Jaipur Bytes

Three major Indian poets discuss the poetic imagination, searching its sources, inspirations and philosophy. Eminent English poet and translator Arvind Krishna Mehrotra speaks of his influences, among which he acknowledges William Carlos Williams and the Beat poets, as well as Kabir. Iconic Hindi poet and critic Ashok Vajpeyi has nurtured and founded many cultural institutions. Much awarded English poet, cultural theorist and curator Ranjit Hoskote is the author of the recent Jonahwhale as well as the acclaimed translation of the Kashmiri poet Lal Ded. In conversation with award-winning British poet and scholar Ruth Padel, they read from and discuss the contexts of their work as well as the wider canvas of poetics and aesthetic theories.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

The wizarding world of Harry Potter isn’t just about magic versus muggles. It has a dizzying array of scientific theory, metaphysics and connections between complex natural phenomena. Roger Highfield, author of The Science of Harry Potter, explores the fascinating links between magic and science, and shows how the fantastical conceits in the Potter books can actually be explained by scientific analysis.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

Francesc Miralles in conversation with Nilanjana S. Roy. The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ‘ikigai’ or ‘a reason to jump out of bed every morning’. The international bestseller by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles shares the Japanese secret to a long and happy life and has helped readers around the world to find purpose, nurture friendships and throw themselves into their passions. In conversation with writer and columnist Nilanjana S. Roy, co-author Francesc Miralles joins us at the Jaipur Literature Festival to share the inspirations, learnings and tools of’ ikigai’.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

Almost ten years ago, Om Swami renounced material wealth and left for a spiritual quest to Varanasi where he was initiated into the path of renunciation by a Naga saint in a little village. Soon after, Swami spent 13 months in intense meditation in the Himalaya. In conversation with  Puneeta Roy, Founder Trustee of the Yuva Ekta Foundation, he discusses his latest book The Book of Kindness, which suggests a definitive means to achieving true happiness: through the path of kindness.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

In a magical session that brings the music of words to life, the acclaimed vocalist Shubha Mudgal reads from and speaks her debut collection of short stories, Looking for Miss Sargam. Her book, set in the world of classical Indian music, is wry, tongue in cheek and full of deep insights and perspectives. In conversation with editor Sudha Sadanand, Mudgal tells us of the elusive Miss Sargam, of the traditions, realities and contradictions that a musician straddles and the realities that her narratives invoke.

At the age of 17, after a childhood in a foster family followed by six years in care homes, Norman Greenwood was given his Birth Certificate. He learned that his real name was not Norman. It was Lemn Sissay. He was British and Ethiopian, and he learned that his mother had been pleading for his safe return to her since his birth. This is Lemn's story, a story of neglect and determination, misfortune and hope, cruelty and triumph.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

For our 19th century forebears, science meant progress and hope. Today, we are not so sure. With Google and Facebook harvesting our data and listening to our every conversation in the service of surveillance capitalism, with development bringing environmental catastrophe in its wake and with robots replacing more and more human jobs, we now fear science the industries associated with it as much as we look to it as a solution to our problems. Here, scientist and mathematician Marcus de Sautoy, dystopian novelist John Lanchester and Jaspreet Bindra, author of the Tech Whisperer, discuss the Cyber Future, in conversation with Indo-American journalist and author Akash Kapur.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

Kaveree Bamzai’s edited anthology No Regrets: The Guilt-Free Woman’s Guide to a Good Life is a spunky handbook featuring insights by prominent women on how to rise above conventional norms and expectations and break free. Editor and journalist Bamzai discusses the inspirations behind the book and the deeper message it conveys. Novelist and celebrity columnist Shobhaa De takes a cue from her essay in the book to share her thoughts on society, politics, motherhood and feminine strengths, reminding women that managing time is equivalent to managing stress. Vani Tripathi Tikoo, actor, activist and a young mother, joins them to discuss the balancing act demanded of women and the secrets to negotiating a guilt-free life.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

What is leadership? An invigorating session with R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Tata Sons, that follows the path of the leader across the changes of perspective from the transactional to the corporate and the larger societal view. Moving away from the cut and thrust of operational action, Gopalakrishnan reflects on a leader’s journey emphasising the role that business leaders can play in matters concerning nation and society. He speaks with Mohit Satyanand, Chairperson of Teamwork Arts and an active angel investor, about the essential engagement with community and society for the business world.

A live session from #JaipurLitFest2020.

What makes Indian democracy tick? A riveting session that explores the narratives and counter narratives of the electoral process and democratic systems. Sachin Pilot is a dynamic young politician currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and as the President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee. A member of the Indian National Congress, he was elected from the Tonk assembly seat with a record margin of 55,000 votes in 2018. Acclaimed journalist Rajdeep Sardesai is the author of several books including Newsman: Tracking India in the Modi Era  and 2014: The Election that Changed India. His recent 2019: How Modi Won India traces the story of BJP’s recent march to electoral victory. In conversation with journalist Namita Bhandare, they discuss various aspects of democracy, the political process, its triumphs and discontents.