The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters returns for its 7th edition from 29 January to 1 February 2026 at the iconic Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. This edition turns its focus to one of the defining questions of our time:‘The Paradox of Pace’.
The first tranche of speakers for the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2026 showcases a distinguished blend of celebrated thinkers and authors whose contributions promise to inspire and enrich discussions at the festival.
The line-up includes Declan Walsh, Martin Goodman, Jeet Thayil, Rahul Pandita, Scott Ezeel, Vartika Nanda, Tarana Husain Khan, Salma, Devdutt Pattanaik, G N Devy, Harish Trivedi, Hoshang Merchant, Kalki Subramaniam, Rakshanda Jalil, Vivek Shanbhag, Rajdeep Sardesai, Jawahar Sircar, Dr Rajasekhar Vundru, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Conrad Sangma, Inez Baranay, Yatindra Mishra, Amitabh Mattoo, Prof Jagmohan Singh, Anita Nair, Manu S Pillai, Vappala Balachandran, Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Makarand Paranjape, Shiv Vishwanathan, Ashutosh, Saira Shah Halim, Vishwas Patil, Vaibhav Purandare, Prakash Raj, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Omar Musa, Tanya Talaga and Jonas Lüscher.
The festival has also announced a series of pre-event activations designed to build momentum and engage writers and cultural enthusiasts.
The pre-activations begin with Double Strong ‘Kaduppathiloru Charcha,’ a series of thought-provoking discussions designed to spark literary and cultural conversations across the state. The series will feature handpicked themes on carefully curated topics across seven districts, with popular coffee shops serving as venues to create vibrant, interactive spaces for dialogue, with each district exploring a unique theme. Kosamattam Finance Ltd will partner this initiative.
MBIFL also hosted The Tharoor Sabha, inviting young people aged 18–30 to submit a video of under one minute on the topic, ‘Should social media be restricted?’
M V Shreyams Kumar, managing director, Mathrubhumi Group, said, “The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters is a testament to the power of storytelling in transcending boundaries and fostering dialogue across cultures. With its stellar line-up of speakers who represent the best in their fields, the 7th edition leaves me feeling overwhelmed by the opportunity to offer a platform that champions diversity, inclusivity and freedom of expression.”
Commenting on the pre-activations, Shreyams Kumar said, “MBIFL 2026 pre-activations are a powerful prelude to what the festival promises and set the stage for a celebration of literature and critical thought like no other. Through initiatives such as Kaduppathiloru Charcha and Tharoor Sabha, MBIFL 2026 brings literature into the heart of communities and celebrates Kerala’s rich cultural and literary heritage while fostering dialogue, creativity and reflection across generations.”
Dr V Venu, director and festival curator, said, “The 7th edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters is a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of literature. It has become synonymous with innovation, creativity and collaboration. The first tranche of speakers exemplifies our commitment to hosting voices that provoke, challenge and inspire. We eagerly await the conversations, collaborations and connections that this edition will bring to life.”
Mayura Shreyams Kumar, director – Digital Operations, Mathrubhumi Group, said, “The Tharoor Sabha and other pre-activations are designed to bring literature and dialogue into everyday spaces, from coffee shops to digital platforms, giving young minds and local communities opportunities to express ideas, question norms, engage and explore creativity with some of the most inspiring voices in literature and public life. MBIFL is committed to nurturing the voices of the next generation.”
Beyond the sessions, the festival offers a rich tapestry of cultural performances, art exhibitions and literary showcases, making it a true celebration of creativity and intellectual exchange.
The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2026 is more than an event—it is a celebration of storytelling, culture and intellectual vibrancy, promising an unforgettable experience that ignites minds and hearts alike.
