Wed Jan 01 10:08:55 UTC 2025: ## The Hindu Lit for Life Festival Expands its Reach and Scope
**CHENNAI, January 1, 2025** – The Hindu Lit for Life festival, celebrating its 13th year, is set to be bigger and more diverse than ever before, according to festival director Rachna Singh Davidar. Taking place on January 18th and 19th, the festival will feature a wider range of cultural events beyond literature, including performances by musicians, dancers, actors, and comedians.
Davidar, who took on the director role this year after serving as programme director, highlighted the evolution of the festival. While books and writers remain central, the emphasis on one-on-one conversations and workshops aims to provide a more intimate and engaging experience for attendees. The success of the festival’s expansion to Hyderabad and Bengaluru, with significant student participation, is seen as a positive sign for future growth. While the festival maintains an international focus, Davidar acknowledges its distinct South Indian flavor, enriched by the contributions of individuals such as Prasanna Ramaswamy.
This year’s lineup boasts a diverse range of speakers, including Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan, bestselling author Abraham Verghese, social media influencer Prajakta Koli, historian Peter Frankopan, and international Booker Prize winners Jenny Erpenbeck and Michael Hoffman. The festival will also feature conversations on diverse topics ranging from politics and history to love, war, and the arts. The festival director expressed hope that the program offers something for every attendee, encouraging active engagement and participation. The festival anticipates a return of popular speakers, including Shashi Tharoor. Davidar also revealed that securing the presence of David Walliams took six years of effort, highlighting the dedication involved in assembling the festival’s impressive roster.
First Piper 