Events

Morning Sessions

9:15 AM –9:45 AM | The opening Ceremony and Badaga Dance
A meaningful beginning to OLF 2025, this ceremonial tree planting by Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dr. Ganesh Devy and distinguished guests symbolizes a commitment to literature, culture, and sustainability. The moment is further enriched by a Badaga dance performance, celebrating the rich heritage of the Nilgiris and its vibrant traditions.

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM | Introduction to OLF 2025 & Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony
Dr. Ganesh Devy, alongside the OLF trustees, officially inaugurates the festival with an introduction to this year’s theme and vision. The momentous occasion will also honor the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Who Is An Indian?
In this inaugural address, Dr. Ganesh Devy explores the evolving identity of an Indian in a diverse and dynamic nation. This thought-provoking session will examine cultural, linguistic, and historical perspectives on what defines Indian identity.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM – TEA

10:45 AM – 11:45 PM | India’s Wars
India’s military history is a story of strategy, resilience, and evolving geopolitics. Dr. Srinath Raghavan, Air Vice-Marshal Arjun Subramaniam (Retd.), and Rear-Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande (Retd.), in conversation with Colonel Ajai Shukla (Retd.), explore key battles, defense strategies, and the lessons they offer for the nation’s security and global positioning.

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | A Life of Light – BKS Iyengar and His Yoga
Explore the transformative legacy of BKS Iyengar with Rashmi & Jehangir Palkhivala as they discuss his pioneering approach to yoga. This session highlights his philosophy, precision, and impact on global wellness, making yoga accessible to all.

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | First Novel Blues 
Debut novels come with excitement, challenges, and the weight of expectations. Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari & Smriti Ravindra, in conversation with Jerry Pinto, share their journeys—navigating self-doubt, finding their voice, and bringing their first books to life.

01:15 PM – 02:00 PM – LUNCH

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM | 2024 : The Elections That Surprised India
The 2024 elections defied predictions and reshaped India’s political landscape. In this insightful session, Rajdeep Sardesai, in conversation with Sreenivasan Jain, dissects the unexpected twists, voter sentiments, and key moments that defined this landmark election.

03:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Journey of a Civilization: The World of the Indus Valley (Tamil Session)
Unravel the mysteries of one of the world’s oldest civilizations with R. Balakrishnan in conversation with Dr. Sundar Ganesan. This session explores the legacy, culture, and unanswered questions of the Indus Valley, offering fresh perspectives on its historical significance.

Preserving Our Print Heritage (Tamil Session)
In an era of digital dominance, what is the future of print? Dr. Sundar Ganesan and Theodore Baskaran discuss the significance of preserving print culture, its historical value, and the challenges of safeguarding literary heritage for future generations.

04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Poetry Corner
A celebration of verse and voice, this session brings together Michael Creighton, Dion D’ Souza, Akhil Katyal, and Sukirtharani for an immersive exploration of poetry—its rhythms, reflections, and power to inspire.

05:00 PM – 06:00 PM | Journeys at The Edge of the Self : An Exploration of Bhakti
Bhakti transcends devotion—it’s a journey of self-discovery, poetry, and rebellion. S. Anand explore its philosophical depth, cultural impact, and how it continues to shape spiritual and artistic expressions today.

Echoes & Epics: The Power of Storytelling to Transform & Transcend
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM  – Dr. Siddiq Wahid transports you to the epic world of King Kesar of Ling, Tibet’s legendary warrior. As vital to Tibetan heritage as the Ramayana and Mahabharata are to India, this forgotten saga of heroism and cosmic battles comes alive at Ooty LitFest 2025, exploring its myths, meanings, and enduring relevance.

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM  – Chandan Gowda an acknowledged scholar in comparative literature, joins Dr. Siddiq Wahid to explore how oral traditions keep cultures alive and why these tales still matter today.

12:15 PM – 01:15 PM  – Geeta Ramanujam, an internationally acclaimed storyteller and educator, explores how narratives shape beliefs, shares global folk tales weaving universal magic through myths in her inimitable performative style.

01:15 PM – 02:00 PM – LUNCH

02:30 PM – 04:00 PM | Weaving Stories, Sparking Imagination

A hands-on session where world-renowned storyteller Geeta Ramanujam shares the craft of storytelling.

06:15 PM – 08:00 PM | The Speaking Hand: Zakir Hussain & the Tabla
A tribute to the legendary Zakir Hussain, this session features a special screening of The Speaking Hand, followed by an insightful discussion. Sumantra Ghosal, the filmmaker explore the artistry, rhythm, and legacy of one of the world’s greatest tabla maestros.