Full Day Pass – 17th January 2025 (10 Literary Sessions)

9:30 am – 9:40 am | Cultural performance 

9:40 am – 9:45 am | Opening Address 

9:45 am – 10:25 am | Stories We Live: Fiction Meets Reality 

Ameena Hussein in conversation with Savithri Rodrigo

A journey through Ameena Hussain’s dual contributions to Sri Lankan literature as both a novelist and a non-fiction writer. Known for capturing the texture of Sri Lankan life, Ameena’s works provide a unique viewpoint on themes such as cultural identity, gender, and the everyday lives of Sri Lankan Muslims. Through this session, we’ll discuss how her fiction reveals emotional and personal landscapes, while her non-fiction gives an insightful look into broader societal and cultural dynamics.

10:30 am – 11:10 am | Where Worlds Collide 

Kiran Desai in conversation with Ashok Ferrey

Explore the profound role of landscapes—both literal and metaphorical—in Kiran Desai’s storytelling. Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard, where the orchard serves as a whimsical backdrop for themes of tradition, solitude, and rebellion; The Inheritance of Loss, where the mountainous terrain of Kalimpong amplifies themes of cultural dislocation and identity. Illuminate how Desai’s skillful integration of setting enriches her narratives, inviting audiences to appreciate the landscapes that shape her characters’ experiences and the broader human condition.

11:15 am – 11:55 am | Legends in Lace and Steel 

Manu S Pillai in conversation with Josephine Quinn

Explore the influential yet often-overlooked roles of women in history—as poets, warriors, and courtesans—through the lens of Manu S Pillai’s works, including The Ivory Throne, The Courtesan, the Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin, Rebel Sultans, and False Allies. This session examines how unconventional perspectives and hidden figures have shaped India’s cultural heritage, challenging dominant narratives and transforming our understanding of the past.

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm | Own Your Language

Coming Soon

12:50 pm – 1:30 pm | Wild Encounters: A Journey into Nature’s Heart  

Arati Kumar-Rao in conversation with Mihiri Wikramanayake

Ever wondered what it’s like to camp out on a disappearing river island or track the footsteps of rare animals in the forest at dawn? A journey off-the-beaten-path with Arati Kumar-Rao into South Asia’s wildest, most mysterious corners – landscapes most people never even know exist, with captivating visuals, unexpected twists, and tales of misadventures. Arati will show how the remote, often overlooked, “marginlands” of South Asia are full of untold stories, bringing to life the people, wildlife, and fragile ecosystems that inhabit these edges of existence. Even in the most remote and forgotten parts of the world, nature’s wonders are waiting to be discovered—if you’re willing to get a little mud on your shoes.

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch  

2:05 pm – 2:45 pm | Spies, Lies, and Soufflés 

Diana R Chambers in conversation with Ameena Hussein

Diana R Chambers dishes out the untold story of culinary icon Julia Child’s secret past as a World War II spy. In The Secret War of Julia Child, Chambers whisks readers away on a thrilling journey of espionage and intrigue, revealing how Child’s undercover exploits and love of foreign flavours helped shape her remarkable life. Blending history with suspense, Diana R Chambers offers a unique window into how wartime adventures can alter lives and inspire legacies, showing that the journey to becoming an icon is often complex and unpredictable.

2:50 pm – 3:30 pm | A Wednesday Every Decade 

Naseeruddin Shah in conversation with Rehan Mudannayake 

Naseeruddin Shah will reflect on his experience working with legends of the past and the rising stars of today, drawing from insights shared in his book And Then One Day: A Memoir. Shah will discuss how acting techniques, storytelling, and the industry itself have transformed across generations. He will discuss the differences in approach between his generation and today’s actors, the impact of digital platforms like Netflix and Amazon on cinema, and how emerging technologies are reshaping cinema. Through stories from his memoir, he can deep dive into what’s been lost and gained in this new era.

3:35 pm – 4:20 pm | Islanded and Connected

Coming Soon

4:25 pm – 5:05 pm | Gods and Gold: Myths that Moved Markets  

Josephine Quinn in conversation with Pramod Kumar KG

Explore the interplay of mythology, religion, and commerce, to draw parallels between Mediterranean myths and South Asian legends, showing how these narratives fostered commerce and diplomatic ties across regions. Delve into the untold narratives of marginalised groups—such as women, traders, and everyday citizens—in ancient civilizations, while examining the lasting influence of ancient societies on modern culture. 

5:10 pm – 5:40 pm | Louder Than Silence [Storytelling]

Suli Breaks

Join Suli Breaks for an electrifying session that challenges societal norms and ignites thought-provoking dialogue. Experience the power of poetry as he weaves personal narratives with universal truths, inspiring audiences to reflect and engage.