The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) set the stage for intellectual exchange and cultural celebration as it co-hosted the 2nd edition of the History Literature Festival (HLF). The event, inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Ranade, Vice Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute, brought together history enthusiasts, scholars, and creative minds in a vibrant confluence of ideas.
Dr. Ranade, in his inaugural address, illuminated the institute’s illustrious history and the legacy of influential figures, particularly Gopal Krishna Gokhale. The ceremony paid homage to the groundbreaking work of VM Dandekar and N Rath, pioneers in the systematic estimation of poverty in India. It also echoed Shri Gokhale’s wisdom, emphasizing the importance of observing and understanding the nation with open eyes and ears.
The opening ceremony also announced the upcoming 84th Kale Memorial Lecture on February 16, 2024, featuring Nobel Laureate in Economics 2001, Michael Spence, as the distinguished speaker.
In a gesture of recognition, HLF organizers felicitated Dr. Nanaji Shiwali for his outstanding efforts in digitizing over 30,000 documents at the D. R. Gadgil Library, also known as the Library of the Revolutionary.
The inaugural panel, themed “Cinema and History,” featured renowned speakers, including Mohan Agashe, Nandita Das, Anjum Rajabali, and Vaibhavi Kulkarni as the moderator. The discussion delved into the evolution of cinema and the changing perspectives of the panelists throughout their illustrious careers.
Nandita Das emphasized the screenplay’s significance as the backbone of a film and advocated for independent cinema amidst challenges from established industries. Dr. Agashe shared insights on the role of art and education, urging a shift from passive engagement to active involvement.
The inaugural session concluded with a thought-provoking Q&A session, addressing diverse topics, and setting the tone for the History Literature Festival as a platform for dynamic discussions celebrating the intersection of history and literature.
