Ideas, words, stories are catalysts of change. These are evolutionary! From the hieroglyphics of old, carved in stone, the subversively (or otherwise) crafted written word to now the captivating animated realm of Generation Z and Alpha, different forms of language have played a transformative role as far as culture and society are concerned. How we think and move forward in life as an individual or as a part of a society, we are deeply influenced by the information and stories we receive, read, hear and witness in diverse forms of expression. Expression is language. Keeping this in mind, Ananke’s Festival of Literature unveils its special series celebrating the cultural diversity and excellence of South Asian languages.
A first of its kind series across the Global South and beyond, the series – for the 2025 edition of the LitFest – focuses on Bengali, Urdu, Seraiki, Malayalam and Punjabi. Each session will be bilingual, with the vision to make the event more inclusive.
The sessions will not just focus on celebrating language and literature, distinguished guests will talk about their works, the immense contributions made, the legacy and heritage as well as the transformative impact on society.
The three-day, digital event will commence on April 29th, 2025 and will be live streamed on Ananke’s YouTube page; with links shared on its Facebook page as well.
With the theme, Speaking Truth to Power, conversations will also focus on the manufacturing and production of truth and its relationship with the hegemony of socio-economic, cultural and political structures, apparatuses as well as consciousness.
Acclaimed autor and winner of India’s highest literary award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, Rahman Abbas remarked: “I want to draw attention to the threats faced by countries when the democratic space of language is violated by opportunistic political and religious leadership, especially in the context of the current situation, across the subcontinent. We know that language is the largest dynamic, democratic, and influential space. It is a powerful tool of the human race, which has always predicted and determined the fate of people and nations. When this space is violated or misused, societies and countries fall into a pit of violence, anarchy, and hate crimes, resulting in severe humanitarian crises. We can witness this in many parts of the world today, where media—whether traditional or social—the speeches of political leaders, religious heads, or leaders of extremist organizations have violated this space through hate speech, leading to social unrest, violence, bloodshed, and clashes between communities. In such circumstances, the role of a creative person or writer is to safeguard this space in the larger interest of humanity and to keep a vigilant eye on the forces that thrive on hate. Yes, it is difficult, but there is no alternative to speaking out for peace and unity—and against the culture of hate.”
Distinguished author, advocate and academic, Dr Nukhbah Taj Langah said: “The panel reflects on the endangerment of Siraiki language, the publication challenges faced by the local writers, the issue of script and the means to disseminate Siraiki literature globally. The panel initiates a thought-provoking discussion on how women face intersectional challenges within the patriarchal and feudal set up of Siraiki community. Despite being represented in the works of male writers, what could be done to engage them in public discourse as strongly as their male counterparts.”
Special attention will be given to discussions on how literature is a vocal manifestation of eras and ages; past and present; influencing narratives, empowering the subaltern and the disenfranchised, challenging the status quo; preserving our linguistic heritage through snapshots of cultural geographies and thereby shaping our humanity.
“Ananke Literature Festival’s excellent initiative to feature the cultural significance of South Asian languages compels one to reflect on their aspirational value in a pluralistic modern world binging on AI generated creativity,” opined eminent author, educationist, poet and translator, Sutapa Basu.
Talking about the festival and the special series, writer and translator, Haider Shahbaz: “I think it’s wonderful that Ananke is highlighting the various languages of South Asia. It is a welcome initiative in a literary landscape that otherwise prioritizes English literary production at the expense of other languages.”
Distinguished speakers for the special series on language include Rahman Abbas, Naima Rashid, Ministhy S., Sutapa Basu, Naima Rashid, Sheela Tomy, Hammad H Rind, Fauzia Rafique, Sanghamitra Chakraborty, Haider Shahbaz, Nukhbah Langah, Madhurima Vidyarthi, Sonia Rafeek, Priyankar Gupta, Sarwat Rasulpuri Advocate, Dr. Saima Saeed and more.
