Turning Dreams into Tangible Memories
What happens when a lifelong book lover meets their literary heroes in the flesh? Let me take you on a journey through a weekend that felt like a dream come true.
Welcome, fellow wanderers,
It has been not too long since I started the habit of reading. Precisely since I turned 10, I have been a fanatic of the written word, and recently of the spoken word too. On January 18, 2025, I attended an event organized by The Hindu Group since 2014 – Lit for Life Festival. As an avid reader and literature enthusiast, it was definitely a dream come true.
The Hindu Group curated the event with utmost care and love. At the Festival, there were various speakers who were simply stunning with their views, books, and other presentations. The festival has become a huge hit among book lovers and bookstagrammers. From the inauguration to the end of the event, the venue was alive with games and food stalls for attendees to enjoy every moment, whether they were listening to their favorite authors speak or exploring the many delightful offerings. Workshops to nurture a love for literary arts, an art exhibition by Imprint, and book signings added even more layers of charm to the festival.
Why This Post Matters
As a lifelong lover of languages and a wandering trader of words, my journey into literary arts has been nothing short of magical. Immersing myself in Indian literature inevitably led me to discover the profound works of Dr. Shashi Tharoor. His eloquence, wit, and mastery of language have earned him the title of “Emperor of the Wonderland of Words” in my eyes. To my delight, Dr. Tharoor was a prominent presence at the festival, a testament to his enduring commitment to the literary world.
Among the highlights of the festival was the opportunity to hear Dr. Abraham Varghese’s inspiring talk on “Writing as a Form of Self-Discovery.” His words resonated deeply, emphasizing how writing serves as a mirror to our innermost thoughts and aspirations. Additionally, Jenny Erpenbeck and Michael Hofmann’s discussion on their book Kairos offered fresh perspectives on storytelling and human relationships. Nirmala Lakshman’s exploration of her book, The Tamils, coupled with Anitha Rathinam’s insights, provided an enriching understanding of cultural and literary heritage.
A Dream Fulfilled
The pinnacle of my festival experience came on the second day when I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Dr. Shashi Tharoor during a book signing session. Alongside Francesc Miralles, the acclaimed author of Ikigai and The Four Purusharthas, Dr. Tharoor graciously interacted with fans and readers. Handing him a copy of my book, Verses and Caffeine, was a surreal and unforgettable moment. Capturing this moment with a photograph felt like a personal milestone, a memory etched in my heart forever.
The first day of the festival was equally eventful. I shared copies of my book with various individuals, including a talented artist and the esteemed filmmaker Rajiv Menon. Additionally, I contributed to The Hindu Mobile Library by donating a copy of my work, aligning with their noble mission of spreading literary love. These interactions not only amplified my joy but also reaffirmed my belief in the power of words to connect people.
Connections Across Generations
In the process, I made more than a couple of new friends, each with a difference of a decade between us. Though there are many men, women, and people that are literary artists, Dr. Shashi Tharoor is the only literary legend who can help individuals connect across generations. Yes, there are many other legends, but he is a living one, as a fanatic might say. His eloquence and his presence of mind to deliver sharp wit and insights with subtlety are unparalleled.
As I walked away from the event, I realized how much I’ve grown. The kid who loved words has now become an adult who loves weaving them into puns, stories, and art to have fun. My weekend among literary legends wasn’t just a dream come true; it was a testament to the power of following one’s passion.
Where to Find My Book
Don’t just take my word for it—grab your copy of Verses and Caffeine today!
You can purchase Verses and Caffeine in both paperback and hardbound formats. Here’s where you can find it:
- Paperback: Available online and at select stores in Chennai:
- Poongodi Pathippagam (பூங்கொடி பதிப்பகம்) – Subbi Chetty Complex, TVR, 14, Chitrakulam W St, near PK Mahal, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004.
- Kamal Stores – No 3, Mosque Complex, Lattice Bridge Rd, near Adyar, Shastri Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020.
- Odyssey – No. 45 & 47, Seethammal Extension 1st Main Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020.
- Hardbound: Available exclusively online.
Meet Me in Person
I will be at Semmozhi Poonga on February 2, 2025, signing books and connecting with readers. You can purchase a signed copy of Verses and Caffeine at a discounted price. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet other authors and artists showcasing their work. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of artistic celebration!
This weekend reaffirmed my belief in the power of dreams. Meeting my heroes, sharing my work, and engaging with such an inspiring community has left me energized and hopeful. To all my fellow dreamers: Keep chasing your passions, for you never know when your dreams will come true.
- Explore my journey and more at Wise Witch Caverns Blog.
- Grab your copy of Verses and Caffeine today and experience the magic of poetry firsthand!
- Subscribe to my blog for updates on my literary adventures, upcoming events, and exclusive content.
Let’s celebrate the love for words, together.
Have you ever attended a literature festival? Which author would you love to meet?
Wise Witch Caverns 