From Gandhi drawing strength from the Bhagavad Gita to Abraham Lincoln shaping his ideals through Shakespeare and the Bible, history’s greatest leaders were also devoted readers. Books have always been more than companions; they are guides that nurture empathy, sharpen imagination, and inspire courage. Stories don’t just entertain — they shape the way we think and act, connecting generations through shared ideas.
Stories once again took centre stage as the ninth edition of the Neev Literature Festival (NLF) unfolded on September 20–21, 2025, at the Neev Academy campus in Yemalur. Celebrating the theme “Stories Make Us Human,” the festival welcomed children, parents, and educators to two days of books, conversations, performances, and workshops. Entry remained free and open to all.
This year’s festival drew over 5,000 visitors — surpassing last year’s 4,000 attendees — and offered 134 sessions with 80 delegates, alongside a curated marketplace of 2,000+ children’s titles. The event featured book launches, signings, interactive workshops, the Neev Book Award, and a lively books-based quiz.
Global and Indian voices
The international line-up included Uma Krishnaswami, who returned with two new works after her much-loved Book Uncle and Me; Emily Drabble from BookTrust, UK; Carnegie Medal winner Anthony McGowan; critic and author Sam Leith; graphic novelist Vera Brosgol; illustrator LeUyen Pham; Newbery Honor authors Veera Hiranandani and Rajani LaRocca; science writer and podcast host Sam Kean; and New York Times bestselling author Pablo Cartaya.
Indian authors and illustrators such as Poile Sengupta, Paro Anand, Devika Rangachari, Anushka Ravishankar, Shabnam Minwalla, and Ashok Rajagopalan added their voices to the vibrant line-up.
Highlights that sparked ideas
Sessions ranged from Sam Kean and Jahnavi Phalkey’s conversation on science in everyday life to Anthony McGowan and Pablo Cartaya’s discussion on writing for boys. Veera Hiranandani explored the use of second-person narrative, while Devika Cariapa examined AI’s role in archaeology.
Engagement across ages
The 2025 edition introduced a new segment for 15–18 year-olds, expanded masterclasses for adults, and hands-on workshops for younger groups. Children also immersed themselves in theatrical performances and storytelling by Goshtarang, a theatre group from Maharashtra.
As the curtains closed on NLF 2025, participants left with fresh ideas, signed books, and the reminder that stories continue to make us human.