Sun Jan 19 02:59:51 UTC 2025: ## The Hindu Lit for Life 2025: Day Two Explores Elections, Cholas, and the Personal is Political

**CHENNAI, January 19, 2025** – The second day of The Hindu Lit for Life 2025 festival delved into a diverse range of topics, from the surprising results of the 2024 General Elections to the might of the Chola empire and the intersection of the personal and political.

Prominent figures including Rajdeep Sardesai, Shashi Tharoor, Aruna Roy, T.M. Krishna, and Anirudh Kanisetti participated in lively discussions and debates. Sardesai analyzed the unexpected election outcomes, highlighting the diminishing space for political arrogance and the stark contrast between the opposition’s disunity and the BJP’s relentless campaign. Former Editor-in-Chief N. Ram echoed this sentiment, noting the BJP’s inability to secure a majority on its own, despite the significant amount of misinformation circulating on social media during the election. Tharoor, discussing his book “Why Am I a Hindu?”, argued that a narrow interpretation of Hindutva is a betrayal of Indian consciousness.

Historian Anirudh Kanisetti captivated audiences with sessions on the Chola empire, challenging conventional wisdom about their naval capabilities and exploring the significant roles played by women like Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi in shaping the empire’s trajectory. His discussions, coupled with Ashwitha Jayakumar’s insights, illuminated the intricacies of the Chola court and temple building campaigns.

The festival also featured a compelling conversation between Aruna Roy and T.M. Krishna on “The Personal is Political,” exploring how personal choices intersect with broader political contexts and the complexities of public accountability. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist, and Supriya Sahu raised concerns about the interconnected threats of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, advocating for a “One Health” approach. The session underscored the catastrophic economic and social costs of neglecting these issues.

Other sessions explored the evolution of Indian theatre through the lens of Ebrahim Alkazi’s legacy, the impact of geography on writing, and the philosophical pursuit of happiness as outlined in Francesc Miralles’ new book, “The Four Purusharthas”. The festival concluded with a reflection on the surprising election results and the implications for India’s future.

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