CLF Literati 2025 to celebrate “Worlds Within Words” from Nov 21–23; Read details
Curtain Raiser Press Conference Unveils Star-Studded Line-Up
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 15, 2025: The Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) today hosted a curtain raiser press conference for CLF Literati 2025, the city’s premier literary festival, scheduled from November 21 to 23. Dr. Sumita Misra, IAS, Chairperson of CLS and Festival Director, outlined a packed schedule of sessions, book launches, and cultural performances.
Opening the festival, a cultural evening will be held on November 21 at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan, featuring a performance titled ‘Saaz Au Aawaaz’ by renowned artiste Bhuvan Sharma. The literary sessions will take place on November 22–23 at the Lake Club, with the serene backdrop of Sukhna Lake.
Dr. Misra stated, “This year’s festival, themed ‘Worlds Within Words’, brings together 27 authors, poets, ad filmmakers, and artistes for 15 interactive sessions, four book launches, and one creative writing workshop. We have participants from across India and one from Australia, engaging in conversations that reflect contemporary discourse.”
Key Highlights & Sessions:
- Prahlad Kakkar, ad guru, will discuss ‘The Power of a Story: Advertising Insights’ with writer Aradhika Sharma.
- Actress-poet Sandhya Mridul will feature in ‘Untamed Silences: The Many Lives of Sandhya Mridul’ with Sonia Chauhan.
- IPS Officer and author Amit Lodha, whose works include Bihar Diaries, will interact with Veena Raman and Arsh Verma.
- Literary discussions on Indian democracy, contemporary politics, Bangladeshi history, Hindi literature, and Chandigarh’s evolving identity will be conducted by eminent authors and journalists, including Shahid Siddiqui, Rasheed Kidwai, Neerja Chowdhury, Rajnish Wattas, Madhav Kaushik, and others.
Book Launches & Creative Workshops:
- Day 2 features launches of ‘The Silent Brave’ by Mehak Grover and ‘The Legend of Sanjhi-Giri’ by Manju Jaidka.
- Day 3 includes workshops on creative writing by Sonika Sethi and Deviyani Singh, along with discussions on wellness, spirituality, memory and travel, and Sufi music.
- Books in contention for CLF Literati Awards span English and Hindi fiction and non-fiction, with notable entries from Ruskin Bond, Shashi Tharoor, Devdutt Pattanaik, Ashwin Sanghi, Anita Desai, Balram, and others.
The festival will culminate with the CLF Literati Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence in English and Hindi fiction and non-fiction.
Dr. Misra concluded, “CLF Literati 2025 promises to be a celebration of literature, ideas, and imagination—an event for every book lover in Chandigarh and beyond.”