Bharat Chand
More than four literature festivals have been organized throughout the country this month, with two more in the pipeline to be held soon. A sense of ecstasy fills the minds of avid readers when such forums delve into various forms of art, culture, books, cinema, travelogues, and societal concerns, bringing together experts, researchers, poets, entrepreneurs, politicians, artists, and many others in one place. These public forums invigorate society by producing and radiating new knowledge. This write-up primarily highlights the diverse aspects of literature festivals I have observed lately as a virtual observer.
Tracing the history of knowledge production, one can reach into the distant past, where knowledge has been handed down from one generation to another. The Renaissance in medieval Europe during the 14th to 16th centuries brought transformations in science, art, literature, and technology with a strong emphasis on rationality. The Age of Reason further reinforced scientific values, challenging the traditional knowledge that society had adhered to for long. The Eurocentric view of knowledge, often seen as its origin, has been criticized by postcolonial thinker Gayatri Spivak, who termed it ‘epistemic violence,’ despite Europe’s significant role in knowledge production from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to Socrates, Plato, and postmodern thinkers. The dissemination of knowledge, once dominated by Europe, has now expanded worldwide, giving rise to numerous forums of various scales. Eastern philosophers, too, have played an equally significant role in knowledge production, including spiritual awakening, which Europe had never considered. The debates between Yajnavalkya and Gargi, for instance, resulted in the Upanishads in King Janak’s court in the distant past, contributing to knowledge production. The literature festivals being held worldwide today are the modern equivalents of such public forums, rejuvenating the tradition of intellectual discourse.
Nepal Literature Festival, the pioneer of literary festivals in Nepal, held its twelfth edition with jam-packed sessions in the beautiful city of Pokhara, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds under one roof. Mahendra P. Lama, a prolific keynote speaker, highlighted the cultural, historical, and religious bonds shared between Nepal and India over centuries and underscored the bravery of Nepali soldiers who fought courageously in the Anglo-Nepal War (1814-1816) and the two World Wars. Besides reflecting on Nepal’s valorous past, he also emphasized the need for balanced diplomacy with its neighboring countries. Among the many highlights of the festival, the session featuring Mohan Bikram Singh, the leader of the Nepal Communist Party (Masal), stood out. At the age of 90, he engaged the audience with insights into Nepal’s communist history and the character of Jaljala, a central figure in his newly published book. Another captivating session was Karnali Dekhi Antarctica Samma, where authors Ramesh Bhushal and Jiba Lamichhane shared their firsthand experiences—Lamichhane recounting his journey to Antarctica and Bhushal narrating his exploration of the Karnali River from its source to where it merges into the Ganges, mesmerizing the audience.
Another literature festival I observed was the Art and Literature Festival organized by Reader’s Jhapa, themed ‘Environment Discussion.’ Unlike the Nepal Literature Festival, this event featured diverse sessions, including some held by the riverside, emphasizing the significance of environmental awareness. The participation of students reciting poems in between sessions as thematic fillers reminded me of Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist who has been vocal about the need to curb harmful emissions. Encouraging students to engage in such programs not only enhances their knowledge but also prepares them for future leadership in organizing similar events. No prior literature festival in Nepal had included children reciting poetry in this manner—an admirable initiative indeed. The festival’s most remarkable moment was the keynote speech by Uttam Babu Shrestha, a scholar and botanist with extensive research experience in environmental studies at both local and global levels. He unveiled surprising and previously unheard data on the climate crisis, leaving the audience astounded. His emphasis on collective global action and the significance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders reinforced the urgency of addressing climate issues. His research work, particularly in the Karnali region and beyond, captivated the audience with its depth and significance.
Another unforgettable highlight of this festival was the surreal virtual talk by Sonam Wangchuck, who shared his experiences in reforming education in the Himalayan region of India and beyond. His approach to integrating environmentally friendly and locally relevant curricula was thought-provoking. The conversation between Wangchuck and Uttam Babu Shrestha towards the end of the session was mesmerizing, as their discourse on environmental concerns left an indelible impression on the audience, spanning all age groups.
A noticeable shift in audience reception was observed toward certain authors who, despite their eagerness to be noticed, were less well-received this time. Unlike previous years, audiences appeared more discerning, as some speakers failed to present fresh perspectives. The phrase ‘To be everywhere is to be nowhere’ aptly describes their presence in public forums. With easy access to various sources of knowledge, today’s audiences can critically assess the depth of discussions and the relevance of speakers’ contributions. This trend signals a shift in expectations—emerging and established authors alike must offer thought-provoking insights that resonate with the audience beyond mere motivation.
Poetry recitations and musical performances further enriched these literary gatherings. In particular, Reader’s Jhapa set a captivating tone with its opening ceremony, featuring singers who enthralled the audience with their soulful performances, heightening the anticipation for the festival’s sessions.
The local government and provincial government aiding financially to the organization of literature festivals is undoubtedly a welcome gesture not only for the knowledge enthusiasts but also for the development planners to listen and observe what the public desperately want. Local communities in support of local and provincial government need to take initiative to open up libraries at each community, laying the foundation of knowledge for the benefit of entire humanity across the nation.
