Apr 22 2023 to Apr 22 2023 10 a.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Inspired by the multilingual diversities of India, this festival is a celebration of regional literature. Thinkers, writers, poets, artists, and cultural enthusiasts of India will grace the one-day Aakhar festival in Bangalore. The festival aims to cherish the treasured assets of South Indian languages. 

Eminent writers and poets who have, so far, given their consent to be a part of Aakhar Dakshin are Damodar Mauzo, Perumal Murugan, K. Satchidanandan, K.R. Meera, Vivek Shanbhag, Kannan Sundaram and Vasudhendra.

Journalists/writers Stanley Carvalho, Nisha Susan, Purnima Tammireddy as well as well-known editors like Ajitha GS and Karthik Venkatesh will also participate.

Literature lovers of Bengaluru will enjoy poetry reading sessions by Mamta Sagar, Prathibha Nandakumar, Ramesh Karthik Nayak and Syam Sudhakar along with a rendition from Tiruppugazh by singer Karuna Sivasailam.

There will also be classical dance performances by Yamini Reddy and Shinjini Kulkarni. Shilpa Mudbi and the troupe Urban Folk Project will perform Kannada folksong. 

Poet-author K. Satchidanandan, who writes in both English and Malayalam, says, ‘The languages and literatures of South India have shared histories and common identity markers despite regional differences. It is important that the writers from these languages come together to exchange their works and ideas, which in a way is also an act of assertion and resistance in these troubled times. A literary festival like Aakhar Dakshin, therefore, is of immense significance and I hope the festival will have many more editions in the years to come.’

Shinie Antony, Curator of Aakhar Dakshin, says, ‘To plan a festival of South Indian languages is to showcase a rich multiplicity, every language historical as well as ongoing. With these writers, with these discussions, with these poems and performances, Bengaluru sets up yet another corner of inclusive plurality.’

About Prabha Khaitan Foundation

Prabha Khaitan Foundation was established in Kolkata in the 1980s by the eminent entrepreneur, visionary, philanthropist, benevolent, feminist thinker and writer Late Dr. Prabha Khaitan. Currently, the organisation conducts various programs and activities in the field of art, culture, education, wildlife conservation, and literature promotion in more than fifty cities of the country and worldwide. Under ‘Apni Bhasha Apne Log’ campaign, the Foundation organises various programs such as “Kalam” in Hindi; “The Write Circle” in English; “Lafz” in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian; “Aakhar”, “Kitaab” in other Indian languages; apart from “Sur and Saaz” and ‘Ek Mulakat” for Art-Music-Culture. The purpose of organising these programs is the Foundation’s aim to strengthen and popularise Hindi and other regional languages. Through these programs, Prabha Khaitan Foundation provides a platform for the writers, artists, and literature lovers associated with the field of literature, culture, and arts, to connect with each other through direct dialogue.

Venue: Bangalore International Centre, Domlur, Bangalore

Date: Saturday, 22nd of April 23

Time: 10 AM to 7.30 PM