to this literary celebration, it becomes clear that the Western Ghats Lit Fest is not just an event—it is a movement aimed at nurturing and spreading the intellectual and cultural legacy of Bharat across the world.
