Bhopal lit fest returns in Jan next yr

Bhopal: The second edition of the Bhopal Literature and Art Festival scheduled for January 2020 will witness a number of sessions on environment, politics, law, elections and literature.
In a press conference held at a private hotel in the city on Tuesday, event organizers Raghav Chandra and Meera Das revealed that the highlight of the event will be Shashi Tharoor’s discussion on his book ‘Why I am a Hindu’.
“We have received his consent and are quite positive that he will grace the event,” said Chandra, adding, “Former foreign secretary and national security adviser Shivshankar Menon will also speak about India’s foreign policy while Minni Vaid, author of book ‘Mission Mangal’, will throw light on India’s space mission.”
In the press conference, Chandra said that the purpose of the event was to hold knowledge sessions to provide citizens insights into various fields. “This is not just a literature and arts festival. People from different areas of expertise will share their experiences and knowledge with the audience here. From environment to politics along with exhibitions and cultural performances, this will be an event for everyone,” he added.
This year, the organizers have given special attention to environment and conservation in the wake of climate change and increasing levels of pollution.
Among others who will deliver sessions on environment and conservation include Magasaysay Award winner and renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh, founder of the waste reduction body Chintan Bharati Chaturvedi, author of ‘The Climate Solution’ Mridula Ramesh, former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh, professor at the Indian Institute of Economic Growth Amita Baviskar, founder of the SAI (Save Animals Initiative) Sanctuary Pamela Malhotra and eminent authority on tiger conservation and author of ‘Emerald Tiger’ Raghu Chundawat.
Among fiction writers, celebrity author Ashwin Sanghi will talk about his writing style and plot development while there will also be a wildlife photography exhibition by Rajesh and Naresh Bedi.
In the second edition of the festival, 22 sessions by prominent Hindi poets and authors will also be held which will focus on the growth and development of Hindi literature.