V-P Naidu to launch Times Litfest today; Rushdie, Shafak among this yr’s top draws

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Here’s some news to gladden the hearts of bibliophiles. The Times Literature Festival is back — bigger, even better than before and in a brand new, online avatar.

Over the years, the Times Litfest has acquired a formidable reputation as a platform where some of the greatest literary minds in the world come together to discuss, debate and dissent over burning issues and themes. This year’s schedule more than lives up to that billing, with Salman Rushdie, Rutger Bregman, Douglas Stuart and Elif Shafak among the leading attractions.

To be launched by Venkaiah Naidu, Vice-President of India, at 5pm today, the festival will feature virtual interactions and exchange of ideas. It will extend over a period of two months, from August 27 to October 17, with sessions being held every Saturday and Sunday. Wednesdays will be dedicated to book launches, book readings and discussions around children’s literature.

The dazzling line-up of national and international bestselling authors includes Salman Rushdie, Shashi Tharoor, Amish, Devdutt Pattanaik, Ashwin Sanghi, Anita Nair, Suresh Raina, Elif Shafak, Sudha Murthy, Preeti Shenoy, Anand Neelakantan, Ravi Subramanian, Ira Mukhoty, Chitra Divakaruni, Chetan Bhagat, Jeffrey Archer, Booker winner Douglas Stuart, historian Tom Holland, and lifestyle coach and monk Gaur Gopal Das, to name just a few.

In addition, some of the biggest names in the Hindi film industry, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anupam Kher, Ekta Kapoor and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, will be participating.

So, book your weekends and get ready for an exciting festival of ideas!

The opening ceremony with Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu will begin at 5pm today. To register and see schedule, visit www.TimesLitfest.com