Sir,
Literary Festivals are picking up momentum across Indian cities. Kudos to Mysore Literary Association headed by Prof. K.C. Belliappa and Dr. H.S. Shivanna with their dedicated colleagues for bringing Mysuru on the Map of Literary Festivals of our Country. It was a matter of gratification for the book-lovers, in particular, of English novels to attend in full house the other day in the big auditorium (about 800 seating capacity) of Senate Hall in Manasagangothri where the first Mysuru Literary Fest was held. Say, with the earmarking of around 6 to 7 hours (barring the one hour inaugural session), the Fest within that time was held in the real sense satisfying the authors and those who interacted with them besides the large audience who listened to them. It was also an occasion to see the writers of fame in presence. Star of Mysore did a good job of becoming Media Partner so that the interest in the Festival was created by featuring the participating writers in advance which made many readers (I was one among them) to attend it. It is, indeed, the desire of book-lovers that this Festival grows further in all aspects in the coming years annually. A wish: May be in a location with an open sprawling grounds in the midst of nature erecting canopies for the sessions with the writers! By the way, my memory goes back nearly 50 years ago when there was in existence a Literary Union in Mysore which used to meet in a small room above the Town Hall where book-lovers would meet monthly for some literary activities. It was given free by the then City Municipality. I wish some old Mysureans threw more light on this Literary Union.
