HLF 2025: A celebration of art, literature, and young voices

Hyderabad Literary Festival 2025, a mix of engaging plenaries, interactive workshops, cultural performances, and inspiring talks captivated audiences, leaving a lasting impact

Hyderabad: Sattva Knowledge City in Hyderabad has become a vibrant hub of creativity this weekend, drawing a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, literature lovers, and young voices eager to engage with thought-provoking sessions and cultural performances.

On Friday, the Hyderabad Literary Festival 2025 had started with a series of inspiring discussions, setting the stage for what would be a dynamic weekend.

The second day of the festival began with a powerful plenary session titled “The Personal is Political: An Activist’s Memoir”, where renowned social activist Aruna Roy engaged in a compelling conversation with C Rammanohar Reddy.

Their discussion on the intersection of personal narratives and political movements resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the importance of activism in today’s world.

In addition to the plenary, the festival offered a variety of exciting sessions. “Nanha Nukkad – A Child Spy”, by Savie Kernel, presented a captivating performance blending storytelling and creative expression, while Shobha Tharoor Srinivasa’s poetry and writing workshop offered participants an opportunity to sharpen their skills.

For those interested in the intersection of science and society, the Science and the City panel explored the promising future of gene therapies in medical treatment, with Arkasubhra Ghosh and Indumathi Mariappan leading the discussion.

The Author Spotlight sessions brought authors like Rishav Ray, whose book A Game of Two Halves examines life and sports, and Abhijit Sengupta, whose works address contemporary issues, engaging in fascinating conversations with festival-goers.

Earlier on Friday, the festival was officially inaugurated by the Governor of Telangana, Sri Jishnu Dev Varma.

The opening plenary, “A Life in Cinema”, featuring Shabana Azmi and festival director Amita Desai, sparked a lively conversation about the powerful connection between literature and cinema. This conversation set the tone for the inspiring sessions and performances that followed throughout the day.

Huma Qureshi’s conversation about her debut book Zeba: An Accidental Superhero also garnered significant attention, as she shared her personal journey and the social issues her book addresses.

As the festival continues into Sunday, the final day promises to be just as exciting. Youngistan Nukkad—Open Mic will provide young talents with a platform to express themselves through various art forms, while “The Real Talk: Women Written by Women” will feature Priya Malik discussing the evolving role of women in literature.

A plenary session, “Cinema and Social Change”, will see actor Siddharth engage in a discussion with Vidya Rao on the transformative power of cinema in driving societal change. The day will also feature a performance by Priya Malik, a multifaceted artist known for her storytelling, poetry, and acting, bringing the festival to a close on a high note.

With its dynamic mix of intellectual discussions, art, and young energy, the Hyderabad Literary Festival 2025 continues to celebrate the power of creativity and dialogue.
For more details on upcoming sessions and events, make sure to check the festival’s website and social media channels.