MaxCity Literature Festival Begins on a High Note at NGMA Mumbai
· Free Press Journal
The first day of the MaxCity Literature Festival unfolded with remarkable enthusiasm at the National Gallery of Modern Art, drawing a diverse audience of literature enthusiasts from across age groups. The festival commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, setting the tone for a day filled with engaging discussions and intellectual exchange.
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The opening session, “Mumbai: Between AQI and Dreams,” brought together prominent voices including Bharat Gothoskar, Luis Miranda, Nidhi Chaudhary, and R. Venkatesh, who explored the layered realities of urban life in Mumbai, addressing both its aspirations and challenges. This was followed by a thought-provoking discussion on geopolitics titled “Hidden and Cold Wars,” where Mangesh Sawant, Sachin Deodhar, Sanjeev Chopra, and Vibhu Vaibhav examined the complexities of global conflicts and covert power dynamics.
A major highlight of the day was the session “5 Assassinations and an Arms Deal: The Sundarji Story,” featuring Probal DasGupta in conversation with Sandeep Unnithan. The session delved into significant events of the 1980s and offered insights into Probal DasGupta’s book General Brasstacks, captivating the audience with its historical depth and narrative detail.
The discourse then shifted towards contemporary themes in the session “Between Breakpoint and Beginnings,” where Saurabh Mukherjea, Shinjini Kumar, and Rajini Panicker discussed the evolving intersections of work, wealth, and womanhood in a rapidly changing world.
In the afternoon, the Maritime History Society presented a short film on the 1946 Naval Uprising, followed by an engaging discussion titled “The Last War of Independence of 1946,” featuring Pramod Kapoor, Commodore Srikant Kesnur, and Sandeep Unnithan. The session offered a compelling perspective on a pivotal yet often underexplored chapter of India’s freedom struggle.
Adding to the historical narrative, celebrated author Amish Tripathi, along with S. Krishnan and Dr. Kajari Kamal, led the session “The Mighty Cholas,” shedding light on the legacy and influence of the Chola dynasty.
The day concluded with an inspiring fireside chat by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, leaving the audience motivated and reflective. Overall, the first day of the MaxCity Literature Festival stood out for its rich intellectual engagement and overwhelming public response, setting a promising tone for the days ahead.