Jaipur Literature Festival 2024

Described as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth,’ the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) has become a global literary phenomenon over the past 16 years. This annual gathering has transformed into a sumptuous feast of ideas, hosting nearly 2000 speakers and welcoming over a million book lovers across India and the globe.

A Literary Phenomenon

The JLF, organized by Festival Directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple, in collaboration with Festival producer Teamwork Arts, remains committed to its core values. It serves as a democratic platform, offering access to all. It brings together a diverse mix of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, sportspeople, and entertainers on one stage. The festival champions the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.

Distinguished Speakers and Past Highlights

Over the years, JLF has witnessed the presence of literary giants such as Nobel Laureates J.M. Coetzee, Orhan Pamuk, and Muhammad Yunus, Man Booker Prize winners Ben Okri, Margaret Atwood, and Paul Beatty, and Sahitya Akademi winners Girish Karnad, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, and M.T. Vasudevan Nair. Notable literary superstars, including Amish Tripathi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Vikram Seth, have graced the festival with their presence. JLF goes beyond literature, hosting figures like Amartya Sen, Amitabh Bachchan, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Fry, Thomas Piketty, and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai.

Global Reach and Digital Expansion

JLF’s influence has extended globally with editions held in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Maldives, and Spain. Despite the challenges of 2020, the festival successfully launched the digital series JLF Brave New World and JLF Words Are Bright, reaching over 4.8 million viewers in their first season. The 2021 edition, in its digital avatar, engaged over 27 million viewers, while the 2022 edition made history as the world’s first hybrid literature festival, offering both online and on-ground sessions simultaneously.

Source- JLF

The Success of JLF 2023

The 16th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2023, held at Jaipur’s Hotel Clarks Amer, was a spectacular success. A literary marathon, it featured an impressive lineup of speakers, insightful sessions, readings, music, book signings, and the concurrent Jaipur BookMark and Jaipur Music Stage.

Anticipating JLF 2024

The Jaipur Literature Festival 2024 is set to return to its customary home in Jaipur between 1st and 5th February. True to its characteristic flavor, substance, and scale, the festival promises to bring together writers, readers, connoisseurs, influencers, and thinkers worldwide. As the literary world eagerly awaits, the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024 is poised to be another extraordinary celebration of ideas, imagination, and the power of words.

Programme Highlights 2024

1. Baal-O-Par: The Beating Heart of Poetry

Join renowned poets Gulzar, Rakhshanda Jalil, and Pavan K. Varma in a captivating conversation, delving into the essence of poetry and its profound impact on the human soul.

2. Prophet Song

Acclaimed author Paul Lynch engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Nandini Nair, exploring the intricacies of his latest work. “Prophet Song” promises to be a literary journey into the heart of Lynch’s creative vision.

3. Breaking the Mould: Reimagining the Economic Future

Economist Raghuram Rajan and financial expert Rohit Lamba share insights and visions for the economic future, engaging in a stimulating conversation moderated by Naushad Forbes. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as they explore innovative ideas to reshape our economic landscape.

4. Lessons in Chemistry

Delve into the world of science and literature as Bonnie Garmus, author of “Lessons in Chemistry,” engages in a compelling conversation with Bee Rowlatt. Explore the intersection of scientific discovery and storytelling in this enlightening session.

5. Trust

Hernan Diaz, a master of narrative, engages in a profound conversation with Katie Kitamura on the theme of trust. Unravel the complexities of human relationships and societal bonds as they explore the concept of trust in literature and beyond.

6. I Am an Ordinary Man: India’s Struggle for Freedom

Gopalkrishna Gandhi takes center stage in a conversation with Sanjoy K Roy, discussing India’s historical struggle for freedom. Gain unique insights into the ordinary individuals who played extraordinary roles in shaping the destiny of a nation.

7. Oppenheimer: The American Prometheus

Explore the life and legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American scientist central to the development of the atomic bomb. Kai Bird converses with Jonathan Freedland, offering a nuanced perspective on Oppenheimer’s complex journey as the “American Prometheus.”

8. The Promise

Damon Galgut, author of “The Promise,” converses with Anish Gawande. Explore the themes and narratives woven into this compelling work, offering a glimpse into the profound and often unpredictable nature of promises made and kept.

These are just a few highlights from the diverse and enriching conversations at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024. Each session promises to be a literary adventure, inviting audiences to explore new ideas, challenge perceptions, and celebrate the power of words.

 

A Literary Odyssey Beyond Boundaries

The Jaipur Literature Festival 2024 promises to be a literary odyssey, transcending boundaries and captivating the hearts and minds of enthusiasts from around the globe. As we anticipate the five-day extravaganza from February 1st to 5th, the curated program highlights offer a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and narratives that will unfold.

The 2024 edition, hosted in its customary home in Jaipur, promises to celebrate literature in its purest form. Writers, readers, connoisseurs, influencers, and thinkers will converge to exchange ideas, challenge conventions, and celebrate the written word. The festival’s digital integration ensures that the literary magic extends far beyond the physical boundaries of Jaipur, reaching audiences worldwide.

Amid a rapidly changing world, the Jaipur Literature Festival remains a beacon of intellectual curiosity, a sanctuary for diverse voices, and a testament to the enduring power of literature. As we eagerly await the dawn of February 1st, let us prepare to embark on a literary journey that transcends time, borders, and expectations—a journey reaffirming the belief that literature has the unparalleled ability to unite, inspire, and transform.