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Events

Welcome to a World of Words

World of Words is a series of engaging conversations between authors and panelists. Our sessions have been curated for the breadth, depth and diversity of topics to make them truly memorable.
Morning Sessions

9:15 AM –9:45 AM | Ceremonial Tree Planting and Badaga Dance
A meaningful beginning to OLF 2025, this ceremonial tree planting by Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dr. GN 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. GN 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. GN 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, and Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande, in conversation with Ajai Shukla, 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 Palkiwalla 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 Kannanarin & 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 – 03:30 PM | Journey of a Civilization: The World of the Indus Valley 
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.

03:30 PM – 04:00 PM | Preserving Our Print Heritage
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 | 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, Vanamala Vishwanatha & Manu Chakravarthy explore its philosophical depth, cultural impact, and how it continues to shape spiritual and artistic expressions today.

05:00 PM – 06:00 PM | I Have The Streets*
Cricketing icon Ravichandran Ashwin shares his journey—from the streets to the international arena. This session offers a candid look at his experiences, challenges, and the mindset that shaped his remarkable career.

 

Morning Session

09:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Conversations with Mani Ratnam
A rare opportunity to hear legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam reflect on his cinematic journey, storytelling approach, and the cultural impact of his films. An unmissable session for cinephiles and creatives alike.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | The Making of a Hindu Icon
Historian and author Arun Shourie delves into the life and legacy of Veer Savarkar, exploring his influence on India’s political and ideological landscape, the debates surrounding his legacy, and his enduring impact on history.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | The Making of a Hindu Identity
Historian Manu Pillai traces the evolution of Hindu identity, examining its historical roots, cultural shifts, and political dimensions. This session unpacks the complexities of tradition, belief, and identity in modern India.

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM – TEA

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM |Whither India 2047?
As India approaches its centenary of independence, what lies ahead? Rajdeep Sardesai, Sreenivasan Jain & Neerja Chowdhury, in conversation with Chandan Gowda, explore the political, social, and economic trajectories shaping India’s future.

12:30 PM – 01:30 PM | Poetry Corner
A celebration of verse and voice, this session brings together Michael Creighton, Dion D’ Souza, Akhil Katyal, and Sugirtharani for an immersive exploration of poetry—its rhythms, reflections, and power to inspire.

01:30 PM – 02:00 PM – LUNCH

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM | Bring It On: The Incredible Life of Deepa Malik
Paralympic champion Deepa Malik, in conversation with Soni Sangwan, shares her extraordinary journey of resilience, breaking barriers, and redefining possibilities. An inspiring session on courage, perseverance, and the spirit of never giving up.

03:00 PM – 04:00 PM | The Art of Business in the 21st Century: Human Versus Artificial Intelligence
As AI reshapes industries, where does human ingenuity stand? R. Gopalakrishnan, Rama Bijapurkar & Shalini Kapoor discuss the evolving dynamics between human intelligence and AI, and what it means for leadership, decision-making, and the future of business.

04:00 PM – 04:30 PM | Nizhal Bommai: The Art & Craft of A Novel
Join Dr. Abhilash Chandran in conversation with Dilip Kumar as they explore the intricate craft of storytelling, the creative process behind Nizhal Bommai, and the art of shaping narratives that resonate across time and culture.

04:30 PM – 05:00 PM | Folklore: The Fire of a Collective Imagination
Folklore is more than stories—it’s the soul of a community. Dr. MD Muthukumaraswamy explores the power of oral traditions, their role in shaping cultural identity, and how they continue to evolve in the modern world.

05:00 PM – 06:00 PM | An Equal Music
Renowned musician and thinker T.M. Krishna explores the intersections of music, equality, and society. This session delves into the transformative power of music in breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and redefining cultural narratives.

The Storytelling Workshop

A deep dive into the art of storytelling—exploring personal narratives, legendary epics, and the craft of oral tradition through interactive sessions.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | The Fullness of Life: An Interaction with Writers on Gender, Disability, and Mental Wellness
How do gender, disability, and mental wellness intersect in our lived experiences? Neha Bhat, Sonali Gupta, Shreevatsa Nevatia, and Debashish Paul engage in a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, and redefining narratives of wholeness in contemporary society.

10:30 AM – 11:15 PM | Kesar of Ling: A Tibetan Epic Tale
Journey into the legendary world of Kesar of Ling with Dr. Siddiq Wahid, who unpacks the rich tapestry of this Tibetan epic. Discover its heroic narratives, spiritual depth, and enduring influence on Himalayan cultures.

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM | The Art & Craft of the Oral Story
Storytelling is as old as humanity itself. Ameen Haque explores the timeless techniques of oral storytelling, revealing how voice, rhythm, and imagination bring stories to life across cultures and generations.

Beyond the Frame

A deep dive into the art of filmmaking, where screenings and discussions bring stories, creativity, and cinematic vision to life.

06:15 PM – 06:45 PM | The Speaking Hand: Zakir Hussain & the Tabla
A mesmerizing musical session celebrating the brilliance of Zakir Hussain and the timeless artistry of the tabla. Experience the magic of rhythm, melody, and improvisation in this tribute to a maestro.

06:45 PM – 07:15 PM | A Film Screening with Sumantra Ghosal & Nasreen Munni Kabir
An intimate exploration of cinema through the lens of storytelling and artistry. Join filmmaker Sumantra Ghosal and renowned film historian Nasreen Munni Kabir for a screening and discussion that delves into the creative process, cinematic legacy, and the power of visual storytelling.