Nagpur: After a particularly well-received debut last year, the Orange City Literature Festival (OCLF) is back with its second edition — this time in a virtual avatar.
The three-day festival organized by SGR Knowledge Foundation will commence on November 27, presenting a delectable array of themes and speakers. The pandemic has forced organizers to go digital, which they are treating as an opportunity rather than an impediment.
Speakers from Australia, USA and Nepal, who are “out of reach” otherwise will be participating this time thanks to the Internet, says Mrunal Naik, OCLF project head. “Enthusiasts from any part of the country or the world can join without thinking twice. All they need is a mobile, laptop or tablet,” adds project adviser Shruti Dhadda.
The challenges will also be different, not the least of which is getting middle-aged and elderly bibliophiles on board. “The older generation are not as conversant with technology as their younger counterparts, which makes it harder for them to come to terms with an online lit fest,” Dhadda points out.
The team is leveraging social media to bridge that gap. “Apart from reaching out to them through Facebook (which they are more attuned to), we have also tried to make the user interface and registration process very simple, so that all their hesitation dissipates with the click of a button,” says Dhadda.
With the likes of politician Salman Khurshid, venerated classical dancer Sonal Mansingh and senior journalist Prabhu Chawla among the speaker list, the audience has much to look forward to. The morning sessions have been curated especially for students and parents, and blogging, art competitions have been incorporated to ensure there’s something for everybody.
As with any event, says Naik, OCLF 2020’s success hinges on public participation. “Though we have received support from all quarters, eventually it boils down to how the city’s people take to it. We have kept registration free and scheduled it on a weekend, giving them all the more reason to join,” she adds.
OCLF founder Sunil Raisoni chimes in, “We hope the organizing team’s ardent efforts are rewarded with promising viewership numbers.”