Half Day Pass – Morning, 19th January 2025

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

9:45 am – 10:25 am | 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.

10:30 am – 11:15 am | Grins in the Gloom
Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist in conversation with Ashok Ferrey

How can humour unexpectedly surface in darker subjects like crime and mental health, adding a dash of spice to storytelling? A playful mixing of genres—Graeme with his delightful blend of humour and romance, and Anne with her gripping psychological thrillers. Delve into The Rosie Series by Graeme Simsion, with insights into his collaborative processes, the inspiration behind his characters, and the profound themes that resonate with readers worldwide.

11:20 am – 12:05 pm | From Frangipani Gardens to Battlegrounds
Ramya Jirasinghe, Vihanga Perera in conversation with Sukanya Wignaraja

Join Ramya Jirasinghe and Vihanga Perera for a powerful conversation on the transformative role of poetry in healing and understanding. Ramya will explore themes of love, loss, and reconciliation in post-war Sri Lanka, drawing from her collection Love Poems from a Frangipani Garden, while Vihanga will share how real-life experiences shape his topical, poignant poetry. Together, they’ll discuss how poetry bridges divides and offers solace in challenging times.

12:10 pm – 1:00 pm | Science Under Siege
Shawn Otto in conversation with Chevaan Daniel

This session explores the roles of media, education, and social networks in shaping public perception and learning how to counteract misinformation. The session will also focus on understanding how to analyse scientific claims, emphasising the importance of scepticism and the cultivation of a questioning mindset in a world rife with conflicting information.

1:05 pm – 1:45 pm | The Storyteller’s Palette
Jerry Pinto in conversation with Graeme Simsion

This session explores Jerry Pinto’s creative genius across original writing, translations, and biographies and children’s literature. From the emotional depth of Em and The Big Hoom to the coming-of-age themes in The Education of Yuri, and his translations of Cobalt Blue and Baluta, the discussion will uncover Pinto’s creative process, storytelling philosophy, and his approach to translation. Attendees will gain insight into the humour, empathy, and social awareness that tie together his varied works, making them resonate across audiences.