What a time we had at the LitFest
Each new one seems like the best.
Each time we filled the Tata Theatre
I’m sure Anil Dharker our creator
Is smiling from up above
Showering us with his love.
The team, Amy and Quasar
Have brought us all very far.
A session with Science and Art
Right at the very start
To explore Truth and Trust.
Conspiracy theories can bust
Confidence in what is right.
How indeed should we fight?
Venki our scientist is bent
On performing a proper experiment.
Shehan joked that fiction’s a lie
But all the same he likes to try
To let the readers themselves explore
And not put his own thoughts at the fore.
For Christian logical science has its place.
But with strong emotions it’s a different space.
Truth of course is always best
But not everything can be put to the test.
Tarini Mohan showed true grit!
Everyone around did their bit.
Preetham shared what he went through
We got many insights that were new.
No matter what the hurt or pain
Through inclusion there’s much to gain!
And then we went to applaud
The winner of the Poet Laureate award.
He mixes the surreal with ancient tradition
And weaves an elegant transition
Some global thought with Bharti roots
Spring forth glorious shoots.
He joked that laurel leaves would seem
No quite as apt as limdo or neem!
And then we had the Great Debate
Of the Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai fate.
Of all the ups as well as downs
That rare smile and many frowns!
The audience finally voted nay
But with the great ideas could we find a way
For India and China to reach accommodation
The first and second most populous nation!
With the help of Tharoor and Chandrachud
Our Constitution was well understood.
The entertaining discussion covered a wide range,
Including how to bring about change.
When parliament couldn’t succeed
Sometimes the court could take the lead.
“The Good Life” warmed our heart.
The Hamied family played a major part.
Soha and Jim read very well
But Jerry held us under a spell.
At each question he would pace on the stage
As though he was released from a cage.
Vigorously he would elucidate
His performance was truly great.
Faye’s questions helped to achieve the goal.
But Jerry’s exuberance made her doubt her role.
Not only should we alleviate pain
But a normal life is the real gain
That with every patient we should share
That is the true purpose of palliative care.
18 short stories in one book.
And in it when we take a look
Mumbai suddenly comes alive.
The session was full of verve and drive.
Literature Live can enthrall.
Everyone enjoyed it all.
Literature Live can enthrall.
For this great team let us cheer
They’ll reach new heights again next year!
