The festival was formally inaugurated by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. More than 120 renowned writers, poets, thinkers, journalists, academics, and cultural figures are participating, with 42 sessions scheduled over three days.
One of the major highlights of the opening day is the stage performance of the acclaimed solo play ‘Chanakya’, to be presented at 7 pm by Padma Shri awardee and noted actor Manoj Joshi. The play, which explores the political philosophy and strategic brilliance of the ancient thinker Chanakya, has been staged across India to critical acclaim.
Festival organisers said the event aims to position Chhattisgarh’s literary heritage on a broader national and international canvas while encouraging dialogue on contemporary social, cultural, and intellectual issues. Sessions will cover literature, journalism, cinema, digital media, and emerging themes such as Gen Z and Artificial Intelligence.
Prominent participants include authors and poets Shikha Varshney, Kamlesh Kamal, Dr Gopal Kamal, and Dr Buddhinath Mishra, along with writers Ajay K. Pandey, Indira Dangi, Sonali Mishra, Jayshree Roy, and photographer-writer Dr Kainat Qazi. Chhattisgarhi poetry and folk music have been given special focus, with dedicated sessions featuring regional poets and folk artists.
Academics from leading institutions, including IIM Ahmedabad Director Dr Bharat Bhaskar, former IIMC Director Dr Sanjay Dwivedi, and scholars from JNU, Patna University, and Wardha University, will participate in panel discussions. Political thinkers and public intellectuals such as Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi will also address key sessions.
On January 24, a special poetry recital will be held in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, while sessions on the digital age will examine topics like “Writers and Readers in the Digital Era” and “From the Upanishads to AI: The Journey of Literature.”
Organisers confirmed that on-site registration remains open for visitors who have not registered online.
