‘Lit fests a platform to promote cultural exchanges’

Mysuru: Mysuru royal family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar on Saturday emphasised that literary festivals have become vibrant platforms for celebrating literature, promoting cultural exchanges, and bringing together writers and readers.
Inaugurating the 8th edition of the Mysuru Literature Festival on Saturday at a private hotel in Mysuru, Pramoda highlighted the purpose of such events, which aim at fostering a love for reading and celebrating various literary talents.She noted that these gatherings provide chances for authors, poets, writers, cricketers, celebrities, and intellectuals to share their experiences and appreciate each other’s work.
“The Mysuru Literature Festival has also been drawing global attention in recent years for involving in thought-provoking discussions for exploration of diverse perspectives on literature and the world,” she said.
Pramoda also recognised the achievements of Kannada short film director Chidananda S Naik. His short film, ‘Sunflowers Were the First to Know,’ recently won an award at the Cannes Film Festival. Pramoda mentioned that Naik, who studied medicine at MMCRI in Mysuru, pursued his passion for filmmaking after completing his studies.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sandalwood actor Ramesh Aravind highlighted the hard work and dedication that writers and authors invest in their literary works, emphasising that crafting a gripping story is not easy for everyone. “Becoming a writer and writing a gripping story is not easy for all,” Aravind said.
He shared his own film journey with those in attendance and encouraged people to promote book reading, noting its benefits for broadening ideas, imagination, knowledge, and inspiring individuals worldwide.
The first day of the festival began with the screening of’ Sunflowers Were the First to Know’. Naik was felicitated during the event.
The two-day festival is hosting various authors and speakers from across India, along with local authors and folklore artistes from Karnataka. The event covered a wide range of topics, including spy thrillers, the environment, current affairs, civil work, translation, history, music, feminism, poetry, food, health, nutrition, travel, artificial intelligence, and journalism. Kannada film director and environmentalist Suresh Heblikar, author Aroon Raman, and Mysuru Literary Forum Charitable Trust chairperson Shubha Sanjay Urs were present.