Rajgir, Dec 23 (UNI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan jointly inaugurated the first Nalanda Literature Festival in Rajgir, with Tharoor calling for literature festivals to serve as vital platforms for dialogue beyond academic institutions.
The inaugural Nalanda Literature Festival brought together scholars, writers, and students for two days of intellectual celebration at the revived Nalanda University in Rajgir, honoring India’s rich literary and cultural heritage.
Speaking to the media, Tharoor emphasised the importance of literature festivals as platforms for dialogue beyond traditional academic settings. “Knowledge should not be limited to the classrooms, but also outside the university. The literature festival is an opportunity where we can carry forward this tradition by discussing literature and ideas,” Tharoor said.
“I think that the situation was not good. Nowadays, things are looking good. The essence of knowledge and heritage is still present. 20 years back, when our former President APJ Abdul Kalam spoke about reviving Nalanda, I wondered about its heritage. Now I have come to see the campus, to meet people and to interact with the students. It is a great matter of joy. Nalanda should be taken forward. There is no doubt about it. The government should extend full support,” he shared.
Tharoor also posted on his social media X writing about the festival, “Spent two fascinating days in Nalanda/Rajgir on the occasion of the first Nalanda Literary Festival at the revived Nalanda University . Enjoyed a warm welcome at the attractive campus on Saturday. Here with the eminent Sonal Mansingh, Vice- Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi and the Festival’s principal organiser Ganga Kumar at the welcome dinner, and with students.”
The ‘Nalanda Literature Festival 2025’ is being held from December 21 to 25 at the historic sites of Rajgir, Bihar, celebrating the confluence of legacy, language, and literature. The event features literary discussions, the launch of the official NLF website, and participation from attendees representing more than 10 countries, positioning it as a global celebration of India’s intellectual, cultural, and literary heritage.
Tharoor calls for learning beyond classrooms at ‘Nalanda Literature Festival’
