AN EVENING WORTH REMEMBERING

Jaipur: Writer and rapper Sumit Samos was in conversation with celebrated author and politician Shashi Tharoor, and the duo spoke about how BR Ambedkar has been neglected for a very long time in Indian political discourse. Samos discussed the manner in which he is being used and appropriated by parties across the political spectrum and what it means to be an Ambedkarite, citing the need to reconstruct histories from different parts of India and to believe in the autonomy to reclaim histories of the marginalised and build institutions. Tharoor discussed Ambedkar’s impact on women rights, the Constitution and legal mechanisms of India. 

Besides the mind boggling session, Jaipur Music Stage kicked-off its day 1 with dynamic energy and vigour. Running parallel to the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, the musical extravaganza showcased outstanding musical performances by the ultimate fusion band, Pakshee and contemporary electronic music production house, Lifafa.

Talking about their performance, Pakshee said that they were “overjoyed to be playing at Jaipur Literature Festival 2023! It is one of the most sought after festivals and it has been on our list for a while. So it will be an honour for us to perform amidst some of the best artistes and literary minds in the country. We’re going to be playing some of our unreleased music for the first time and can’t wait for the audiences to hear it and show us how they feel.” Sharing his excitement for the festival, Lifafa, aka Suryakant Sawhney said, “Jaipur Literature Festival has finally realised their need for a 21st century psychedelic mehfil.”