INDIA: The British Council in Delhi and Teamwork Arts hosted an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated JLF London 2024. The event offered a glimpse into the diverse and relevant sessions planned for the festival, which will take place at the British Library from June 7th to 9th, 2024. This year marks the 11th edition of JLF London, an event that brings the vibrancy of the Jaipur Literature Festival to the heart of the British capital.
Sanjoy K Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said, “At JLF London at the British Library, we aim to create a platform where literature and art intersect with pressing global issues. This year’s programme promises to inspire and challenge audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us through the power of words and storytelling.”
Also Read: Japanese Film Festival Online Returns This June 2024
Namita Gokhale, Festival Co-director, Sahitya Akademi awardee, and renowned author, emphasized the festival’s deep connection with London, stating, “The JLF International editions have a special connectivity with London and its deep literary legacy. June 2024 marks the 11th year of our festival in this city of words. JLF London at the British Library will bring books and ideas, poetry and music alive for readers and book lovers. We come together with our shared narratives and celebrate the human spirit. We try to understand our changing world. We share the gift of laughter. We are each other’s stories.”
Alison Barrett MBE, Director India at the British Council, expressed her enthusiasm for showcasing underrepresented Indian voices: “We are delighted to support Anuradha Sarma Pujari, a renowned literary voice from Assam at JLF London at the British Library 2024, as part of our ongoing commitment to taking underrepresented Indian voices and stories to new audiences in the UK. As a Sahitya Akademi Award winner and a prolific author known for her novels, essays, and short stories, Anuradha is a strong advocate for women’s narratives. Her session, with acclaimed author Namita Gokhale, promises a compelling discussion on societal constraints on female identity and the transformative power of writing.”
Diverse Sessions and Dialogues Await Attendees at JLF London 2024
The festival will feature an array of sessions spanning literature, history, science, and culture, featuring globally known authors, historians, scientists, and artists. One highlight will be the session ‘Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company,’ where William Dalrymple will celebrate Indian artists commissioned by the East India Company officials in the late 18th century. Another notable session includes Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan discussing his new book, Why We Die, which explores mortality and the transformations in human physiology.
Vikas Swarup, author of ‘Q & A,’ adapted into the Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ will discuss his new novel ‘The Girl with the Seven Lives’ with broadcaster Georgina Godwin. Additionally, Indian comedian and screenwriter Anuvab Pal will delve into the nuances of British humour in a session that promises to entertain and enlighten. Science enthusiasts can look forward to a discussion featuring Roger Highfield and Martin Rees on Highfield’s recent book, ‘Stephen Hawking: Genius at Work.’ They will be joined by Alex O’Brien, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of the greatest minds in modern science.
Namita Gokhale and Anuradha Sarma Pujari will address the invisible inhibitions on women’s identities and their impact on their writing careers. Turkish-British novelist Elif Shafak will talk about her upcoming book ‘There are Rivers in the Sky’ with William Dalrymple, and celebrated journalist Mishal Husain will share personal and historical narratives about the Partition of India and Pakistan in conversation with Anita Anand. Celebrated writer Maggie O’Farrell will discuss her new novel ‘The Marriage Portrait,’ and Booker Prize-winning author Paul Lynch will explore his novel ‘Prophet Song,’ set in a dystopian Ireland.
JLF London at the British Library 2024 promises a rich tapestry of sessions and dialogues that address contemporary issues and explore diverse perspectives, continuing its tradition of celebrating the transformative power of literature and ideas.
Also Read: Spanish Youth Rewrite Entrepreneurial Lyrics, Leading Global Innovation Symphony
