India and Europe get together for an evening to celebrate the Long Night of LiteratureS

Oxford Bookstore in association with The Long Night of Literatures hosted a literary forum at the Embassy of the Czech Republic with eminent authors and publishers from Europe and India on Friday, September 21.

What

This specially curated literary forum titled “Pages That Connect: Literary Influences and Contemporary Dialogues between Europe and India” featured a diverse mix of speakers:

• Julia von Lucadou, author from Germany;
• Susana Moreira Marques, writer and journalist from Portugal;
• Elisa Levi, author from Spain; Saikat Majumdar, novelist and academic from India;
• Vineet Gill, author from India, and
• Elizabeth Kuruvilla, associate publisher, Penguin Random House India, who also moderated the session.

The panel engaged in a comprehensive discussion surrounding the expansive topic of world literature. They explored its profound impact and influence on various literary traditions and styles, as well as delved into the concept of universality in language.

Additionally, the panel also addressed the cultural resistances that may arise in response to the idea of world literature.

Cross-cultural dialogue in focus

The conversation highlighted the importance of cross-cultural dialogue, artistic expressions, and philosophical engagements in shaping and enriching the literary landscape of both India and Europe.

Panellists shared their personal experiences, expressing how writers from diverse cultures and their appreciation for the interconnectedness of literature have inspired them across borders.

Long Night of LiteratureS

This special evening was hosted to connect the literary and publishing fraternity from India to the European delegation of Long Night of LiteratureS. The literacy extravaganza, The Long Night of LiteratureS, is hosting writers from all over Europe this year. 

• The names include authors like Attila Bartis (Hungary), Bianca Bellová (The Czech Republic), Bikash Dihingia (UK), Boštjan Videmšek (Slovenia), Clarence Boulay (France), Elisa Levi (Spain), Harald Darer (Austria), Hari N. Spanou (EU Delegation), Julia von Lucadou (Germany), Katja Brunner (Switzerland), Susana Moreira Marques (Portugal), Żanna Słoniowska (Ukraine) and Zygmunt Miłoszewski (Poland).
• The Long Night of Literatures is a joint event of Alliance Francaise de Delhi, Institut Francais en Inde, Pro Helvetia New Delhi, Embassy of Switzerland, Instituto Cervantes New Delhi, Goethe-Institut/ Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi, Ukraine Cultural Institute, Polish Institute New Delhi, Camões-Portuguese Embassy Cultural Centre, Austrian Cultural Forum, Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre Delhi, Embassy of Czech Republic, Embassy of Ireland, British Council, EU Delegation in India, Embassy of Slovenia.