Day Two of Dehradun Literature Festival: Celebrating Women, Music, and the Timeless Spirit of Indian Literature

Dehradun: The second day of the 6th edition of the Dehradun Literature Festival brought together an inspiring lineup of authors, thinkers, and literature enthusiasts, immersing the audience in powerful discussions and performances that highlighted themes of love, women’s narratives, and cultural heritage at Doon International School campus. 

The day commenced with a session titled ‘Main Raahaan Te Nahi Turda – Remembering Surjit Pattar’, honoring one of Punjab’s celebrated poets. Punjabi Singer Manraj Patar and DDLF Festival Guide Jassi Sangha engaged in a reflective dialogue with Amy Singh, offering a touching tribute to Surjit Pattar’s legacy in Punjabi literature and his contributions to poetry and culture. 

Following this was an insightful session on women’s anatomy and well-being by Dr. Tanaya Narendra, a Sexual Health Educator and Doctor. Moderated by Jiya Dewan Ahuja, the discussion offered an open and inclusive space to address women’s health issues, celebrating empowerment through body awareness and education.

A session titled ‘India and a Shifting World Order’ followed, featuring Ashok Kumar IPS and Maj. General Shammi Sabharwal in conversation with Author Mona Verma. The speakers delved into India’s evolving role on the global stage, addressing geopolitical shifts and the nation’s impact on international affairs. Speaking on the occasion, Maj. Gen. Shammi Sabharwal said, “The real threat to the US is China, not Russia. Past US presidents, except Trump, have misadventured into other countries, and the Taliban is a product of Pakistan, formed to attack the US. Today, a US presidential candidate openly supports Indians, signaling a significant shift in relations.”

Ashok Kumar IPS said, “Our neighbors aim to encircle us with unfriendly alliances. Since 1971, Pakistan’s ISI has pursued a ‘thousand cuts’ strategy to destabilize India through terrorism and other means. Yet, the world order is shifting and will soon favor India.”

The theme of timeless love took center stage in the session ‘Main Tainu Fer Milangi – A Timeless Tale of Love’. Saumya Kulshreshtha and Harish Budhwani led an evocative tribute to Amrita Pritam, one of India’s most beloved poets, through readings and reflections that resonated deeply with the audience, celebrating her legacy of romance, resilience, and longing.

The day’s momentum continued with ‘HerStory in Verse 2.0’, featuring spoken word artists Kena Shree, Aanchal Anita Dhara, Nidhi Narwal, and Amy Singh. The panel brought forth powerful perspectives on women’s narratives, creating a space for unique voices and fostering a deeper understanding of women’s experiences and expressions through poetry.

In ‘The Literary Pulse of India’, Author Arun Maheshwari, Ajay Jain, Namita Dubey, and Ashwitha Jayakumar shared their insights on contemporary literature. Moderated by Mona Verma, the session provided a nuanced look into the currents shaping Indian literature today, examining the themes, voices, and cultural shifts defining the literary landscape.

The session ‘The Contours of Period Cinema – Characters, Costumes, and Narratives’ featured a conversation between Film & Theatre Actor Rajit Kapur and Costume Designer Pia Benegal, moderated by Diksha Grover. The discussion illuminated the creative process behind period cinema, emphasizing the depth and detail that bring historical narratives to life through costumes and character development.

Female filmmakers and screenwriters took the stage in ‘Women Writing Women – Owning Our Stories’, where Filmmaker Leena Yadav, Writer Sutapa Sikdar, and Screenwriter Atika Chohan shared insights with moderator Namita Dubey. The panel emphasized the critical role of women in shaping female characters, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes and the importance of authentic representation.

Continuing the theme of women’s empowerment, ‘Dawn of the Indian Goddess – Power, Perspective, and a Female Gaze’ featured a discussion with Author & Journalist Anupama Chopra and Actor Sandhya Mridul, moderated by Milee Ashwarya. The session explored the evolution of female narratives in Bollywood, celebrating the transformative role of storytelling in redefining women’s roles and perspectives in the film industry.

Another compelling conversation, ‘Shifting Narratives – Evolution of the Media Discourse’, saw journalist Karan Thapar in a discussion with Monika Kshatriya. They analyzed the shifting landscape of media, examining how narratives and discourses are evolving within Indian journalism.

During the day, an open mic session conducted by Kena Shree provided an engaging platform for emerging voices to share their poetry and stories with the festival audience, enriching the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and expression.

The festival also highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage in the session ‘Unified We Travel – Discovering Heritage, People, and Landscapes’, featuring Author Bikram Grewal, Novelist Chandrahas Choudhary, and Lokesh Ohri, in conversation with Mona Verma. The panel explored how travel can connect people to heritage and landscapes, fostering a greater appreciation for India’s diversity.

In ‘Words in Motion – Locating Stories and Narratives’, Jerry Pinto and Zuni Chopra, in conversation with Ira Chauhan, discussed the dynamic relationship between literature and life. They explored the ways stories are shaped by motion, place, and cultural shifts, inspiring attendees to view narratives as both personal and universally significant.

The day concluded with ‘The Dhun of Punjab’, a spirited celebration of Punjab’s musical heritage. Punjabi singer Bir Singh, in conversation with Jassi Sangha, led the audience through an engaging journey into the depth and rhythm of Punjabi music. The session highlighted how the region’s tunes have helped shape its identity, evoking emotions and memories that resonate with the collective spirit of Punjab.

The third day of the DDLF 6th edition will witness a lineup of of celebrated artists including Salman Khurshid, Shabana Azmi, Imtiaz Ali, Sandhya Mridul, Sajid Ali, Jaani, and Avinash Tiwary along with many more.