News Hungama:
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 festivel (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.
