The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai will hold its two-day Literature Festival 2026 on October 16 and 17. This event is part of the TISS Navati celebrations and will take place at the S Parasuraman Hall on the institute’s main campus. The festival is titled "Youth and Literature: Time & Memories" and aims to explore the connection between young people and literature through various engaging sessions.
- Festival dates: October 16-17, 2026
- Location: S Parasuraman Hall, TISS Mumbai main campus
- Inauguration by renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai
- Panel discussions on youth in Indian novels, poetry, stories, and cinema
- Art exhibitions and cultural performances by TISS students
Who will inaugurate the TISS Literature Festival 2026?
The festival will be inaugurated by renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai on the first day. The opening session, moderated by Anjum Sharma, will include a film screening titled "TISS Navati: Nine Decades of Purpose," which reflects on the institute’s journey since its establishment in 1936.
What are the main themes of the festival?
The festival focuses on the theme "Youth and Literature: Time & Memories." It includes discussions on how youth are portrayed in Indian novels, the voice of youth in poetry and memory, storytelling, and the representation of youth in cinema and theatre.
What activities are planned for Day 1 of the festival?
Day 1 features a panel discussion on "The Youth in Indian Novels," chaired by T V Kattimani and moderated by Anil Tripathi. Panelists include Akhilesh, Narendra B Pathak, Sudha Singh, and Vishwas Patil. After lunch, there will be a poetry recitation and discussion on "Youth Voice and Memory," chaired by Dhananjay Singh with several poets and scholars participating.
The day will also include an art exhibition showcasing works by TISS Mumbai students, followed by a music programme.
What will happen on Day 2 of the festival?
Day 2 begins with a discussion on "Youth and Stories," chaired by Sreenivas Rao and moderated by Ashutosh Thakur. Panelists include Anjum Sharma, Anil Tripathi, and Rajkumar. After lunch, there will be a panel on "Screening/Staging Youth," chaired by filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia and moderated by Vikas Pathak, featuring Satya Vyas, Kamal Pandey, and Yunus Khan.
The festival will conclude with cultural performances by TISS Mumbai students.
Who leads the festival's conceptualization?
The festival is organized under the leadership of Badri Narayan Tiwari, the vice-chancellor of TISS Mumbai. He is an acclaimed Hindi poet, scholar, and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.
What is the significance of the festival?
The TISS Literature Festival 2026 celebrates the institute’s 90 years of purpose and contribution to social sciences and arts. It provides a platform for dialogue among writers, academics, artists, and students, focusing on youth perspectives in literature and related arts.
