7TH KERALA LITERATURE FESTIVAL INAUGURATED BY HON. CHIEF MINISTER PINARAYI VIJAYAN: CELEBRATING LITERARY EXCELLENCE IN THE CITY OF LITERATURE

"Kerala Literature Fest is the testimony to the constant evolution of the literate state of Kerala into an enlightened one."- Pinarayi Vijayan

"Kerala Literature Festival validates the fact that the cent per cent literate state of Kerala continues to evolve into an enlightened state," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said at the inaugural session of the 7th Kerala Literature Festival. One prime highlight of KLF 2024 is the fact that it is the first edition to be held after Kozhikode was declared as the City of Literature by UNESCO.
Ravi Deecee, Chief Facilitator & Founder of Kerala Literature Festival, welcomed the guests as he said, "KLF has been committed to putting the spotlight on India`s remarkable literary talent on the global stage, by bringing together some of the world`s most exceptional storytellers. This upcoming edition promises to be the most spectacular one yet. It will be a convergence of diverse voices, ideas, and cultures,"he added. Public Works &Tourism minister, P A Muhammed Riyas presided over the function. He defined KLF as the beauty and strength of Democracy. Jnanpith Awardee and noted author M T Vasudevan Nair delivered the keynote address. KLF Director, Prof. K Satchidanandan, marked the festival in his words as a distinct literary figure of India.
The festival will be held in seven venues including a special venue for the Children`s KLF which is being set up at the Lions Park. Besides literature and books, the festival will include sessions on diverse topics such as war, Artificial intelligence, Women, transgenders, sports, music, theatre and so on. Swedish Ambassador Christian Kamill graced the occasion with his words of welcome to the audience.
In a noteworthy event, a diverse array of distinguished personalities extended their felicitations during a recent ceremony. The esteemed guests included MLA Thottathil Ravindran, Kozhikode Corporation Mayor Bina Philip, Ambassador of Turkey Firat Sunel, renowned Actress Sheela, Actress & Dancer Mallika Sarabhai, accomplished author KR Meera, seasoned politician Mani Shankar Iyer, acclaimed author M. Mukundan, Kozhikode Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, IAS, and author Lijeesh Kumar. A Pradeep Kumar, former MLA and chairman of the organizing committee, also joined in offering greetings. General convenor Dr A K Abdul Hakkeem brought the ceremony to a close with an expression of gratitude in a formal news format.