Literary festivals true celebration of humanity, says writer Volga

Telugu writer and poet Popuri Lalita Kumari, known by her pen name Volga, on Wednesday (October 22) said literary festivals are the true celebration of humanity, embracing all languages, communities, races and classes.

Speaking at the inaugural of Amaravati Literature Festival (ALF) 2025, organised by the Easwari School of Liberal Arts, SRM University-AP, the recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award said: “Indian literature, though written in many tongues, speaks a single story of human experience, of love, pain and resilience”. She encouraged the participants to explore both Telugu and world literature to foster empathy, values and the spirit of change.

The three-day event, organised with the tagline Kotha Nagaram, Kotha Swaralu (New City, New Voices) brought together writers, poets and artists from across the country to celebrate diverse ideas, identities and dialogues in literature.

Dean of the Easwari School of Liberal Arts Vishnupad said: “Literature equips us with intellectual depth, emotional balance and ethical orientation to discover our own voice.”

In charge Vice-Chancellor Ch. Satish reflected on the importance of literature in preserving history. “History records facts, but only literature can express what people felt,” he remarked, adding: “Together, history and literature capture the true essence of culture.”

In the panel discussions, writer P. Satyavathi shared her inspiring journey from a modest village upbringing to becoming a powerful literary voice for women, exploring themes of identity, resilience and social expectation. Manisha Sobhrajani and Millo Ankha discussed the intersection of gender and politics, while Kadali Satyanarayana led a session on writing and publishing, highlighting the evolution of women’s voices in Telugu literature.

The Easwari School of Liberal Arts announced that the *Amaravati Literature Festival will be an annual event.