Founded in 2006, JLF has evolved far beyond a traditional book event. It hosts thought-provoking discussions on literature, politics, history, climate change, gender, art, and social justice. From award-winning novelists and poets to journalists, historians, and global policymakers, the festival’s speaker list reflects a powerful mix of voices and perspectives.
One of the festival’s defining features is its accessibility. With free entry and open sessions, JLF breaks down barriers between authors and readers, encouraging direct engagement and meaningful conversations. The atmosphere is informal yet intellectually stimulating, making literature approachable for people of all ages.
Set against Jaipur’s architectural grandeur, the festival blends heritage with contemporary thought. Alongside panel discussions and book readings, visitors enjoy music performances, poetry recitals, and cultural events that add to the festival’s immersive experience.
The Jaipur Literature Festival also plays a significant role in promoting Indian writing on a global stage while welcoming international voices to engage with South Asian narratives. It fosters debate, nurtures emerging writers, and encourages critical thinking in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world.
More than just a literary gathering, JLF is a celebration of storytelling, free expression, and the power of ideas. Each year, it reaffirms the enduring relevance of books and conversations in shaping culture and society.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's defiant stance after skipping a crucial party meeting to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival. Tharoor asserted, 'I will tell the party leadership directly what I have to say,' emphasizing that certain matters should not be discussed publicly. The Thiruvananthapuram MP also addressed his position on 'Operation Sindoor,' stating he remains unapologetic despite it being a point of disagreement with his party. While party colleague Imran Masood downplayed Tharoor's importance, others defended his right to speak his mind in a democracy, especially regarding national interests. The transcript highlights how Tharoor's actions have provided ammunition to the NDA ahead of the Kerala polls, as he continues to balance his roles as a global literary figure and a proactive politician. The programme explores the growing internal differences within the Congress party and the implications of Tharoor's praise for the Prime Minister's initiatives.
On this special report, the focus is on Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's decision to skip a crucial party meeting in Delhi ahead of the Kerala elections. Tharoor, who instead attended the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, remained defiant regarding his absence, stating, 'We'll tell the leadership what I have to say.' The veteran leader noted that it is not right to publicly discuss certain internal matters but confirmed he would raise his concerns directly with the party high command. The transcript highlights a potential rift within the Congress party, especially following reports of Tharoor feeling insulted at a recent Mahapanchayat event in Kochi. While the party leadership attempted to frame his absence as a result of prior commitments, Tharoor's refusal to explicitly deny reports of discontent suggests underlying friction. The programme examines how this internal discord might impact the Congress party's prospects in the upcoming assembly polls in Kerala, where the BJP is also attempting to make significant inroads.
On this Special Report, the focus is on significant remarks made by the former Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, regarding the incarceration of under-trial prisoners. Speaking at the 'Ideas of Justice' session during the Jaipur Literature Festival, the former CJI addressed the Umar Khalid case, stating as a citizen that 'if a person remains in jail as an under trial prisoner for 5 or 7 years and is finally acquitted, the lost years cannot be compensated.' He emphasized that the foundation of Indian law rests on the presumption of innocence and reiterated that bail should be the rule rather than the exception. Chandrachud outlined three specific conditions under which bail can be refused: danger to society, risk of absconding, or potential tampering with evidence. The discussion highlights the legal and human rights concerns surrounding long-term imprisonment without conviction, particularly in high-profile cases that have sparked national debate over judicial processes and the rights of the accused.
This special report examines the debate over Thomas Macaulay's legacy, sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on shedding a colonial mindset. The discussion features historian and author William Dalrymple, who provides a counter-perspective on the role of English education in India. Dalrymple states, 'I've always thought that India has always been very pragmatic about what it retains and what it has shed.' The programme explores whether English is a 'mindset of slavery' as suggested by the Prime Minister, or a pragmatic tool that has contributed to India's global success. It touches upon the Nehruvian elite, the rise of regional languages, and how modern India has adapted colonial-era inheritances like the English language for its own benefit on the world stage.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, historian William Dalrymple shares his thoughts on the debate over Thomas Macaulay's legacy, sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on shedding a colonial mindset.
