Half Day Pass – Afternoon, 18th January 2025

2:05 pm – 2:35 pm | Hakuna Matata Pays the Electricity Bill

Suli Breaks in conversation with Dinara Punchihewa

Inspired by Suli’s Why I Hate School but Love Education, an exploration of the limitations of traditional schooling and how creative forms of education—like poetry and media—can foster critical thinking and personal growth. How have spoken word artists leveraged social media platforms to amplify their messages worldwide, examining the powerful intersection of digital technology, performance art, and activism.

2:40 pm – 3:25 pm | Ink and Insight: Navigating the Writer’s Path

Kiran Desai, Lal Medawattegedara in conversation with Amit Varma

Lal Medawattegedara and Kiran Desai engage in a dynamic conversation exploring the power of language and its ethical responsibilities. They’ll reveal the personal stories, mentors, and moments that shaped their writing journeys. Expect inspiration, laughter, and a thought-provoking discussion on how words move us, one story at a time!

3:30 pm – 4:10 pm | Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Andrew Sean Greer in conversation with Molly Roden Winter

Andrew Sean Greer explores the concept of an unconventional hero in literature, with a focus on Arthur Less as an unconventional protagonist. A reflection on the role of LGBTQ+ stories in modern literature, and how Less helped bring queer narratives into the mainstream.

4:15 pm – 4:55 pm | Eco-Echoes: History Through Nature’s Lens

Pranay Lal in conversation with Vinod Malwatte

Explore the intricate interplay between nature and human history in the Indian subcontinent, drawing insights from Pranay Lal’s Invisible Empire. Shed light on the essential role viruses play in environmental changes showing their impact on history and on present-day challenges. Highlight how climatic events shape societies, from minor temperature changes triggering droughts and famines to significant ecological shifts causing societal collapse, with a focus on the subcontinent’s vulnerability to nature’s forces.

5:00 pm – 5:40 pm | Museums, Memory, and Storytelling

Neil MacGregor in conversation with Pramod Kumar KG

Explore Neil MacGregor’s distinguished career as a curator and historian that has revolutionised the museum landscape worldwide. His leadership of major British and European institutions has involved various literary projects that have shaped a unique approach to historical storytelling. Discuss the significance of making history accessible and relatable to a broad audience, with key examples from A History of the World in 100 Objects.

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | The Mirror and the Mask: Cinema and Theatre’s Hidden Truths [ roundtable discussion – parallel session]

Dinara Punchihewa, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rehan Mudannayake, Ruwanthie de Chickera, Nimmi Harasgama

Spearheaded by Nimmi Harasgama, this roundtable brings acclaimed actors and theatre artists together to explore the darker side of cinema and theatre. From glamorising harmful social norms to reinforcing stereotypes, the discussion delves into how both mediums shape public perception, addressing behind-the-scenes realities—labour exploitation, gender disparities, and the pressures on artistic integrity—while examining the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers and performers in confronting these issues and fostering more responsible, inclusive storytelling.