Book release and lectures mark Day 1 of Mysuru Lit Fest

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, inaugurated the two-day Mysuru Literature Festival, organised by the Mysuru Literary Forum Charitable Trust (MLFCT) and supported by Mysuru Book Clubs-2015, at a private hotel in the city on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, she said, “The Mysuru Literature Festival brings people together and thereby develops a sense of community among readers, writers and publishers by creating a network of support and collaboration among them.”

Actor, director and writer Ramesh Aravind said, “A valuable book always brings joy. Every time you read the same book, it gives new insights and meanings. For me, books are a source of inspiration, knowledge, joy and humor.”

Ramesh, who has published several books, added, “A great book grips the reader with curiosity on every page. To become a good writer, one has to breathe life into every sentence and write something so profound that it gets published, hits the market and connects the author with the readers… For me, a book is a muse (as in Greek culture), an angel of inspiration… It is like the invisible river Saraswati within us that changes the course and goals of life.”

Founder Chairman of MLFCT and Curator of the Literature Festival, Shubha Sanjay Urs said, “MLFCT and Mysuru Book Clubs-2015 not only create a platform for the privileged but also try to reach out to every section of Mysuru city and surrounding villages through our outreach programmes. The 31st book club was inaugurated last week. We have members ranging in age from five to 83 years. We have expanded our book club activities to orphanages, slums, construction workers, disabled, children and senior citizens. We also go to government schools to read books to them and teach them English.”

Entrepreneur and author Aroon Raman published the newsletter. The first copy was given to actor, director and environmentalist Suresh Heblikar.

“Sunflowers are the First Ones to Know”, a short film by Mysuru-based Chidananda S Naik, which won the first prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, was screened during the opening session.

MLFCT Vice President Sam Cherian, Deputy Secretary CR Hanumanth, Secretary Thankam Panakal and Trustee Suchita Sanjay were present.