The prestigious Mangaluru Lit Fest Award for 2026 will be bestowed upon eminent historian, Rajya Sabha member, and Padma Shri awardee Meenakshi Jain. This announcement was made by the festival's organising body, The Bharath Foundation, ahead of the literary gathering's eighth edition.
A Celebration of the 'Idea of Bharat'
The two-day literary festival, dedicated to promoting the 'Idea of Bharat', is scheduled to be held at the Dr TMA Pai International Convention Centre in Mangaluru. The event will commence on Saturday, marking the festival's entry into its eighth year. It promises a rich intellectual feast with a line-up featuring over 70 thinkers, authors, and experts from various fields.
Honouring a Distinguished Scholar
The decision to honour Meenakshi Jain recognises her significant contributions as a historian and public intellectual. A special interaction session with the awardee has been planned as a key highlight of the festival, allowing attendees to engage with her perspectives and work.
Inauguration and Distinguished Guests
The festival's official inauguration on Saturday will witness the presence of several distinguished personalities. The inaugural gathering is set to include:
- Shatavadhani Dr R Ganesh
- Awardee Meenakshi Jain
- Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta
- Ravi S from the Mythic Society
- Dr Ajakkala Girish Bhat
The Mangaluru Lit Fest continues to solidify its position as a major platform for meaningful dialogue on literature, culture, and civilisational discourse, drawing participants and audiences from across the nation.