It was a profound honour to have been a part of Unmesha: International Literature Festival 2025, organised by Sahitya Akademi under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Bihar. Held in the historic city of Patna from September 25–28, 2025, Unmesha, in its third edition, truly lived up to its reputation as Asia’s largest literature festival — bringing together over 550 eminent writers and scholars, including tribal voices and international participants, representing more than 100 languages across 90 enlightening sessions.

I had the privilege of being invited as a speaker in the session on Authors, Publishers, and Copyright Issues, a topic that sits at the core of my work and passion. During the session, I shared insights on the Indian publishing ecosystem from a global perspective — emphasising the indispensable role of books in nation-building, the transformative power of publishers as cultural enablers, and the depth and diversity of Indian languages, which continue to be a source of global admiration.

I also addressed the evolving landscape of publishing, particularly the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies. The conversation sparked immense interest, especially around how AI is reshaping content creation, distribution, and rights management. It was encouraging to see the audience — including young writers, academics, and policymakers — engage actively with these critical future-facing conversations.

What made Unmesha truly special was its spirit — a celebration of not just literature, but identity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. From powerful multilingual poetry sessions and dialogues on literature from marginalized communities to discussions on translation, publishing rights, and the role of technology, the festival stood as a reminder of India’s unparalleled linguistic and literary wealth.

Events like these reaffirm my belief that literature is far more than a creative pursuit — it is a force that unites cultures, provokes thought, and shapes the conscience of society. In today’s fast-changing world, it is more important than ever to protect authors’ rights, empower publishers, and build frameworks that support the future of knowledge and creativity.

I am deeply grateful to Sahitya Akademi, Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, and the Ministry of Culture for this remarkable opportunity. Unmesha was more than an event — it was a movement of voices, ideas, and imagination. I return with renewed commitment to champion the future of Indian publishing, language heritage, and intellectual freedom — with greater purpose than ever before.