• Javed Akhtar captivated the audience at the Alliance Literary Festival with his thought-provoking views on modern masculinity, emphasizing that true anger should challenge systemic power, not oppress the vulnerable.
• The fourth edition of the festival, hosted by Alliance University, Bengaluru, featured over 120 speakers from 25 countries, including notable personalities such as Javed Akhtar, Asako Yuzuki, Anil Kumble, and Sanjay Patel, celebrating Asian culture, literature, and art under the theme The Asian Century.
BENGALURU | February 15, 2025: The fourth edition of the Alliance Literary Festival emerged as a premier platform for intellectual discourse, celebrating the rich literary, artistic, and cultural landscape of Asia. Hosted by Alliance University from February 13-15, the festival revolved around the theme “The Asian Century,” emphasizing Asia’s evolving influence on global narratives.
The festival brought together over 120 thought leaders from 25 countries, including distinguished figures such as Sanjay Patel, Nandan Kamath, Urvashi Butalia, Prayaag Akbar, Arun Yogiraj, Don Palathara, Ravikumar Kashi, Shiv Aroor, Asako Yuzuki, and Rajdeep Sardesai. Discussions spanned Asia’s economic rise, the impact of migration, environmental challenges, the ascent of Asian athletes, and the continent’s role in education, sports, and innovation. This dynamic convergence of minds fostered intellectual exchange, cultural preservation, and meaningful societal transformation.
Among the festival’s standout moments was an electrifying discourse by the celebrated poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, who explored the evolving paradigms of masculinity and the role of anger in societal transformation. He emphasized that righteous indignation should challenge systemic injustices rather than be wielded against the vulnerable. Reflecting on the archetype of the Angry Young Man in cinema, he noted that this figure, often misunderstood, symbolized disillusionment with entrenched inequalities rather than oppression.
“Anyone who is angry with the weaker, the dispossessed that is not anger. That person is a bully, masking insecurities. True anger should be directed toward the powerful, those benefiting from unjust structures. Anger toward the weak is nothing more than cowardly tantrums,” remarked Javed Akhtar. He further examined the shifting portrayals of masculinity in contemporary cinema, warning against entitlement and misplaced aggression replacing genuine struggles. He underscored the role of parenting in shaping gender attitudes and called for a cultural shift that encourages individuals to embrace vulnerability alongside strength.
While addressing the younger generation, Akhtar highlighted the importance of staying relevant in an evolving world: “Relevance is not about rigidly holding onto past wisdom but about embracing evolving perspectives. Openness, curiosity, and adaptability are key. The youth today have a sharper moral and aesthetic compass than we did.”
The festival was inaugurated by Mani Shankar Aiyar, Former Panchayati Raj Minister, who emphasized the indispensable role of dialogue in shaping the 21st century. Sporting legends Anil Kumble and Dr. Anju Bobby George inspired audiences with their compelling narratives of resilience and perseverance.
Blending literary discourse with cultural vibrancy, the festival featured a Chhau dance performance, a semi-classical martial and folk tradition from West Bengal, alongside a Kathak recital by the celebrated artist -Hari. Comedy infused the atmosphere as stand-up artist Shraddha Jain, popularly known as ‘Aiyyo Shraddha’, brought laughter with her witty and engaging act.
Reflecting on the festival’s profound influence, Dr. Anirudh Sridhar, Dean of Thought Leadership at Alliance University, remarked:
“As this dynamic three-day literary confluence draws to a close, we take pride in cultivating a space where diverse voices converge, ideas flourish, and the transformative power of literature ignites minds. The enthusiasm from students and the literary fraternity has been truly heartening, reaffirming the necessity of such platforms in shaping perspectives and fostering creativity.”
Adding to its legacy, the festival also witnessed the launch of “Suburbian,” an avant-garde magazine by Alliance University’s MA (Creative Writing) department, introduced by eminent Japanese authors Asako Yuzuki, Kanako Nishi, and Erika Kobayashi.
With its fusion of literature, culture, and intellect, the Alliance Literary Festival 2025 reaffirmed its standing as a beacon of thought and creativity, championing discourse that shapes the future of Asian identity and global dialogue.
