Hinduism Meets Quantum Physics at the Kumbh of Literature

The second day of the 12th edition of the world's largest literature festival has begun and the sun is shining, weather is sweet, make you want to move your dancing feet (copyright: Bob Marley).

Nasreen Munni Kabir began today's first session with Gulzar on 'Jiya Jale: Stories Behind The Songs.'

Basically, big words from bigger authors have taken the stage at the world's biggest literature festival. Or as someone who has never read a book would say, "It's going to be huge". We'll be bringing you the highlights and low points of the 'Kumbh of Literature' as and when they happen.

Nasreen Munni Kabir begins today's first session with Gulzar on 'Jiya Jale: Stories Behind The Songs.' Another interesting session that is happening simultaneously at Charbagh is on Adi Shankaracharya, Hinduism's greatest thinker, in which Pavan K Varma is in conversation with Malashri Lal.

Here’s what the second day of the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’ has in store for you. Tune in to @ZEEJLF and catch all these exciting panel sessions and others live on Twitter! #ZEEJLF2019 pic.twitter.com/ufUuWQTfVl
— ZEE Jaipur Lit Fest (@ZEEJLF) January 25, 2019

Gulzar on writer's block: " What is writer's block? Has a life, day and night, stopped brushing you. It cannot be that life stops stretching you. Life has just given you a pause, use it well. It also means you are bored with your own writing."

Markus Zusak, an author of The Book Thief, took the stage at Samvad in Diggi Palace to talk about 'Searching for Miracles'. People flocked to the venue with all the seats being taken, and there is no room to stand. Young Adult fiction fans lined up for selfies with the best-selling author.

And it begins! Markus Zusak in conversation with @JohnZubrzycki!

Head over to Samvad @ZEEJLF #ZEEJLF2019 pic.twitter.com/iMVv54eunw
— Pan Macmillan India (@PanMacIndia) January 25, 2019

Markus Zusak on writing: "Every book needs one little piece of luck. Writing to me is like climbing up a mountain with the promise of a sand pit on the top."

Full house at @ZEEJLF to hear lively storytelling from @JohnZubrzycki and #MarkusZusak, presented by @AusHCIndia #ZEEJLF2019 #AustraliaFest 🇦🇺🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/W8P0KaRfFb
— Tony Huber (@AusCG_Mumbai) January 25, 2019

Harsh Mander on Right to Know: "We are looking at governments not only holding back information but also transmitting false information. Speaking out the truth has always been unpopular in India but there has always been space. We are rapidly closing those places. Trying to share and the right to know in this oppressive environment has become extremely dangerous especially with terms like Urban Naxals and 5 star NGOs doing the rounds."

A session on 'Right to Know' by Harsh Mander and Aruna Roy is taking place at Baithak in Diggi Palace. "We have to hold the government accountable not only for corruption but lot more", says Mander.