MAHE Bengaluru’s “alèy” Literature Festival Showcases Literary Voices of Unity and Solidarity
Two-day literary festival witnessed over 300 participants
Bengaluru: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Bengaluru campus, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University hosted its alèy Literature Festival, a two-day literary celebration that brought together renowned authors, poets, publishers, and literary enthusiasts under the compelling theme “Waves of Solidarity.” The festival, held on September 18-19, 2025, witnessed the participation of over 300 attendees, establishing itself as a significant addition to India’s literary festival landscape. This literature festival was put together by the department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (DLHS) of MAHE Bengaluru campus.
The festival was inaugurated with a keynote address by Banu Mushtaq, the 2025 International Booker Prize winner, who set the tone for two days of rich literary discourse, creative workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions.
Emphasizing the transformative power of literature, 2025 International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, in her keynote address said “In Indian thought, waves have long been metaphors for the mind—thoughts that rise and recede upon the ocean of consciousness. Aley embodies this truth, symbolizing longing, impermanence, and the flow of emotions. Each wave may appear separate, yet all belong to the same ocean—just as human beings, though distinct, remain part of one universe. In times when fractures define our world, the theme of solidarity and literature is not only relevant but also calling us to return to what binds us together”.
The first panel discussion, “Big Little Stories: Navigating Complexity in Children’s Literature” featured Menaka Raman and Sharanya Manivannan, who explored the intricate world of children’s literature and its role in shaping young minds. S. Joseph, the celebrated poet, led a masterclass on “The Subjectivity of Poetry,” exploring the intimate relationship between personal experience and poetic expression.
The afternoon session featured a panel discussion on “Spaces of Solidarity: Reading in the City” with Athul from Cubbon Reads, Rajassekar from Sollazhi, and Lalitha Murugesan from Lalitha’s Book Nook, examining urban reading cultures and community building through literature.
Day one concluded with a powerful performance “We Push the Sky” by the Qabila Collective. Nisha Abdullah, theatremaker associated with the collective, and said: “Performance literature breaks the boundaries between the written word and lived experience. ‘We Push the Sky’ represents our collective aspiration to transcend limitations through the power of storytelling and communal expression.”
Day two opened with an impressive lineup of literary luminaries who engaged audiences through masterclasses, panel discussions, and book talks. Perumal Murugan, the acclaimed author, conducted a captivating book talk on “Students Etched in Memory,” reflecting on the enduring impact of education and memory in literature, and said “Students are not just recipients of knowledge; they are living narratives that teachers carry forever. Literature allows us to preserve these precious human connections and the transformative moments that shape both educator and student.”
V. Geetha, renowned feminist writer and historian, conducted both a masterclass on “Reading Babasaheb for Our Times” and participated in a panel discussion on feminist publishing, highlighting the crucial role of women in shaping literary discourse.
Arpita Das, Publisher and Founder of Yoda Press, participated in the panel “Women Publish Women: Waves of Feminist Publishing,” addressing the critical importance of women’s voices in contemporary publishing along with V. Geetha.
Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru expressed his appreciation with the success of the event, “The alèy Literature Festival has exceeded our expectations in creating a vibrant platform for literary engagement for the students & authors across. The enthusiasm of over 300 participants and the quality of discourse generated by our distinguished speakers demonstrate the vital role literature plays in education and cultural development.”
The alèy Literature Festival represents MAHE’s commitment to fostering literary culture and promoting the Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences’ mission of nurturing future global citizens equipped with critical thinking abilities and effective communication skills.
