At Symbiosis, we believe that education is a continuous and holistic journey that extends beyond the classroom. We actively create platforms that enhance the teaching and learning experience, allowing students to explore new realms of knowledge. Throughout the year, various events are organized across our campuses, all managed by students who handle everything from finances to securing speakers, ensuring that both the Symbiosis community and the wider audience benefit from these initiatives.
One of our most successful events is the Symbiosis Literary Festival, which we launched five years ago. I’ve always admired the Jaipur Literary Festival and longed to participate, but as a medical student, I couldn’t spare the time to attend. However, I kept up with its happenings from afar.
Inspired by my experiences at B J Medical College, where we had a vibrant ‘Arts Circle’ that engaged students in the performing arts, I felt a strong desire to establish a similar literary festival at Symbiosis. Many of the stalwarts who emerged from B J Medical College, including notable figures like Satish Alekar, Mohan Agashe, Jabbar Patel and Shriram lagoo were not only accomplished doctors but also talented performers. Their duality inspired my belief that engagement with the arts is essential for personal growth.
The Symbiosis Literary Festival, with its tagline ‘Conversations that Matter,’ aims to foster discussions across a range of topics and perspectives. Contrary to the idea that literary festivals are solely about authors discussing their works, we strive to create enriching conversations that engage diverse audiences.
This year, the festival took place over the weekend of October 5th and 6th, centered around the theme ‘One World, Many Stories.’ It kicked off beautifully with students reciting poems in multiple languages, including a particularly moving piece by Gulzar titled “Kitaab.” As an avid reader, I found this poem especially resonant, reflecting my own passion for literature, even though my busy schedule limits my reading time. I make a point to read during my travels, surrounded by my extensive collection of books at home.
I prefer physical books over digital formats like Kindle, as I love the tactile experience of reading—turning pages and discovering hidden treasures like dried flowers within. My father, Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, is also an enthusiastic reader, and I often buy two copies of any book for us, as I cherish my personal collection. I love to underline passages that resonate with me, often returning to them for deeper reflection.
I believe that literature is crucial for students of all disciplines, whether they are in medicine, health sciences, or engineering. It should not be confined to the liberal arts or humanities; rather, it forms a strong foundation for knowledge and character development that is valuable in all areas of life.
Prominent literary festivals like the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the PEN World Voices Festival exemplify the global appreciation for literature. Similarly, the Jaipur Literary Festival and Kerala Literary Festival are popular in India. The Symbiosis Literary Festival is also gaining traction, attracting a youthful audience and nurturing a love for literature that cultivates thoughtful and mature individuals.