Dhanu Bihar, in association with the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, IGNCA, Sahitya Akademi, Nalanda University, and Nav Nalanda Mahavihara University, held an Interactive Workshop cum Press Meet on 5th November, 2025 at The Bengal Club, Kolkata, to announce the upcoming Nalanda Literature Festival (NLF) – 2025.
The session was graced by Chief Guest and festival advisor Sh. Harshvardhan Neotia who joined with Chairperson D. Aaliya, Trustee Dhanu Bihar, Festival Director Ganga Kumar and others in unveiling the festival’s vision. The gathering witnessed participation from members of the literary and artistic community, media representatives, and cultural enthusiasts and writers, including. Shri Amar Mitra; Shri Satyabrata Dey; Sh. Diwakar Singh; Ms. Gauri Basu; Shri Mehul Mohanka; Shri Dinyer Mucaden, Mrs Rachita dey; Joy Mukherjee and many more writers whose insights and experiences enriched the discussion on India’s literary and linguistic diversity.
Sh. Harhvardhan Neotia said,”inaugural event has been held in close proximity of Nalanda, Nalanda has been our crowning glory of our academic achievements, our literature, our wisdom. . Unfortunately, in that tragic fire many centuries ago we lost many valuable manuscripts that got destroyed but its nice that we are reviving that wonderful tradition, we are reviving the knowledge that has embedded with many scholars of our land which now continue to propagate and prosper and under the banner and land of Nalanda, we are taking forward this legacy of thinking, of debate, of discussion, of promotion which is very heartening.
D. Aaliya, Chairperson, said, “Nalanda stands for knowledge that liberates, not just the mind, but also society. Through this festival, we wish to take the essence of dialogue, dignity, and diversity to every corner of India. Kolkata’s warmth and intellect reflect exactly what Nalanda represents, the courage to question and the grace to listen.”
Sh, Ganga Kumar, shared, “We should not look at literature merely as history, but rather view it like modern science — as a field that can generate employment and innovation. It’s time to change our perspective and create something meaningful for the younger generation. Nalanda has always represented a unique and holistic approach to education. Imagine — even 2000 years ago, debate itself was a form of learning. Nalanda taught the world about literature, knowledge, and intellectual legacy. We should share that wisdom, talk about our rich past, and build a platform that connects this heritage with opportunities for today’s youth..”
The event also highlighted the Nalanda Literature Development Programme, running from September 2025 to March 2026, which aims to nurture creative dialogue and cultural exchange leading up to the main festival. Apart from this, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh joined the session online and appealed the audience to join the Nalanda Literature Festival.
The Nalanda Literature Festival 2025 promises to be a grand confluence of India’s intellectual and cultural heritage, bringing together voices from across the nation and the diaspora at the historic sites of Rajgir, Nalanda, reaffirming India’s timeless spirit of knowledge and imagination.
