Jaipur, 13 December 2024 – Building on the excitement generated by the announcement of the first tranche of speakers for the 18th edition of the ‘Maha Kumbh’ of literature, Teamwork Arts is delighted to unveil the second list of speakers for the Jaipur Literature Festival, scheduled to take place from 30th January to 3rd February 2025 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Known as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, this Festival brings together a rich tapestry of global voices to celebrate the power of literature, ideas, and dialogue.
The second tranche of speakers for the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 showcases a distinguished blend of celebrated thinkers, authors, and artists whose contributions promise to inspire and enrich discussions at the festival. This remarkable lineup includes M.K. Ranjitsinh, A.R. Venkatachalapathy, Amol Palekar, Geetanjali Shree, Ijeoma Oluo, Imtiaz Ali, Javed Akhtar, K.R. Meera, Shahu Patole, Mujibur Rehman, Andrew O’Hagan, Katy Hessel, David Hare, Ranjit Hoskote, Manu S. Pillai, Matt Preston, Philippe Sands, Sunil Amrith, Yuvan Aves, Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, Gideon Levy, Rahul Bose, Susan Jung, Tarun Khanna, and Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
These speakers bring with them a wealth of expertise and groundbreaking works. For instance, M.K. Ranjitsinh, a pioneering conservationist, is celebrated for his latest book, Mountain Mammals of the World, which offers a comprehensive exploration of mountain mammals globally and underscores his dedication to wildlife preservation. Joining him is historian A.R. Venkatachalapathy, whose recent work, Swadeshi Steam, explores the life of a freedom fighter and the nationalist struggle in South India. Acclaimed Malayalam author K.R. Meera, celebrated for her gripping novel Assassin, which delves into themes of resilience and societal complexities, will also grace the Festival with her insights.
Cinema and storytelling will find vibrant representation through Amol Palekar, an icon of Indian cinema, along with his wife and co-author Sandhya Gokhale, will discuss his memoir Viewfinder, highlighting his acclaimed films such as Gol Maal, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rajnigandha, and reflect on his creative journey. Imtiaz Ali, celebrated for his films Jab We Met and Tamasha, will explore the nuances of relationships and self-discovery. Renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar will bring eloquence to the stage, continuing his legacy of blending traditional and contemporary poetry.
Literature that provokes critical thought will be explored by Geetanjali Shree, whose, Ret Samadhi (Tomb of Sand) won the International Booker Prize. Her latest book is Our City That Year and serves as a profound meditation on identity and grief. Ijeoma Oluo, the bestselling author of So You Want to Talk About Race, will address global conversations on racial equity and justice. Political commentator Mujibur Rehman, author of Shikwa-e-Hind, will tackle issues surrounding democracy and pluralism, while Matt Preston, celebrated food writer, will offer a feast for thought with his memoir Big Mouth.
Art history will be brought to the fore with art historian, curator, broadcaster and author Katy Hessel, whose groundbreaking work The Story of Art Without Men, is a sumptuously illustrated history of women artists from 1500 to present day, that meticulously researches and reshapes narratives on female artists. Historian Manu S. Pillai, author of Gods, Guns and Missionaries, reexamines South Asia’s vibrant past.
Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo will present insights from their separate works—Banerjee’s Chhaunk On Food, Economics And Society, which combines food and economics, and Duflo’s Poor Economics for Kids, which addresses global economic challenges. Culinary traditions will be further explored by Susan Jung whose book, Kung Pao and Beyond, is a delightful exploration of Asia’s diverse cuisine heritage.
The Festival will feature David Hare, renowned playwright, whose plays include Plenty, Skylight, and Stuff Happens and screenwriter, and one of the most distinctive thinkers of our time, whose We Travelled: Essays and Poems is a powerful compilation of prose and poetry. His contributions to theatre, film, and literature continue to provoke thought and inspire audiences globally, establishing him as one of the most significant voices in contemporary arts and storytelling. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, distinguished diplomat and author, will offer fresh insights into Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy, reflecting on the formative years that shaped the Father of the Nation and exploring the relevance of his principles in today’s world. Meanwhile, naturalist Yuvan Aves will inspire audiences with his recent work Intertidal, emphasising biodiversity and environmental conservation.
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 promises to deliver an extraordinary blend of stimulating discussions, cultural performances, and meaningful connections, reaffirming its status as a global platform for dialogue and intellectual exchange.
Media Registrations are now open, we request you to register at the earliest so we can start processing your request: https://media.jaipurliteraturefestival.org/