Millenials can change the world using art: Under 25 Lit Fest

Sunday afternoon was spent with poetry, literature and music at the second edition of the Under25 Lit Fest at CoWrks, Old Madras Road.

In a panel discussion on whether fiction was inborn, Kannada writer Vasudhendra said “Every one has many dots in their life, like a rangoli, to connect and make a story. Some have more dots and others have fewer.” Vasudhendra said that though he prefers to self-publish his books now, with his first book he did not have a choice because no publisher was interested. Authors Shinie Antony, Madhavi Mahadevan, and Jahnavi Barua also took part in the discussion.

In another session, author Preeti Shenoy gave the audience an insight into ‘The Bestseller Code’ which makes her a successful writer.  “The quality that a bestseller is always different for every book but the essential thing is that people should be able to connect to it,” Preeti said. She is currently working on her ninth book and announced to her readers that it would be out by the end of October.

Aranya Johar, the 18-year-old slam poet who shot to fame for her Youtube video ‘A Brown Girl’s to Gender’ spoke to her peers about embracing the ‘millennial’ tag. “The media says that we are ignorant and self-involved but I see many people who are bringing about change through art and music,” she said. Aranya urged youngsters to be aware that they are privileged to have access to technology and the internet. “We should use this privilege to educate ourselves on different issues in our country and the world. Use it to help those who don’t have a voice,” she said.

Veteran politician Margaret Alva spoke about the importance of courage and commitment in today’s world to the eager audience of mostly college students. She inspired them with the message that they should take a stance on issues and make sure that the nation keeps moving forward.

Technology is certainly a great tool but do not depend too much on it, she said as she warned youngsters not to become lazy because of the convenience.

DH News Service