The Hindu Lit For Life 2026 Highlights Freedom of Expression and Social Discourse

The Hindu Lit For Life 2026, held in Chennai, featured diverse sessions emphasizing freedom of expression, human rights, and social issues. Speakers highlighted challenges like shrinking democratic spaces, caste and gender inequalities, mental health, and the political use of language. Authors and philosophers discussed translation, diasporic narratives, and personal memoirs, while calls for scientific journalism and cooperative federalism were made. The festival also celebrated literature's role in fostering dialogue, empathy, and societal reflection across generations and cultures.