The Hyderabad Literary Festival 2025: A Celebration of Ideas, Art, and Community

The Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF) has long been a beacon for literature enthusiasts, artists, and thinkers, and the 2025 edition, held from January 24th to 26th, was no exception. Having attended the festival since 2014, I have witnessed its evolution into a vibrant platform that seamlessly blends literature, science, theatre, and poetry, creating a space where ideas flourish and connections deepen. This year’s festival, hosted at the state-of-the-art Sattva Knowledge City, which was a blend of glass buildings and green areas, was a testament to its growing stature and the enduring power of storytelling and intellectual exchange.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the presence of luminaries from diverse fields. Shabana Azmi, the legendary actor and social activist, graced the stage with her insights on the intersection of art and activism. Her session, that showcased her incredible journey of almost five decades, left the audience inspired and reflective. Equally captivating was M. K. Raina, the iconic theatre personality, whose discussion on the transformative power of theatre, especially his work in Kashmir, resonated deeply with the attendees. His anecdotes about the challenges and triumphs of Indian theatre were both enlightening and moving. His book, "Before I forget" is a beautiful memoir which everyone should read. The highlight was the talk by veteran Actor, Amol Palekar who inspired the audience through his values of scientific temper, self-discovery and living life on his own terms.

The festival also celebrated the art of storytelling and poetry, with Neelesh Misra, the renowned storyteller and poet, weaving his magic through words. His session was a reminder of the timeless appeal of oral storytelling and its ability to connect people across cultures and generations. And of course, Neelesh speaks about the "slow movement", the way to live a more conscious life. Alongside these luminaries, there were numerous sessions on science, technology, and contemporary issues, reflecting the festival’s commitment to fostering a holistic dialogue. These sessions not only expanded our understanding of the world but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in addressing the challenges of our time.

The venue, Sattva Knowledge City, was a fitting choice for the festival. This well-organized tech park provided a modern and comfortable setting, enhancing the overall experience. The seamless organization of the sessions, the availability of amenities, and the thoughtful layout of the space allowed attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festival’s offerings. The food breaks, a cherished part of the HLF experience, were no less enriching. Over cups of chai and varieties of cuisines, we found ourselves dissecting the key takeaways from the sessions, exchanging perspectives, and forging connections with fellow attendees. These informal discussions often led to new insights and friendships, highlighting the festival’s role as a community-building platform.

It was also a wonderful experience to meet and listen to Srinivasan Jain, an award winning journalist (formerly of NDTV) who spoke about how one could counter fake narratives through reading more and focusing on fact checking.

What makes the Hyderabad Literary Festival truly special is its ability to bring together people from all walks of life. Over the years, it has become a space where common friends reunite, new connections are forged, and ideas are shared freely. The 2025 edition was no different. Meeting old friends and engaging in spirited conversations about literature, science, and art was a reminder of the festival’s enduring appeal. It is not just a celebration of words and ideas but also a celebration of the human spirit and its boundless curiosity.

As I reflect on this year’s festival, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant intellectual and cultural ecosystem. The Hyderabad Literary Festival is more than just an event; it is a movement that celebrates the power of ideas and the joy of learning. It reminds us that in a world often divided by differences, literature and art have the unique ability to unite us. I look forward to returning next year, ready to be inspired once again by the magic of words and the warmth of this incredible community. For an agnostic like me, it was an equivalent to a Kumbh mela, a place where I took many sacred dips in the world of the words.

Ambika S Kulshrestha Aruna Kumar Gadepalli Devika D. Parminder Chhatwal

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