New Delhi: The eighth edition of the Valley of Words (VoW) Literary Festival promises a stimulating array of discussions and events, spanning topics from politics and military strategy to literature and culture. This year’s festival, to be held on over 16 and 17 November, has crafted a programme that aims to encourage dialogue across ideological divides and further engaging debates on pressing global and national issues.
VoW will pay tribute to two cherished members of its community—Jaskiran Chopra and Dhirendra Sharma—who passed away last year. The tribute will feature invited poets reciting verses from Chopra’s collection, celebrating her literary legacy. Dhirendra Sharma, an intellectual and environmentalist, contributed to VoW’s ecological sessions. His memory will be honoured in a session curated by Rajendra Dobhal, which also touches upon artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for the future of medicine, bridging the gap between pure, applied, and social sciences.
A recurring feature at the festival is the exploration of military history and strategy, which may seem unexpected for a literary event but is crucial for understanding contemporary national security. Given India’s ongoing defence debates, VoW has created a dedicated vertical on Military History and Strategy (MHS), chaired by Lt Gen P.J.S. Pannu. A session on India’s defence budget and strategic options will analyse the balance between technological advancements and human resource development, drawing insights from all three branches of the military.
Exhibitions are also an integral part of VoW, enhancing the cultural experience. The festival will showcase an exhibition on the museums of Uttarakhand, curated by Anjali Bhartari, as well as displays of products from self-help groups (SHGs) associated with Hesco. Iti Lekh will feature a curated collection of books, while Iti Smriti will present VoW memorabilia. Additionally, an exhibition will highlight the finest products from Uttarakhand and Tribes India, underscoring the region’s cultural richness.
For Hindi literature enthusiasts, VoW 2024 promises an engaging experience. The festival will host the authors of three award-winning Hindi books—Dr Suresh Pant, Subhash Neerav, and Uday Prakash—alongside other prominent Hindi writers. Lakshmi Shankar Bajpai, Mamta Kiran, and Anjum Sharma will also contribute to the sessions. In addition to discussions, there will be a Mushaira and a Poetry Tribute session featuring Hindi, English, and Urdu poetry.
The festival will also feature five Hindi book launches and a special edition of Sadaneera, curated by Anjum Sharma, which includes reviews of the shortlisted books across various genres.
VoW is also launching its publication—VoWels—this year, which will feature author interviews, reviews of shortlisted books, and articles by curators of various festival verticals. Designed by board member Kishore Menon, VoWels will reflect his aesthetic sensibility, offering a comprehensive look at the festival’s activities, from international celebrations like Mother Language Day to in-depth explorations within the knowledge verticals.
The festival’s outreach continues to grow, with strong support from sponsors like REC, ONGC, Nestle, and the Government of Uttarakhand, among others. The media coverage from partners such as ThePrint, Garhwal Post, and Radio Zindagi has been instrumental in elevating VoW’s reputation, making it a key cultural event in cities like Dehradun, Indore, Pune, Chennai, and New Delhi.
One notable session this year will focus on the impact of migration on demography in Uttarakhand’s higher reaches and its implications for national security. Curated by Dr Kuldeep Dutta, the session will explore the growing trend of permanent migration from rural to urban areas, particularly in border villages, and its potential effects on India’s security landscape. With participation from ex-Chief Secretary Indu Pande and other experts, this discussion promises to delve into the administrative, political, social, and defense perspectives on this crucial issue.
A particularly unique session titled Poetry @ Ninety will celebrate the life and literary contributions of Brigadier Krishna Gopal Behl, a veteran with a deep passion for writing and social engagement. Despite his background in the military and engineering, Behl has become known for his poetic works, including books on the Survey of India, Subhash Chandra Bose, and the Bhagavad Gita. This session will feature a discussion between Behl and scholars Ram Vinay Singh and Manoj Dhyani, who will explore the deeper meanings of his poetic interpretations.
Lastly, a thought-provoking session on the Cities of the Future will explore the challenges and opportunities posed by urbanisation in India. Chaired by urban planning expert Ashish, the discussion will focus on the future of cities—what they need in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and planning. This session will feature experts like Akhilesh and Avinash from Doon University and will address the challenges of balancing growth with environmental and social responsibility.
The festival will also feature a discussion with Turkey’s Ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, who will explore the themes of cultural connection and the lasting impact of population exchanges in his novel The Lighthouse Family. This session will resonate with Dehradun’s partition families, offering a unique perspective on history and identity.
VoW 2024 aims to offer a compelling mix of literary, cultural, and intellectual experiences and continue to be a vital platform fostering dialogue and understanding among all.
ThePrint is the digital media partner for the Valley of Words Literary Festival.
Also read: 75 authors, book launches, exhibitions & more at 8th edition of Valley of Words Literary Festival
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