European writers on tour in India

As part of the cultural relations between the European Union and India, which – among others – promotes literary exchanges, three European authors participated at the Pune International Literary Festival and the Long Night of LiteratureS festival in New Delhi. Jan Carson (Ireland/UK), Marta Dzido (Poland) and Çiler İlhan (Turkey) took part in a series of side events in both cities during their tour.

Their participation came after the successful participation of other European Union Prize for Literature laureates at the New Delhi World Book Fair, the European Literature Festival in Tokyo and to the Writing Residency in Okinawa.

The three authors represented the diversity of European literature through discussions with writers and professionals from India’s literary scene, as well as with students. Their programme coincided with the European Day of Languages, marked each year on 26 September.

Taking place on 27 September at the Instituto Cervantes, the Long Night of LiteratureS was an evening of meaningful exchanges between attendees and multiple European authors, according to Raimund Magis, Delegation of the European Union to India:

“The intense, week-long visit of the three EUPL winners to India marked a celebration of contemporary European literature in India; promoting literary exchanges with audiences, industry professionals, and students, and opening avenues to deepening European and Indian literary and cultural ties. It also provided the EU and India new avenues to explore emerging frontiers in the creative industries."

Background

This programme of activities is organised by the Cultural Diplomacy Platform with the support of the European Union and is curated by Literature Across Frontiers.

The EU Prize for literature recognizes every year exceptional up-and-coming literary talents across Europe. It highlights the wealth of contemporary European literature and sheds light on Europe's rich cultural and linguistic heritage.