Five Days of Ideas, Debates and Dialogue in the Pink City
Jaipur is once again set to host one of the world’s largest literary gatherings, the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), from January 15 to January 19. What started as a literature-focused event has now evolved into a major global intellectual platform, featuring discussions on science, politics, economics, international relations, and global conflicts alongside literature.
Four Nobel Laureates and Many Renowned Personalities to Participate
According to festival producer Sanjoy Roy, this year’s edition will feature four Nobel Prize winners, including renowned economist Esther Duflo and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi. Several Booker and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors will also be part of the festival.
The festival will host special sessions featuring Bollywood icon Zeenat Aman, lyricist Javed Akhtar, cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, former Chief Justice of India Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, and chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand.
World Wide Web Inventor Tim Berners-Lee to Join the Festival
One of the biggest highlights this year will be the presence of Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. He will be joined by famous mathematician and author Marcus du Sautoy, whose books have been international bestsellers. Organisers say this will be a rare opportunity for students and young audiences to interact with leading global thinkers.
Special Focus on Global Conflicts and International Relations
This year’s festival will place strong emphasis on discussions around global conflicts and international relations, including topics such as geopolitics, the role of the United Nations, tensions between nations, and future global challenges. Bangladesh’s Ambassador Muhammad Riyaz Hamidullah will also participate in these sessions.
Over 500,000 Visitors Every Year, Big Boost to Jaipur’s Economy
Organisers say that around 500,000 people attend the Jaipur Literature Festival every year. The event provides a significant boost to Jaipur’s economy and creates direct employment for nearly 2,000 people during the festival. Hotels, transport services, local artists, and businesses also benefit greatly.
From a Small Gathering to a Global Brand
What began years ago with just five authors and a small venue has today grown into a globally recognised cultural and intellectual brand, making Jaipur one of the most important destinations on the world’s literary calendar.
