Log in to a new literary life in times of corona

New Delhi:Recently, when his publisher requested Vinod Kumar Shukla, 83, one of the veterans of Hindi literature, whose several novels have been translated into English, to do a Facebook live session, the reclusive writer agreed, though apprehensively. The Jaipur Literary Festival -- one of the most popular and high-profile events in India’s literary calendar -- recently rolled out what it calls ‘Brave New World,’ a series of online conversations, where writers from across the globe speak on their books, globalisation, the pandemics, celebrity, sexism, and power, and a host of other issues. “Online literary events can draw much larger audiences than is possible in an off-line event.” Satyanand Nirupam, editorial director, Rajkamal Prakashan, says their online literary conversations have presented a good opportunity to several writers who do not get invited to conventional literary festivals. Many publishers are also running online literary festivals –Penguin, for example, is running OnceUponABookWithPenguin ; Harper Collins India is organising ‘Reset’, live conversations with authors; and Juggernaut has launched ReadInstead LitFest, an online literary festival featuring conversations, workshops, masterclasses, writers’ bookshelves, among others. This is extremely important, especially for literary fiction writers such as myself whose audience is dispersed widely.” Talking of ReadInstead initiative, Chikki Sarkar, publisher, Juggernaut Books, says, “Getting people reading is at the heart of what we do and we also believe there is nothing like reading to focus your mind, and for you to learn and grow from.