Sun Jan 18 03:55:42 UTC 2026: ### Headline: The Hindu Lit for Life 2026 Day 2: Literary Discussions Span Politics, Culture, and Society in Chennai

The Story:

Day 2 of The Hindu Lit for Life 2026 festival in Chennai featured a diverse range of discussions spanning literature, politics, culture, and society. Prominent speakers included International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, Kiran Desai, Shashi Tharoor, and chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. Conversations touched upon topics such as the Kashmir situation, agricultural advancements during the Green Revolution, the nuances of relationships, and the role of literature in addressing social issues. The event took place across multiple venues, including the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall and The Hindu Pavilion.

Key Points:

  • Former RAW chief A.S. Dulat highlighted the shift in the BJP’s approach to Kashmir under different leadership, expressing a “sense of hopelessness” in the region.
  • Ziya Us Salam expressed skepticism about a patriotic portrayal of Brigadier Usman in Indian cinema, fearing the promotion of jingoism over genuine patriotism.
  • Priyambada Jayakumar emphasized the political support, particularly from Indira Gandhi and C. Subramaniam, that enabled M.S. Swaminathan to implement the Green Revolution. She also called for Swaminathan’s birthday to be recognized as Farmer’s Day.
  • Kiran Desai explored themes of fear and loneliness in her writing, while discussing the complexities of modern relationships, particularly concerning abuse.
  • Gopalkrishna Gandhi cautioned against the normalization of nuclear tests, emphasizing their destructive potential, and praised the revival of the Jaffna Library in Sri Lanka.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kashmir issue remains a significant point of contention and concern, with perspectives indicating a growing sense of despair among the Kashmiri people.
  • The legacy of the Green Revolution continues to be celebrated, highlighting the importance of political support and recognizing the contributions of key figures like M.S. Swaminathan.
  • Contemporary literature serves as a platform to explore complex themes like fear, loneliness, and abuse within the context of modern society.
  • The discussion about patriotic filmmaking reveals ongoing debates surrounding nationalism and representation in Indian cinema.
  • Cultural events like The Hindu Lit for Life provide crucial spaces for dialogue and reflection on pressing social, political, and cultural issues.

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