Bhubaneswar: Literature triumphs when politics fails, said senior Congress leader, Thiruvananthapuram MP, and noted author Shashi Tharoor, emphasising the power of literature in shaping society.
Speaking on the second day of the 11th Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) 2025 Saturday, Tharoor highlighted the role of writers in fostering change and preserving democratic values. During a conversation with senior journalist Satish Padmanabhan, Tharoor cited an exchange between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, stating, “When society stops responding, writers step in to bring transformation.”
Addressing growing political polarisation, he remarked, “A suffocated literary space reflects the state of society. We are at a point where nothing new is expected.” On India’s foreign policy, he acknowledged the government’s balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Prime Minister Modi displayed political acumen and restraint in maintaining diplomatic equilibrium,” he noted. He also praised Kerala’s pro-business policies, clarifying that recognising good governance should go beyond political lines. Regarding his future in politics, Tharoor left the doors open, saying, “Options are always available—not just within politics, but also in literature and other pursuits.”
The KLF 2025 was inaugurated by Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna, Princess Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, and writer Jatindra Nayak. The festival also featured discussions on Travancore’s cultural heritage.
PNN
