The four-day Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters came to an end on Sunday evening. With numerous sessions perfectly handled by over 400 delegates from around the world, ranging from literature to art, culture, cinema, and food, the festival was a grand success.

Understanding various cultures and identities and exploring plurality is something that the MBIFL 2024 witnessed in the last four days. 

The valedictory function was presided over by notable historian and writer Ramachandra Guha along with Mathrubhumi Managing Director, M.V Shreyams Kumar, Managing Editor P.V Chandran, Public Relations Vice President P.V Mini, author Sabin Iqbal, and Mathrubhumi Director-Digital Business Mayura Shreyams Kumar on the dais.

MBIFL curator P. K. Rajasekharan delivered the welcome address. Renowned singer M Jayachandran and lyricist B.K.Harinarayanan composed a song for ‘Ka’ (MBIFL) and performed it at the valedictory function.  

In his presidential address, P.V Chandran highlighted the legacy of Mathrubhumi which has always encouraged writing and writers, and how MBIFL is an extension of this. It's not just intellectuals who came but people from around the shared their emotions and ideas, he said.

Ramachandra Guha began the inaugural address by reminiscing about his first visit to Kerala and being shocked by the simplicity of the people. He commented on how there is an organic connection between the intellectuals and ordinary people in Kerala. MBIFL is a manifestation of the cultural and literary tradition of Kerala. It showcased diversity at its best, Guha remarked. 

M.V Shreyams Kumar pointed out how all the speakers were impressed by the discerning audience and that this was the victory of the festival, that it portrayed a positive picture of Kerala to the authors of the world. He remarked how a space to discuss varied thoughts and emotions was the need of the hour and that MBIFL was successful in creating the same. 

He announced the Mathrubhumi Book of the Year Award to Devika Rege for her book, ‘Quarterlife: A Novel'. She expressed gratitude and said how the theme of the festival, Exploring plurality was an apt one given the growing intolerance around us, she added. Devika was also awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.

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Devika Rege receives Mathrubhumi Book of the Year Award

“Inclusivity may not come naturally. The theme 'Exploring Plurality' was a conscious choice. We need to understand the different universes and at the same time not compromise on facts or truth. It is about the freedom of choice. Truth, equality liberty is Mathrubhumi's foundation and we stand by it” Mayura said while thanking the audience, speakers, and communities who came together to make the festival a huge success.

P.V Mini proposed the vote of thanks with the hope that the audience will return once again next year.