Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 Unveils Esteemed Lineup
The festival returns for its 18th edition from 30 January to 3 February, 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur
The Jaipur Literature Festival, celebrated as the ‘greatest literary show on earth’, returns for its 18th edition from 30 January to 3 February, 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Teamwork Arts, the festival’s producer, has unveiled the first lineup of sessions for 2025, reaffirming the transformative power of books and ideas.
As a vital platform for local and global voices, the festival aims to foster dialogue, bridge divides, and highlight diverse perspectives. The upcoming edition will feature a curated program with over 300 distinguished speakers, offering engaging debates, thought-provoking discussions, and captivating stories.
The sessions that have been announced include:
Poor Economics for the Young
In their engaging book ‘Poor Economics for Kids’, Nobel Prize winner Esther Duflo and acclaimed illustrator Cheyenne Olivier simplify complex economic concepts for young readers, encouraging open-mindedness and broader perspectives. In this session, Duflo and Olivier delve into the book's aim to nurture early social awareness and empathy.
Hamara Shahar Us Baras
International Booker Prize-winner Geetanjali Shree offers profound insights into the fragmented psyches and divisive atmosphere of a society shaped by communalism in her novel ‘Hamara Shahar Us Baras’, translated as ‘Our City That Year’ by Booker Prize-winning translator Daisy Rockwell. In this session, Shree reflects on how her novel captures the essence of any city, any year, amidst the growing global tide of sectarian divides.
David Hare: A Life in Theatre and Film
BAFTA-winning playwright David Hare, renowned for iconic works such as ‘The Secret Rapture’, ‘The Absence of War’, and ‘Skylight’, often hailed as ‘the finest living British dramatist’, offers a glimpse into his creative process. In this session, Hare reflects on the inspirations, milestones, and moments that have defined his illustrious career in theatre and film.
Nehru’s First Recruits
Journalist Kallol Bhattacharjee’s ‘Nehru’s First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India’s Foreign Policy’ delves into Nehruvian diplomacy and the early architects of India’s foreign policy who balanced internal consolidation with external challenges. In this session, Bhattacharjee is joined by an esteemed panel, including former High Commissioner of India to Pakistan TCA Raghavan, author and ex-diplomat Navtej Sarna, former UN Assistant Secretary-General Lakshmi Puri, and former High Commissioner of India to Canada Vikas Swarup, to discuss the diplomat's role in statecraft and nation-building.
André Aciman: A Journey Through Love and Memory
André Aciman, award-winning author, distinguished professor at CUNY, and globally celebrated for ‘Call Me By Your Name’, has written over 17 works of fiction and non-fiction that delve into love, loss, and adolescence with tender and absorbing narratives. In this session, Aciman discusses his exploration of memory, identity, and emotion in conversation with novelist Shivani Sibal.
Kairos: The Heart Divided
Winner of the 2024 International Booker Prize, ‘Kairos: The Heart Divided’ by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated by Michael Hofmann, unfolds a turbulent love affair amidst the crumbling landscape of East Berlin in the 1980s. As the region faces upheaval, the relationship mirrors its collapse, exposing themes of power, betrayal, and shifting allegiances during a time of transformation. In this session, Erpenbeck and Hofmann delve into the philosophical interplay of choice and fate, weaving together art, politics, and personal narrative in a thought-provoking discussion.
The Personal Is Political: An Activist’s Memoir
Aruna Roy, an award-winning activist, chronicles her remarkable journey in her memoir, ‘The Personal Is Political’. Reflecting on decades of public service, Roy shares pivotal moments, including her instrumental role in the enactment of India’s Right to Information Act, advocating for government transparency, and empowering communities in Tilonia through the Social Work and Research Centre. This session captures her enduring commitment to activism and the intersections of personal and political life.
Why We Die: The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality
Nobel laureate and structural biologist Venki Ramakrishnan delves into humanity’s enduring curiosity and fear of death in his latest book, ‘Why We Die’. Exploring the cutting-edge frontiers of biology, he examines the physiological transformations that define mortality and the scientific pursuit of extending life. In a compelling conversation with Roger Highfield, Ramakrishnan reflects on the mysteries of human existence and the ongoing quest for immortality.
The Upside-Down World: Meetings with the Dutch Masters
Benjamin Moser’s ‘The Upside-Down World’ is a heartfelt tribute to Dutch artistry, chronicling his twenty-year journey in the Netherlands. From arriving as a young writer to discovering the enduring legacy of the Dutch Golden Age masters, Moser finds inspiration and camaraderie among long-departed artists. In this session, he contemplates the timeless questions of artistic expression, the reasons behind human creativity, and its enduring significance.
Amol Palekar: The Viewfinder
In his memoir ‘The Viewfinder’, legendary actor and director Amol Palekar explores his journey through Indian cinema and creative expression. Joined by filmmaker Sandhya Gokhale, Palekar shares heartfelt anecdotes and reflections in conversation with Sanjoy K Roy, festival producer and managing director of Teamwork Arts. This session provides a captivating look at the evolution of storytelling, artistry, and performance in Indian cinema.
Two Sages: Gandhi and Tolstoy
Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy, though separated by geography, shared a profound friendship rooted in letters and shared ideals. Gandhi found inspiration in Tolstoy’s ‘The Kingdom of God is Within You’. In this thought-provoking session, their descendants, Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Daniil Tolstoy, delve into the intellectual and philosophical legacies of these two visionaries. They explore how their timeless ideas continue to resonate in today’s world.
Deep Water: The World in the Ocean
James Bradley’s ‘Deep Water’ delves into humanity’s profound connection with the ocean, exploring its role as the cradle of life, a historical force, and a fragile lifeline. In this urgent discussion, Bradley joins Mridula Ramesh, Australian Ambassador to India Philip Green, and environmentalist Yuvan Aves to reflect on the ocean’s environmental significance and our intertwined bond with the planet.
Openings: Thirteen Stories
Is brevity truly the soul of wit, or does length bring gravitas? Namita Gokhale, Co-director, Jaipur Literature Festival, and Lucy Caldwell, author of ‘Openings: Thirteen Stories’, which examines love, loss, and contemporary Ireland, explore the contrasting dynamics of literary forms. Together, they navigate the challenges and rewards of long-form epics versus the concise beauty of short stories, flash fiction, and minimalist volumes.
Gokhale mentioned, “The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 is a dynamic mosaic of books and ideas, conversations and arguments, explorations and epiphanies. We interrogate the changing realities of our fractured world and search for inspiration and belief in a better one. From Mystics and Madmen to Economics for the Young, from geopolitics to the ancient academia of Nalanda, from food in all its flavours to mountain mammals, an unfolding voyage of discovery, with each day opening up new wonders and new vistas.”
William Dalrymple, Co-director, Jaipur Literature Festival outlined, “The 2025 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival encapsulates the spirit of our event—a celebration of diverse voices and powerful narratives that engage, challenge, and inspire audiences from around the world. We are thrilled to present a lineup that reflects the Festival’s essence of intellectual and cultural exchange.”
Sanjoy K Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts elaborated, “The Jaipur Literature Festival continues to be a beacon of dialogue and storytelling, showcasing the profound impact of literature on understanding and empathy. Each edition reaffirms its role as a vibrant platform where ideas and voices come together to foster a shared sense of humanity.”
The 2025 Jaipur Literature Festival will feature its signature parallel segments that enrich the experience each year. These include the ‘Jaipur BookMark' (JBM), celebrating its 11th year as South Asia’s premier B2B publishing platform, uniting publishers, authors, literary agents, and industry leaders. The ‘Jaipur Music Stage’ will present electrifying performances by acclaimed Indian and international artists. ‘Heritage Evenings’ will be held at Jaipur’s iconic historical sites, while the ‘Festival Buzzaar’ offers an array of artisanal products for attendees to explore. The ‘Festival Bookshop’ will stock works by participating authors, and the exclusive ‘Friend of the Festival’ package provides a curated, premium festival experience.
Renowned for its democratic and non-aligned ethos, the festival upholds the freedom of expression and hosts voices that challenge norms, inspire creativity, and celebrate diversity. It continues to serve as a beacon of intellectual and cultural exchange, fostering dialogue and innovation on a global scale.
