Sahitya Akademi’s litt fest begins today

Thrissur: The maiden edition of International Literature Festival of Kerala (ILFK), organized by Kerala Sahitya Akademi, will begin here on Sunday.Akademi president K Satchidanandan said ILFK would be slightly different from other literary fests in Kerala as this would discuss literature and also explore social issues which are of concern to writers across the globe.He claimed that the response to the fest has been much more than expected. However, there are also criticisms against the festival from intellectuals.The event will be held at four venues in Thrissur, including the Akademi campus and Town Hall, till Feb 3. As many as 107 programmes covering literature, music, films, theatre, painting, science and media have been scheduled.Over 600 people have already registered, and there will be spot registrations. There will be no restrictions on participation, Satchidanandan said.Raising a critical note, filmmaker K Gopinathan said ILFK programmes are designed in a sectarian fashion and the speakers are mainly from the ruling LDF camp.Writer J Devika said there was a serious gulf between the literary persona and individual personality of writers, and this could be stark and worrisome in the case of some.“Their writings may be about lofty human values and justice, but they may not practise it in personal lives, and be ready to submit before the authorities. I don’t want to be part of a programme designed to whitewash the injustices committed by the rulers by accepting a chair offered by them there. I have decided not to attend the fest. I was surprised to note that not many of my writer friends stood up to say that I am not an extremist, when the Kerala police slapped fake cases against me because I had supported the hartal called by Muslim organizations against the CAA. The harassment based on the case continues even now,’’ she said.
Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.