'Books on the Beach' literature festival in November

Leading writers and thinkers from across India and abroad will participate in the inaugural edition of 'Books on the Beach', a literature festival to be held here in November.

The literature fest, organised by non-profit India Book Foundation under the guidance and patronage of former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor, MP, and supported by Kerala Tourism, will be held at Kovalam from November 10-12.

Besides serving as an annual platform for the best in Indian and world literature, Books on the Beach will over successive editions tap into the city s youthful energy and distinctive charm to promote it as a leading destination for culture and tourism, Tharoor and Dr Venu V, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, told reporters here today.

"Literature has real value. It appeals to a more discerning audience. The Hay Festival of literature and arts here a few years ago was a huge success", Tharoor said.

"It is time we established a durable institution that showcases Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala as a place of ideas and culture. But a lit-fest is not for visitors alone. It will also further energise the already vibrant reading culture in the state," Tharoor said.