These events foster a holistic approach to education and cultural enrichment that is all too lacking in western education and literary settings.
The 17th Tirupati Book Festival, organised by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Tirupati Kendra at Vinayaka Nagar grounds near the ISKCON temple in Alipiri, has caught my eye not only for its literary offerings but also for its diverse cultural and community-focussed events.
Promoting Literature and Culture
In an era where Telugu and Sanskrit literature struggle to find listeners, the festival features prominent literati such as ‘Pancha Sahasravadhani’ Medasani Mohan, Sahitya Akademi awardee Madhurantakam Narendra, and SPMVV professor Kolakaluri Madhu Jyothi, highlighting the festival’s commitment to promoting regional literature.
Community-Centric Initiatives
Emphasising a broader community focus, the festival is home to several initiatives aimed at benefiting the wider public:
Cancer Awareness Programmes: The festival includes cancer awareness initiatives designed to educate attendees about prevention, early detection, and treatment options. (This aligns with the festival’s mission to serve the community beyond literary pursuits.)
Telescope Installation: A telescope has been installed to encourage students to engage in sky gazing and develop an interest in astronomy. This initiative, one close to my heart (my childhood ambition to become an astronomer sadly never came to pass, but as a teacher I’ve never stopped sharing my passion about space with the kids) integrates science education with the festival’s cultural and literary themes.
Cultural Programmes and Exhibitions
A nine-day event, the festival also includes a mobile science exhibition and various cultural programmes, which are in line with Bhavan’s director N. Satyanarayana Raju’s vision to transform Tirupati into a cultural and spiritual hub.
These events foster a holistic approach to education and cultural enrichment that is all too lacking in western education and literary settings.
The 17th Tirupati Book Festival concludes 9 February.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.