Attend a litfest at TISS that aims to open avenues to the world of literature

With an engaging itinerary and eclectic mix of names, a litfest at TISS hopes to open avenues and minds to the world of literature

A poster for Taandav

It's that time of the year when the folks at Syahi — the literary society at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) — get into top gear as they prepare to host their litfest, Fantastyka. The two-day festival will throw open its doors to students and literature enthusiasts in the city, and has been curated by Professor Ashwani Kumar from the School of Development Studies, on behalf of the students' union of TISS.

"Fantastyka is a Polish term that stands for fantasy or speculative fiction. The fest will explore the importance of fantasy as a literary tool for empowerment and protest, and also to connect global and local elements. We have taken painstaking efforts to make the festival inclusive and ensure that minority voices are heard," says Kumar. The festival, spread over 14 sessions, has an impressive line-up of speakers and events that includes Sahitya Akademi Award winner Kiran Nagarkar, former chief election commissioner S Nasim Zaidi, eminent journalist Kumar Ketkar, and celebrated Goan writer Damodar Mauzo among others.

Kiran Nagarkar

Nagarkar, who will also be delivering the keynote address titled Speaking Truth and Freedom of Expression, is looking forward to his session. "Occasions like these where people come and ignite the minds of students are worthwhile in today's day. They should be introspective, discussing subjects that need more attention, allow difference of opinion and support pluralism of thought and voices," he tells us. The festival will also focus on lesser-heard pieces, including a session on Dalit poet Namdeo Dhansal's protest poetry, women's poetry, political discussions, and uplifting regional languages through book launches, discussions and performances.

Kumar Ketkar

"Thought-provoking sessions like these are important in the times that we live in. Societies become stagnant without constant conversations that involve the general public in issues that surround them. Dialogue is of utmost necessity," shares Ketkar, who will be moderating a session called One Nation, One Election with Zaidi as one of the panelists. Apart from literature, the festival will screen Taandav, a short film by Devashish Makhija featuring Manoj Bajpayee, and a documentary called What man, Joe, on Joe Vessaoker, a popular veteran jazz artiste from Bandra. The festival will be brought to a close with a poetry open-mic event.

ON: February 17 and 18, 10 am to 8 pm
AT: Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mankhurd.
LOG ON TO: The Facebook page titled Syahi Literary Society, TISS Mumbai

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