The intellectual landscape of Gujarat is set for a significant boost as the Surat Literature Festival (SLF) announces its fourth edition. The festival will be held from January 9 to 11, 2026, at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) campus. This event continues its mission to decentralize India's intellectual discourse and foster meaningful public dialogue beyond the major metropolitan hubs.
A Grander and More Structured Literary Celebration
The 2026 edition promises to be the most expansive yet, featuring a meticulously planned three-day program built around thematic sessions. The organizers have curated a diverse lineup of speakers to stimulate conversations across various fields. The confirmed list of luminaries includes spiritual leader Swami Paramatmanand, author Bhagyesh Jha, security experts Major Gen Shashi Asthana and Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, academics Dr B K Das and Dr G K Goswami, orator Dushyanth Sridhar, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, along with acclaimed actor Pratik Gandhi and noted filmmaker Sudipto Sen.
The final day of the festival will sharpen its focus on critical societal pillars, with dedicated sessions exploring topics related to women, politics, and education. In a major highlight for theatre enthusiasts, actor Pratik Gandhi will perform in the play 'Hu Chandrakant Bakshi' on January 10. The festival will also be a vibrant showcase of India's performing arts, featuring cultural performances like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Yakshagana, Kalaripayattu, and Tamasha by artists from across the nation.
Bridging Science and Art: Campus Biodiversity Workshop
In a parallel initiative that complements the festival's spirit of learning, VNSGU's department of biosciences and department of fine arts inaugurated a five-day hands-on workshop on Tuesday. Titled "Capturing Campus Biodiversity: Hands-on Photography and Digitalisation Training," the workshop is organized under the PM-USHA MERU Soft Component.
The core objective of this unique workshop is to bridge the gap between scientific observation and digital artistry. It is designed to enhance participants' scientific temperament while equipping them with modern digital outreach skills. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by VNSGU vice-chancellor Kishorsinh N Chavda and attended by event convener Kailash P Patel and co-convener Ankit M Changawala.
Workshop Curriculum and Foundation
The first day of the biodiversity workshop set a strong technical foundation for the participants. It featured expert-led sessions covering a wide range of practical skills essential for nature documentation. Key areas of focus included:
- Microscopy techniques for capturing minute organisms.
- Bird photography essentials for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Macro imaging to reveal intricate details of flora and fauna.
- Core principles of camera composition for impactful imagery.
This foundational knowledge will prepare attendees for the advanced, practical sessions scheduled over the remaining four days of the workshop.
The concurrent hosting of the Surat Literature Festival and the specialized biodiversity workshop underscores VNSGU's commitment to becoming a multidisciplinary center for knowledge, creativity, and public engagement. It marks a significant moment for Surat, positioning the city firmly on the map of India's evolving intellectual and cultural calendar.
