KLF 10th Anniversary 2024

Day:1 (9th Feb 2024)
Theme: Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond – Inspiring Lived Experience in the 21st Century

The Indian subcontinent, historically referred to as Bharat, is a treasure trove of stories, legends, and narratives that have transcended time. These tales, rooted deep within our cultural ethos, not only recount the exploits of brave hearts and the wisdom of sages but also offer profound insights into the human experience. The Kalinga Literary Festival 2024 seeks to explore these ancient narratives, drawing parallels between them and our contemporary existence in the 21st century. By delving into these stories, we hope to derive inspiration that resonates with today’s lived experiences.

The festival will delve deep into these age-old stories, ranging from epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana to the fables of Panchatantra, Jataka tales, and more. It will not only recount the heroic deeds of gods, goddesses, and historical beings but also showcase the human aspect of these legends. Participants will be encouraged to explore the intricate characters and their journeys, emphasizing the moral and ethical lessons embedded in these narratives.

The heart of this theme lies in drawing parallels between these ancient narratives and the challenges, triumphs, and dilemmas faced by individuals in the 21st century. By examining the universal themes found in these stories, such as courage, love, duty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge, the festival seeks to connect the dots between the past and the present. It aims to showcase how the wisdom and insights encapsulated in these legends can resonate with and guide our lives in today’s world.

The festival seeks to be a wellspring of inspiration. Through a variety of literary discussions, workshops, performances, and exhibitions, participants will explore how ancient legends can inspire creativity, resilience, and moral values in the modern world. Whether it’s addressing contemporary issues through the lens of ancient wisdom, finding solutions to societal challenges, or simply rediscovering the beauty of these tales, the festival aims to provide a space for profound thought and introspection.

This theme also encourages a diverse array of voices to come together, representing the myriad traditions and interpretations of these legends. It promotes inclusivity, showcasing how these narratives resonate with people from all walks of life, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds, beliefs, or experiences.

The theme of “Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond – Inspiring Lived Experience in the 21st Century” is a homage to the timeless narratives that have shaped the Indian subcontinent and continue to influence the world. It is an exploration of the profound insights that these legends offer and their relevance in contemporary life. The Kalinga Literary Festival 2024 promises to be a unique and enriching experience, celebrating the confluence of the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the contemporary, and the universal human experience.

Day:2 (10th Feb 2024)
Theme: “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Literature”

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in literature are essential components of a thriving and inclusive society. The concept of DEI in literature involves promoting a wide range of voices and perspectives, ensuring that all people have the opportunity to see themselves represented in literature, and challenging the dominant narrative that often reinforces biases and stereotypes.

DEI in literature is critical because it helps to create a more inclusive and equitable society by promoting empathy, understanding, and appreciation of diverse experiences and perspectives. It is essential that all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, or other personal characteristics, have the opportunity to see themselves represented in literature. When individuals see themselves reflected in literature, it can help to validate their experiences, promote a sense of belonging, and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Promoting DEI in literature involves actively seeking out and promoting works by authors from diverse backgrounds. This can involve supporting independent bookstores, seeking out independent publishers, and advocating for diverse voices in the publishing industry. It is essential that publishers and literary agents actively seek out and promote authors from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are told.

Encouraging critical engagement with literature that is already widely available is another approach to promoting DEI in literature. By challenging and changing the dominant narrative that often reinforces biases and stereotypes, we can promote a more inclusive and equitable society. This can be achieved through book clubs, literary festivals, and other literary events that foster meaningful conversations and promote empathy and understanding.

Promoting reading and literacy among groups that may be underrepresented or marginalized in the literary world is also crucial to promoting DEI in literature. This can be achieved by supporting literacy programs, promoting culturally responsive teaching, and creating spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all readers.

Creating safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue and reflection on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion is also essential to promoting DEI in literature. This can be achieved through book clubs, literary festivals, and other literary events that foster meaningful conversations and promote empathy and understanding.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in literature are crucial components of a thriving and inclusive society. By actively seeking out and promoting works by authors from diverse backgrounds, encouraging critical engagement with literature, promoting reading and literacy among underrepresented groups, and creating safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue and reflection, we can promote a more inclusive and equitable society. It is essential that we continue to promote DEI in literature and challenge the dominant narrative to ensure that all voices are heard and all stories are told.

Jatindra Kumar Nayak

Jatindra Kumar Nayak was educated at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack and Merton College, Oxford and retired as Professor of English, Utkal University in 2016. He won the KATHA Translation Award in 1997 and Hutch-Crossword Book Award in 2004. He was a member of the Raja Ram Mohun Ray Library Foundation, Department of Culture, Government of India.…

Day:1 (9th Feb 2024) Theme: Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond – Inspiring Lived Experience in the 21st Century

Day:2 (10th Feb 2024) Theme: “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Literature”

Day:1 (9th Feb 2024)
Theme: Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond – Inspiring Lived Experience in the 21st Century

Day:2 (10th Feb 2024)
Theme: “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Literature”