The Ghazipur Literature Festival 2025 opened in a spirit of cultural pride and artistic celebration on Friday at Hotel The Clarks, Varanasi.
The three-day literary extravaganza was inaugurated by Bharat Express CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai, along with Acharya Pawan Tripathi, BJP National Spokesperson Prem Shukla, Prof Anil Sooklal, Keshav Tiwari, Zolani Mkiva, Matt Sidello, Mrs Nilestra Sooklal, Mrs Camilla Unique, Raj Mohan, and Ramoen Bhagwandeen.
As the dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp, the auditorium resounded with applause, setting the tone for a vibrant and culturally rich festival.
The event, jointly organised by Bharat Dialogues and Bharat Express, aims to strengthen India’s literary discourse while honouring its global connections.
Festival Director Vivek Satyamitra and Co-founder and Director Pooja Priyamvada were also present during the inaugural ceremony, which radiated enthusiasm and unity of purpose.
Distinguished Guests from Across the World
The opening session welcomed several esteemed guests from India and abroad.
Among the attendees were Prof Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India; Zolani Mkiva, a renowned South African cultural advisor and poet; Keshav Tiwari, diplomat from the Guyana High Commission; and international delegates Matt Sidello and Camilla Unique.
Prominent members of the Girmitiya community, including artists Raj Mohan and Ramoen Bhagwandeen, brought a global dimension to the festival’s stage.
Nilestra Sooklal from South Africa also graced the event, reinforcing the festival’s message of literary and cultural exchange that transcends borders.
Several well-known figures from India’s literary and cultural landscape added gravitas to the event. Veteran actor and writer Anjan Srivastava, acclaimed author Neerja Madhav, writer Mrityunjay Singh, and poet Vyomesh Shukla were among the prominent attendees.
They were joined by Manoj Bhawuk, a celebrated Bhojpuri writer; Yashwant Deshmukh, founder of C-Voter; Dr Ajit Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University; and Padma Shri awardee Dr Rajeshwar Acharya, the noted musicologist.
The festival’s inaugural session witnessed a packed auditorium filled with literature enthusiasts, students, artists, and cultural organisations. The energy was palpable as participants engaged in discussions celebrating India’s creative spirit.
Theme: ‘Back to the Roots’
The opening day further revolved around the festival’s central theme — ‘Back to the Roots’ — encouraging reflection on India’s cultural and literary heritage.
Speakers shared their insights on reconnecting with one’s origins and understanding the role of tradition in shaping modern thought.
The festival’s main programmes will take place in Ghazipur on 8 and 9 November, featuring panel discussions, interactive workshops, cultural performances, and special sessions dedicated to Girmitiya heritage.
Moreover, with its blend of global participation and local engagement, the Ghazipur Literature Festival 2025 stands as a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the enduring power of words.
Also Read: PM Modi To Inaugurate Year-Long Celebration Of 150 Years Of ‘Vande Mataram’ Today
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