Thiruvananthapuram: The historic Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram will play host to the highly anticipated Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2025 (MBIFL’25) from February 6 to 9. Now in its sixth edition, the festival promises to be a vibrant confluence of literature, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring narratives, with a range of sessions led by notable figures from various fields.

The alchemy of victory: Stories of resilience

Some individuals rise above adversity, transforming struggles into success. The session titled ‘The Alchemy of Victory’ will feature ADGP P. Vijayan and Indian football legend I. M. Vijayan, both symbols of perseverance. Their stories of overcoming challenges and achieving greatness are bound to inspire the younger generation, offering valuable lessons in resilience and determination.

New viruses, new health crises: Navigating emerging threats

As the world faces evolving health threats, the panel discussion on ‘New Viruses, New Health Crises’ will delve into the latest medical challenges. Dr. V. Ramankutty, Dr. Arvind Raghukumar, and Dr. Jyothi Mohan will explore the implications of emerging viral diseases and the strategies needed to combat them effectively.

Malayalis in the startup ecosystem

Startups are transforming Kerala’s socio-economic landscape. In the session ‘Malayali Life in the Startup Ecosystem,’ entrepreneurs Joy Sebastian, Manas Madhu, and Anoop Ambika will share their experiences in the world of innovation and business, discussing how the startup culture is reshaping life in Kerala.

Rethinking death: Perspectives across time

The concept of death is understood differently across cultures and ages. In the thought-provoking session ‘Rethinking Death,’ Dr. M.R. Rajagopal, Dr. K. Suresh Kumar, and Rafeek Ahmed will explore death from philosophical, medical, and cultural perspectives, offering a deeper understanding of this universal reality.

Solo as YOLO: Tales of the lone travellers

Solo travel offers unique experiences of self-discovery. Saniya Ayyappan, C.K. Vineeth, and Backpacker Arunima will share their personal stories in the session ‘Yatrayil Taniye,’ discussing how travelling alone has shaped their lives and led to remarkable discoveries.

Cinema’s new voices: Forging unique paths

A new wave of filmmakers is revolutionising Malayalam cinema. Senna Hegde, Jithin Lal, and M.C. Jithin will share their creative journeys in the session ‘Cinema’s New Voices,’ discussing the challenges they face and their innovative approaches to storytelling.

Is poetry defined by meter? An age-old debate

The role of meter in poetry has been debated for centuries. The session ‘Chandas: The Soul of Poetry’ will feature discussions by literary icons K Jayakumar, Prabhavarma, VP Joy, and Alankode Leelakrishnan on whether poetic structure is essential to its essence or if poetry can transcend traditional metrical constraints.

A Literary Feast Awaits

With a diverse array of topics including literature, health, cinema, entrepreneurship, philosophy, and poetry, MBIFL’25 promises to be an enriching experience for thinkers, book lovers, and creative minds. As the festival unfolds, attendees can expect engaging discussions, inspiring stories, and a vibrant celebration of ideas and the written word.

MBIFL’25 will be inaugurated by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and will conclude with a ceremony presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This vibrant festival promises to be a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue.

To register and find out more, visit MBIFL website.