Two-day literature festival on theme ‘One India’ kicks off in Shimla

The fest will offer events on literature, art, music and poetry.

The two-day Shimla International Literature Festival, on the theme ‘One India’, began on Saturday. The fest will offer around two dozen events on literature, art, music and poetry.

Secretary of department of language, art and culture Purnima Chauhan said, “The festival will draw over 60 artists, academic scholars, publishers, politicians, youth icons and journalist from all over the country.”

Irrigation and public health minister Mahender Singh inaugurated the festival. Discussions on topics such as nepotism, the environment in India, sports, women empowerment, literature, changing politics with literature and the role of journalism will be held. The literature festival will also display literary masterpieces in Hindi, English and regional languages, besides dialogue between authors, readers, literary agents, publishers, politicians, and entrepreneurs.

Renowned artist Praveen Jaret will perform Himachali music at the Gaiety Theatre. Celebrity speakers such as Rajdeep Sardesai, Anant Vijay, Shasahi Shekher, Sanjeev Paliwal, Suddepa Nagarkar, Arpit Vagehria, Shuchi Singh Kalra, television actor Sushant Singh among others will grace the event.