Day: November 23, 2024

Lucknow: Koshala Literature festival 2024 kicked off its third edition with great enthusiasm, bringing a vibrant mix of literature, culture and storytelling. Held in the heart of Lucknow, the festival celebrates the rich heritage of the region while connecting contemporary audiences to the transformative power of words and ideas. The first day witnessed an exceptional lineup that grew in attendance and energy, reflecting the festival’s wide appeal. The day began with historian and author Ira Mukhoty exploring the fascinating rise and fall of Awadh during the eighteenth century. In conversation…

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Lucknow: In an engaging discussion with Jayant Krishna, former diplomat TCA Raghavan delved into the themes of his latest book, Circle of Freedom, the fourth in his series exploring India’s freedom movement. Raghavan, who previously served as Indian High Commissioner of Pakistan and Singapore, has also authored the award-winning Tendent Law, earning the Mohammad Habib Award for Historical Writing. The conversation highlighted Circle of Freedom’s exploration of India’s independence through the intertwined lives of unsung freedom fighters like Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asaf Ali, Syed Mehmood, Syed Hussain, and Asaf Ali.…

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Lucknow: In a compelling conversation with Nilotpal, renowned Hindi writer and poet Chandra Shekhar Verma, often referred to as Shabdon Ka Jadugar, shared his journey and views on Hindi literature. When asked about his identity as a poet or writer, Verma explained that he writes to connect with the youth and address socially relevant themes. He emphasized that Hindi poetry is struggling today, but the younger generation is reviving it by listening, writing, and engaging with it authentically. On the role of literature, Verma highlighted how it reflects and critiques…

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Lucknow: In an engaging discussion, Ila Arun, joined by Anjula Bedi, shared insights into her autobiography Pardey Ke Peechey with Nishi Pandey. The book’s title was inspired by her journey of breaking away from the enduring association with her controversial song Choli Ke Peeche. Ila explained how she transformed the narrative, turning the phrase into Pardey Ke Peeche to reflect her life’s journey beyond stereotypes. Anjula Bedi read the book’s opening page, recounting Ila’s initial struggles in theatre, her interactions with directors, and the challenges she faced to establish herself…

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