Lucknow — In a bid to reimagine literary discussions and promote intellectual engagement in a casual, café-style setting, Kitabi Nukkad hosted its inaugural literary event Matakya (Unison) at Chakoco Café and Restaurant in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Designed to foster two-way dialogues between speakers and audiences, the event aimed to make literature a part of popular culture, especially among the youth.
A Thought-Provoking Theme Inspired by Franz Kafka
The event’s central theme revolved around Franz Kafka’s short story “Dream”, prompting in-depth discussions on dreams, inner conflicts, and the philosophical nuances of life and death.
Engaging Session with Dr. Shipra Chaturvedi
Renowned academic and translator Dr. Shipra Chaturvedi was the guest speaker for the evening. Known for her Hindi translation of Kafka’s “Dream” from German, Dr. Chaturvedi captivated the audience with a live reading of the story, earning applause and appreciation from literature enthusiasts present.
Sharing insights from her translation journey, Dr. Chaturvedi noted that at various points she found Kafka’s ideas resonating with the works of Kabir, despite the two belonging to vastly different eras and cultural contexts. Her reflections added a unique perspective to the discussion, highlighting the timeless nature of introspective literature.
Interactive Discussions and Audience Engagement
Following the reading, the session was moderated by Dr. Madhu Gopal, a distinguished author and host of the event. Her engaging conversation with Dr. Shipra Chaturvedi on Kafka’s philosophy and its contemporary relevance emerged as a highlight of the evening.
A particularly compelling moment arrived when the floor was opened to the audience. Participants eagerly shared their thoughts, posed questions, and contributed to a vibrant open discussion. The informal setup transformed the venue into a hub of literary exchange, where ideas flowed freely, and literature came alive through active dialogue.
Closing Remarks and Future Endeavors
Concluding the event, Ashwini Sharma, founder of Kitabi Nukkad, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their enthusiastic participation. He emphasized that Kitabi Nukkad aims to continuously connect literature lovers not just through such events but also via its YouTube channel and social media platforms.
With the successful execution of Matakya (Unison), Kitabi Nukkad promises to offer many more opportunities for reflection, discussion, and creative exchange, establishing itself as a unique platform for literary engagement in the city.
