MYSURU, 5 JULY

The ninth Mysuru Literature Festival commenced on Saturday at Hotel Southern Star, inaugurated by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the Mysuru royal family. She emphasised the importance of youth involvement in promoting literary and cultural events while embracing critical thinking. The festival, organised by the Mysuru Literary Forum Charitable Trust and Mysuru Books Club, featured esteemed guests, including Booker Prize winners Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Basthi. Retired DRDO scientist Padmashree Prahlad Ram Rao highlighted the need for integrating technological advancements with the promotion of arts and literature. The festival showcased a diverse range of topics, from women’s empowerment to environmental conservation, with approximately three dozen speakers including former Union Minister Manishankar Aiyar. Banu Mushtaq discussed her literary exploration of patriarchy, while Gopalkrishna Gandhi shared reflections on his illustrious family legacy.