The Pink City is gearing up to host the 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), one of the most prestigious literary events in India, from January 30 to February 3, 2025. The event will be held at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, where it will continue its tradition of bringing together thinkers, authors, poets, and storytellers from across the globe to celebrate literature in all its forms. This year’s festival promises to be a dynamic confluence of thought-provoking discussions, literary exchanges, and rich cultural dialogues, featuring over 300 distinguished speakers.
A Rich History of Dialogue and Diversity
Since its inception, the Jaipur Literature Festival has served as an essential forum for both local and international voices, with the goal of fostering conversation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of different perspectives. Through its immersive program, the festival aims to promote meaningful discourse that can heal divisions and inspire positive change. The 2025 edition is poised to continue this legacy with an impressive lineup of sessions, talks, and presentations, covering a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and history to culture and society.
The Festival’s Unique Program: Highlights and Sessions
The first set of sessions for the 2025 festival has been revealed, showcasing a blend of innovative and classic topics. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the notable events:
1. Poor Economics for the Young
In a session designed to introduce young readers to the world of economics, Nobel laureate Esther Duflo and illustrator Cheyenne Olivier will discuss their book, Poor Economics for Kids. Through this work, they aim to simplify complex economic ideas for younger audiences, promoting social awareness and empathy. Duflo and Olivier will explore how the book encourages young minds to think critically about issues such as poverty, inequality, and the global economy.
2. Our City That Year: Hamara Shahar Us Baras
Geetanjali Shree, the International Booker Prize-winning author of Our City That Year (translated from Hamara Shahar Us Baras by Daisy Rockwell), will provide deep insights into the fragmentation of society, especially in the context of communal divisions. Shree’s novel explores how cities and individuals react to the rise of sectarianism, offering a chilling but necessary reflection on the impact of social and religious divides in today’s world.
3. David Hare: A Life in Theatre and Film
In this session, acclaimed playwright David Hare will discuss his legendary career. Known for works like The Secret Rapture, The Absence of War, and Skylight, Hare is often hailed as “the finest living British dramatist.” Attendees will hear about his creative process, inspirations, and key moments that have shaped his influential career in both theatre and film.
4. India’s First Diplomats
This session will delve into the vital role of diplomacy in shaping international relations. Journalist Kallol Bhattacharjee will host a discussion with prominent figures such as TCA Raghavan (former High Commissioner of India to Pakistan), Navtej Sarna (former diplomat and author), Lakshmi Puri (former UN Assistant Secretary-General), and Vikas Swarup (former High Commissioner of India to Canada). These experts will share their experiences and perspectives on India’s diplomatic history and the evolution of statecraft in the modern world.
5. Roman Year: A Memoir
André Aciman, the bestselling author of Call Me By Your Name, will be joined by novelist Shivani Sibal to discuss his memoir, Roman Year. Known for his tender explorations of love, memory, and identity, Aciman will reflect on his personal journey, examining the intersection of emotion, cultural heritage, and the passage of time. Aciman’s distinctive narrative style promises an intimate and deeply moving session.
6. Kairos: The Heart Divided
In this session, Jenny Erpenbeck, winner of the International Booker Prize 2024, will talk about her novel Kairos: The Heart Divided, translated by Michael Hofmann. Set against the backdrop of East Berlin during the 1980s, the novel explores the complexities of a passionate but destructive love affair. Erpenbeck and Hofmann will discuss the philosophical underpinnings of choice, fate, and political upheaval, as well as the novel’s reflection on power, betrayal, and shifting loyalties during a time of significant historical change.
A Platform for Global Voices
One of the defining features of the Jaipur Literature Festival is its ability to bring together a wide array of voices from across the world. This year’s program promises to offer perspectives from authors, journalists, academics, and cultural commentators, who will engage in stimulating discussions on the most pressing global issues of today. The festival continues to serve as a bridge for different cultures and ideas, allowing for an exchange of thoughts and stories that transcend geographical and political boundaries.
The Future of the Jaipur Literature Festival
With its rich history, unwavering commitment to literature, and its ability to adapt to changing times, the Jaipur Literature Festival remains a key cultural event in India and on the global literary calendar. As the festival enters its 18th year, it continues to evolve, drawing an ever-growing audience of passionate readers, thinkers, and creators.
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 is set to offer an exciting and thought-provoking program that promises to entertain, educate, and inspire attendees from around the world. Whether you are a literary enthusiast, a budding writer, or someone simply looking to engage with the world’s leading intellectuals, this year’s festival will have something for everyone.
Conclusion
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 will be an unparalleled gathering of creative minds, offering a platform for the exchange of ideas, stories, and perspectives. With its dynamic lineup of speakers and events, the festival continues to cement its place as one of the most anticipated literary festivals in the world. For five days in January and February, the Pink City will once again become the epicenter of literature, culture, and intellectual discourse.
