Jaipur Literature Festival Unveils Second Speaker Line-Up for Landmark 20th Edition
The festival’s latest announcement brings together award-winning authors, historians, scientists, journalists, artists and public figures for the event scheduled from 14–18 January 2027 in Jaipur.
The Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival has announced its second list of speakers for its 20th edition, which will be held from 14–18 January 2027 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The latest line-up brings together writers, historians, academics, scientists, journalists, artists and public figures from India and around the world, reflecting the festival’s focus on literature, history, science, culture and public dialogue.
Second Speaker Announcement Expands 20th Edition Programme
As the Jaipur Literature Festival marks two decades of literary and cultural exchange, the newly announced speakers add to a programme that spans fiction, poetry, history, archaeology, science, international affairs, wellbeing, food and the arts.
Over the past 20 years, the festival has brought together established and emerging voices from across disciplines and geographies. The latest announcement continues that approach with participants representing diverse fields of expertise and creative practice.
Writers, Historians and Academics Join the Programme
The second speaker list includes Adania Shibli, whose novel Minor Detail was nominated for the National Book Award and the International Booker Prize.
Also joining the programme are Alice Roberts, known for her work in biological anthropology, archaeology and human evolution; Ananya Vajpeyi, whose scholarship explores Indian intellectual history and political thought; Benjamin Moser, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and writer; Caroline Elkins, Harvard professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian; and Claire Messud, whose fiction examines identity, relationships and contemporary life.
The announcement also features Eric Cline, whose research focuses on the ancient Mediterranean and Near East; Gabrielle Rifkind, whose work centres on conflict resolution and international relations; and Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, whose fiction explores Adivasi identity.
Further additions include Makarand Sathe, Mira Seo, Mona Arshi, Neil MacGregor, and Paul Zacharia, whose work spans theatre, classical literature, poetry, art history and fiction.
Science, Public Affairs and Cultural Voices
The programme also brings together speakers from science, healthcare, journalism and public life.
The latest announcement includes Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and cell biologist; Shriram Nene, cardiovascular surgeon and health advocate; Suraj Yengde, author of Caste Matters; Sven Beckert, Harvard historian; Tabish Khair, novelist, poet and critic; and author and linguist Thangjam Hidustani Devi.
Other speakers include Ritu Dalmia, chef and restaurateur; Roxie Nafousi, author and self-development coach; Akshata Murty, whose work includes business, philanthropy and social impact; Mishal Husain, journalist, broadcaster and author; and Vishaka N. Desai, art historian specialising in Asian art, museums and cultural exchange.
Festival Directors Highlight Two Decades of Literary Exchange
Sanjoy K Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, said:
“As we approach the landmark 20th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, we reflect on the extraordinary range of voices, ideas and perspectives that have shaped the Festival over the past two decades. From literature and history, science to philosophy, geopolitics and the arts, these themes have embodied the spirit of curiosity and discovery that lies at the heart of Jaipur Literature Festival. At a time when the world needs platforms for meaningful dialogue more than ever, we remain committed to bringing people and ideas together across disciplines, cultures and intercontinental boundaries, encouraging conversations that challenge assumptions, broaden horizons and remind us of our shared humanity.”
Festival Co-Director William Dalrymple said:
“When we first began the Jaipur Literature Festival, we could hardly have imagined what it would grow into. India has an extraordinary and very ancient tradition of storytelling, intellectual exchange and public debate, and I think the Festival has helped bring that tradition into conversation with the wider world. Over the past two decades, it has been remarkable to see writers, historians and thinkers from across India and the world come together in Jaipur, and to see audiences engage so enthusiastically with books and ideas. As we look towards our 20th edition, what remains exciting is the sense that there are still so many stories to discover, histories to revisit and ideas waiting to be debated.”
Writer, Co-Founder and Co-Director Namita Gokhale added:
“Books are windows to our many worlds. Our 20th edition is open to the winds of change, to fresh ideas, evolving technologies, new ways of seeing, while remaining rooted in the classical and the timeless. Our writers and speakers bring us multicultural perspectives from around the planet. Our landmark edition will also see a special focus on the multilingual Indian literary landscape, with writers from all the major Indian languages joining us for sessions, panels and readings.”
Focus on a Multilingual and Inclusive Literary Landscape
The second speaker announcement reinforces the festival's emphasis on an inclusive literary programme that brings together established traditions alongside new ideas and international perspectives.
The 20th edition will also place additional emphasis on India's multilingual literary landscape, with writers from major Indian languages participating in sessions, panels and readings.
The programme continues the festival's longstanding approach of creating conversations across literature, history, science, culture and contemporary issues while bringing together readers, writers and audiences from different backgrounds.
Event Details
- Event: Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival – 20th Edition
- Dates: 14–18 January 2027
- Venue: Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur