The Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) is gearing up to present the 12th edition of the Chandigarh Lit Fest (CLF) – Literati 2024, a three-day literary celebration. Scheduled from November 22-24, the event will take place at the Chandigarh Lake Club, offering an engaging lineup of literary discussions, book launches, and cultural activities.
The festival will commence with a musical evening, Aaghaaz – Shaam-E-Ghazal, featuring renowned artist Kanwar Jagmohan, at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan, Chandigarh, on November 22. On November 23 and 24, the main sessions will unfold against the picturesque backdrop of Sukhna Lake.
Dr. Sumita Misra, IAS, Festival Director and Chairperson of CLS, revealed at a press conference that this year’s theme, “Celebrating Creativity,” will feature eminent personalities across literature, arts, and culture.
Key Highlights
- Book Launch on Ratan Tata:
Dr. Thomas Mathew, a retired bureaucrat, will unveil his book, “Ratan Tata: A Life,” offering an intimate portrayal of the iconic business magnate. The launch will be accompanied by an interactive session, “The Legend Lives On: A Man Called Ratan Tata.” - Tribute to Punjab’s History:
Authors Kishwar Desai and Navtej Sarna will delve into the Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy, examining its impact on Punjab’s socio-political landscape. - Punjabi Poetry Spotlight:
Young poets Randhir Uppal, Wahid Khadial, and Jassi Sangha will explore the evolution of Punjabi poetry in a session titled “Punjab di Zubaan.” - Voices of Bravery:
A session on heroism, “Voices of Valour,” will feature distinguished army officers Ian Cardozo and Syed Ata Hasnain, sharing tales of courage. - Single Fatherhood Memoir:
Actor Tusshar Kapoor will discuss his memoir, “Bachelor Dad,” chronicling his journey as a single father.
Diverse Sessions to Look Forward To
- “AI and Creativity: Friend or Foe?” featuring Khushwant Singh and Affan Yesvi.
- “History as Storytelling” by narrative historian Ira Mukhoty.
- “Fear and Folly: The Intersection of Horror and Satire” with filmmaker Soham Shah and model-author Karan Oberoi.
The festival will also honor Dr. Surjit Patar, celebrate the power of theater with MK Raina and Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry, and showcase discussions on India’s cultural heritage with Pavan Varma and Sankrant Sanu.
Book Launches
The festival will witness the release of six notable books, including:
- “Udaari” (Punjabi) by Sarabjit Singh Madan.
- “The Diva Who Died to Live” by Sharat Ralhan.
- “Geisha in the Gota Patti” by Chetna Keer.
About CLS and CLF Literati
Founded in 2013 by Dr. Sumita Misra, CLS has championed literature in North India through workshops, interactive sessions, and international collaborations. Held annually at the iconic Sukhna Lake, CLF Literati has become a sought-after event, previously featuring luminaries like Ruskin Bond, Amish Tripathi, and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
Mark your calendars for this literary extravaganza that embodies the creativity and cultural vibrancy of Chandigarh – The City Beautiful.
