Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2026: Second List of Distinguished Speakers Unveiled

Ananya soch: Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2026: Second List of Distinguished Speakers Unveiled

The world’s most celebrated festival of ideas and storytelling — the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) — is gearing up for its 19th edition, presented by Vedanta Resources. Scheduled from January 15 to 19, 2026, at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, the festival has announced its second list of speakers, featuring eminent voices from literature, science, politics, art, and culture across the globe.

Renowned for its diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual depth, the Jaipur Literature Festival continues to serve as a vibrant platform where thinkers, writers, and artists engage in meaningful dialogue that shapes contemporary thought.

Key speakers in the newly announced list include:

• Senior CERN physicist Dr. Archana Sharma

• Former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India Dr. Arvind Subramanian

• Nobel laureate economist Esther Duflo and award-winning journalist Tanya Talaga

• Former Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar

• Renowned art historian and curator Debra Diamond

• Editor of Private Eye and satirist Ian Hislop

• Celebrated poet and novelist Jeet Thayil

• Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai

• Acclaimed nature poet Alice Oswald

Other notable names include art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon, bestselling author Ashwin Sanghi, Bhutanese writer Kunzang Choden Roder, historian Narayani Basu, wellness expert Rujuta Diwekar, Himalayan historian Stephen Alter, disability rights advocate Tarini Mohan, publisher William Sieghart, and Telugu feminist writer Volga.

Festival Directors and Partners Speak

Namita Gokhale, Co-Director of JLF, shared:

“This January, Jaipur once again becomes the epicenter of literary dialogue. Our 19th edition will celebrate the best of Indian and global writing, opening new windows into diverse worlds and timeless themes.”

William Dalrymple, Co-Director of JLF, added:

“This year’s lineup is among the finest we’ve ever had — a constellation of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, and poets. JLF 2026 promises to be truly spectacular.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, remarked:

“The Jaipur Literature Festival is not just an event — it’s a celebration of free expression and the unifying power of storytelling that inspires positive change.”

Priya Agarwal, Director, Vedanta Resources, said:

“Our partnership with JLF reflects Vedanta’s belief in the transformative strength of creativity and dialogue. This festival celebrates the enduring power of stories that unite humanity.”

???? A Cultural Celebration Beyond Literature
Beyond its literary sessions, JLF 2026 will feature Heritage Evenings set against Jaipur’s historic landmarks, with mesmerizing performances in music and poetry. The Jaipur Music Stage will host celebrated Indian and international musicians, while the Jaipur BookMark (JBM) will bring together publishers, authors, and industry professionals to collaborate and connect.

Now in its 19th year, the Jaipur Literature Festival continues to stand as a symbol of inclusivity, creativity, and intellectual freedom — where stories shape a more thoughtful and connected world.

For more information, visit: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org