The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor of REVA University. The distinguished guests included Jogi, Writer and Senior Journalist; Suchendra Prasad, Indian Actor and Director; Bhavana Belagare, Editor, Author and Senior Journalist; and Mahesha Araballi, Writer and Senior Engineering Manager, Infosys Limited. Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar, REVA University, welcomed the gathering.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Shyama Raju said that REVA University's vision extends beyond awarding degrees to creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond conventional classrooms. He emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary education and providing students with opportunities to explore different fields of knowledge.
“At REVA, we believe in not just giving degrees but imparting multidisciplinary education and encouraging students to learn beyond the classroom. The first chapter of REVA Literature Festival is a reflection of this belief. Such platforms provide opportunities for students to explore ideas, engage with different perspectives and discover the world through literature and the arts,” he said.
A significant highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the release of two books authored by the late writer and journalist Ravi Belagere. His daughter, Bhavana Belagare, joined the dignitaries in unveiling the books, titled O Manase and Raj The Show Man.
Speaking about her father's legacy, Bhavana Belagare said, “Everything about my father is an inspiration. Reading is as much an experience as it is a joy.” Recalling how creativity, arts and culture were integral to their everyday lives, she stressed the importance of incorporating these values into daily life.
Reflecting on the influence of books and Ravi Belagere's literary legacy, Suchendra Prasad highlighted the transformative power of reading. He said books should create an extraordinary experience for the mind, particularly among students and young people, and encouraged the younger generation to approach reading as an enriching and immersive experience.
Speaking about the role of art and creativity, Jogi pointed out that the festival itself began with a dance performance, highlighting the importance of art in human life. “Everything should begin with art. If you live just for the sake of living, life becomes dry. Art brings happiness and peace,” he said. He also emphasised that creativity, music and the arts should become an integral part of the learning process.
Addressing the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence, Mahesha Araballi observed that chatbots may provide summaries of novels but cannot replicate the actual experience of reading or the depth of original thought. He noted that life was increasingly becoming mechanical and underlined the importance of learning through personal experiences, creativity and unconventional thinking.
He added that literature festivals play an important role in encouraging people to step away from routine and explore new perspectives. Motivating students to develop a reading habit, Araballi said, “The best time to start reading is now. It is not about reading the best, but about making reading a habit.” He urged young people not to postpone reading and to make it a regular part of their lives.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. M. Dhanamjaya spoke about the significance of literature festivals and REVA University's efforts to celebrate the power of words and expression. “REVA Literature Festival provides a platform for students and literary enthusiasts to engage with diverse voices, appreciate the richness of literature and discover the joy of reading,” he said.
The two-day festival, scheduled for October 30 and 31, features panel discussions, author interactions, book talks, masterclasses, poetry sessions, open mic performances, a book fair and theatrical presentations. It also brings Kannada theatre to the REVA campus through performances by Ninasam Theatre as part of the Ninasam Tour 2026.
The theatrical programme includes Paduka Kireeti, directed by Manju Kodagu, on October 31, and Kola, directed by Manju Kasaragodu, on November 1. The performances offer audiences an opportunity to experience Kannada theatre and its cultural narratives.
The festival also recognised academic achievement through the Prathibha Puraskara, presented to students from Government School, Doddaballapura, Government School, Jakkur, and REVA PU Colleges at Kattigenahalli, Ganga Nagar and Sanjay Nagar. The students were honoured for their outstanding academic performance and exceptional marks.
With literary discussions, book releases, creative performances and recognition of academic excellence forming part of its programme, REVA Literature Festival's first edition brings together diverse voices and provides students and literary enthusiasts with a platform to engage with literature, arts and culture.
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