The Neev Literature Festival 2023 is just around the corner, scheduled to enchant readers on October 7th and 8th at the Neev Academy in Yemalur, Bengaluru. With the intriguing theme, “What is childhood without stories?,” the festival seeks to explore the evolving world of children in the post-pandemic era, where they grapple with issues like artificial intelligence, globalization, mental health, shifting values, and more.
Since its inception in 2017, the Neev Literature Festival has been a champion of Indian children’s literature. In 2018, it introduced the Neev Book Award to recognize outstanding works that center around Indian experiences and stories. Over the years, the festival has tackled thought-provoking themes such as ‘Partition: Memory and Memorialization,’ ‘Peripheries: Boundaries on the Edge, Boundaries Within,’ and ‘Embracing Diversity.’
In this edition, the festival is set to expand its horizons by embracing various forms of media. Kavita Gupta Sabharwal, co-founder of the festival, emphasizes the importance of this shift, stating that kids today are exposed not only to the written word but also to the visual and auditory realms. Consequently, alongside conversations with authors, the festival will feature performances and discussions involving professionals from different media disciplines.
Over the course of two days, the festival will host an impressive lineup of 76 speakers, including renowned figures such as actor Naseeruddin Shah, film director and screenwriter Ashim Ahluwalia, animation filmmaker and artist Suresh Eriyat, storyteller Geeta Ramanujam, and authors Muthoni Muchemi, Linda Sue Park, and Nandita da Cunha. Attendees can look forward to masterclasses, book readings, signings, captivating performances, and engaging interactive sessions.
While the primary audience for the festival remains children aged 5 and above, it also caters to parents and educators with panel discussions and interactions. Sessions like ‘Post-pandemic parenting,’ ‘Ecological mindspace,’ ‘Books as connectors,’ and ‘The future of talk’ are designed to offer valuable insights and discussions for adults.
Kavita underlines the festival’s commitment to addressing the challenges in children’s lives today, explaining that children often find it difficult to connect with Indian literature because it doesn’t resonate with their contemporary experiences. The festival’s adult-focused sessions aim to provide a platform for parents, educators, and writers to ponder over these important issues.
Additionally, the festival will host the finals of the 2023 NLF Reading Challenge, a national reading event that drew participation from over 600 teams across the country. Furthermore, attendees can benefit from over 30 masterclasses led by industry experts and insiders, offering valuable knowledge and insights.