Amaravati Literature Festival: SRM University-AP Inaugurated 1st Literature Festival of the State

The Easwari School of Liberal Arts, SRM University-AP, welcomed writers, poets and artists from across the country on the inaugural day of the 1st Amaravati Literature Festival (ALF) 2025 with the tagline Kotha Nagaram, Kotha Sravalu (New City, New Voices). Sahitya Akademi Award Winning Telugu author and poet Volga (P Lalita Kumari) was the Guest of Honour and launched the three-day literature festival celebrating the many voices, ideas, identities and dialogues across literature.

Prof. Vishnupad, Dean of Easwari School of Liberal Arts welcomed all participants emphasising that ALF will give Amaravati its first voice and literary heartbeat. He stated, “Literature provides you with intellectual ability, emotional stability and an ethical orientation to find your own voice. Through ALF we celebrate every voice, every story that shapes society and builds a nation.”

In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor (I/C), Prof. Ch Satish highlighted the significance of literature. He remarked, “History will talk about facts – but what people felt can only be explained through literature. Only a combination of history and literature can describe the culture of the past.” He also shed light on the history of Telugu Literature touching on the Telugu anthology of poems Maha Prasthanam by renowned poet Sri Sri.

In her keynote address, Volga opined the importance of literary festivals stating - “Literature festivals are the true festivals that celebrate the whole country and the whole world – inclusive of all languages, all communities, all races and class.” She highlighted that Indian literature, though written in many languages, is one – it resonates the pain, separation, love, suffering and conveys the singular human story. She further encouraged participants to delve into Telugu literature and world literature to appreciate discourses, inculcate values and become the voice of change.

ALF also featured panel discussions with acclaimed writers and authors such as Mrs P Satyavathi, Ms Manisha Sobhrajani, Mr Pavan Santosh, and Ms Millo Ankha on its first day. Leading feminist writer P Satyavathi shed light on her inspiring journey from a modest village childhood to becoming a strong literary voice for women exploring women’s identity, emotional resilience, and societal expectations. Ms Sobhrajani and Ms Ankha spoke on the intersection of gender and politics, raising ethical questions about portraying women from minority communities.

This was followed by an exclusive session on writing and publishing with Kadali Satyanarayana, renowned Telugu poet whose works reimagined women’s voice in Telugu literature.
The Amaravati Literature Festival is a one-of-a-kind initiative that strives to use literature as a tool to build bridges, catalyse revolutions and nurture empathy. As Amaravati grows in the map, ALF ensures there are enough voices to shape the city. This innovative fest features panel discussion, workshops, interactive sessions, art exhibitions and many more addressing challenging narratives, voices of literatures and understanding across cultures. Easwari School of Liberal Arts, SRM AP will continue to host ALF as an annual event with the motto – “Where no stories are too insignificant, where no voices are too humble.”