KATHMANDU, March 13: The fourth edition of the Ilam Literature Festival is set to take place in Ilam Bazaar, Ilam district, on March 14 and 15.
According to Prakash Thamsuhang, chairperson of the festival, the two-day event will bring together numerous authors, artists, intellectuals, and politicians from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
With the theme "Literature for Tourism," the festival will feature over 20 sessions. Indian scholar Prof. Anand Kumar will deliver the keynote speech on "Democracy and Environment." Kumar is a former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and a chair professor at Goa University.
The festival is being organized by Ilam Municipality, the Literature, Art, and Music Foundation of Ilam, and Ilam Sahitya Samaj in collaboration with the Nepal Academy, the Nepal Fine Art Academy, and the Red Panda Network. Discussions will cover literature, commerce, the environment, music, culture, and politics.
Several prominent sessions will be held during the festival to be held at the Gautam Buddha Conference Hall in Ilam Bazaar. Khagendra Sangraula will engage in a conversation with journalist Deepak Sapkota about his past experiences. Political analysts and leaders, including Krishna Khanal, Narayan Kaji Shrestha 'Prakash,' Gagan Kumar Thapa, and Gokarna Bista, will discuss "Politics: Optimism or Pessimism."
Poet Hangyug Agyat will speak on "The Beauty of the Village," while Tikaram Yatri, Ani Chhoing Dolma, and Min Dolma will explore the intersection of "Art and Spirituality." Similarly, journalist Phanindra Sangam will moderate a discussion with poets Shrawan Mukarung, Mishra Baijanti, and Avaya Shrestha on "Poetic Sense and Effect."
The role of social media in contemporary society will be the focus of a conversation between journalist Raman Paudel and Prithvi Subba Gurung, Minister for Communication and Information Technology. Singer Prakash Saput will also speak on caste-based discrimination.
The festival will also highlight the significance of translation in promoting diversity in South Asia. Professional Nepali translator Ken Subedi will moderate a session on "Embodying Diversity in South Asia Through Translation," featuring Shahed Kayes from Bangladesh, Dr. Balram Adhikari, and Chandra Gurung from Nepal. Additionally, Pradip Meyangbo will engage in a discussion with Arjun Mabuhang and Sandhya Subba on "Mundhum and Environment."
Prominent literary figures, including Basanta Basnet, Srijana Pokhrel, Giriraj Baskota, Chhabilal Khatiwada, Bishnu Kafle, Prabin Khaling, Tika Chhetri, Yogendraman Shrestha, Krishna Paudel, Gayatri Thegim, Bishnu Bishwas, Asha Uparkoti, Milan Tamli, Premika Rana Magar, Shankar Tiwari, Krishna Baral, Shailendra Adhikari, and Deepa Dahal, will speak on various topics.
The festival will also feature poetry recitations with participation from Navaraj Parajuli, Madhuraj Kerung, Shiva Rijal, Komal Phuyal, Rajan Mukarung, Naresh Kangmang Rai, Dewan Kirati, Munaraj Sharma, Mahendra Birahi, and others. Poets Shanaz Parveen, Anjuman Ara, and Lovely Yesmin from Bangladesh will also take part.
Chairperson Thamsuhang announced that the festival will include an Ilam Poetry Concert, a Ghazal symposium, and other literary activities. The event will be inaugurated by Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Culture, Badri Pandey. "We believe that we can promote tourism through art and literature," Thamsuhang said.