The Kolkata Literary Meet – or KaLaM, which is our preferred daaknaam – was overwhelmingly well-received when we debuted at the Kolkata Book Fair in January 2012. In 2013, KaLaM has tried to build on the inaugural edition. Our focus this year is to introduce Kolkata’s readers to writers from the Arab world – the new hub of international writing.
Our other focus is to know our neighbours better. While Kolkata and Dhaka are just 40 minutes apart by air, rarely do readers get to see writers from across the border. Kolkata Literary Meet will present some rare conversations in Bengali, to discuss the future of our shared language and its remarkable literature with impressive representation from Kolkata and Dhaka. Writers from Pakistan, China, Australia and, of course, from England and the USA will complete our international list, alongside speakers representing the home contingent. With topics as varied as history, sport, geopolitics and cinema, there’s something for everyone.
No registrations, no passes, no tickets. Just turn up, participate in the discussions, get involved in the debates and enjoy the tales that some of the greatest storytellers of our times will be sharing with you. Kolkata Literary Meet is a meet that caters to you, the reader. So sit back and enjoy a sumptuous literary feast.
