As the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) prepares to celebrate two decades of literary discovery and cultural dialogue, it announces its second list of speakers for the landmark 20th edition, set to take place from 14 – 18 January 2027 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The new announcement brings together an expansive and diverse group of writers, historians, academics, scientists, journalists, artists and public figures whose work has shaped conversations across disciplines, geographies and generations.
Over the past two decades, the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) has grown into a global meeting place for ideas and storytelling, bringing celebrated voices and emerging perspectives into conversation with audiences from across India and the world. The second list of speakers straddles fiction and poetry, histories of empire and civilisation, questions of identity and belonging, scientific discovery, international affairs, wellbeing, food and the arts.
The list features Adania Shibli, the Palestinian writer whose novel Minor Detail was nominated for the National Book Award and the International Booker Prize; Alice Roberts, the biological anthropologist, author and broadcaster known for her work on human evolution and archaeology; and Ananya Vajpeyi, whose scholarship explores Indian intellectual history and political thought. The festival also welcomes Benjamin Moser, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and writer, among its line-up of speakers; Caroline Elkins, Harvard professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian whose work subverts the idea of British ‘liberal imperialism’; and Claire Messud, acclaimed novelist whose writing explores identity, relationships and contemporary life.
The list features Eric Cline, archaeologist and historian whose research focuses on the ancient Mediterranean and Near East; Gabrielle Rifkind, whose work centres on conflict resolution and international relations; and Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, whose fiction explores the Adivasi identity. Makarand Sathe, Marathi playwright, novelist and theatre director, joins Mira Seo, whose academic work engages with classical literature, and Mona Arshi, poet and novelist whose writing explores identity, family and belonging. Neil MacGregor, distinguished art historian and former director of the British Museum, brings his expertise in art and cultural history, while Paul Zacharia, acclaimed Malayalam writer and essayist, comes with his expertise that blends social commentary, satire and philosophical enquiry with fiction.
Also featuring in the announcement are Ritu Dalmia, the chef and restaurateur and co-owner of the popular Italian restaurant Diva; Roxie Nafousi, author and self-development coach known for her work on personal growth; and Shriram Nene, cardiovascular surgeon and health advocate whose public work focuses on healthcare and medical awareness. Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and cell biologist, brings pioneering scientific ideas while Suraj Yengde, author of Caste Matters, examines caste, race and social justice. Sven Beckert, Harvard historian known for his work on capitalism and global economic history, and Tabish Khair, novelist, poet and critic whose writing explores migration, identity and cultural encounters, along with author and linguist Thangjam Hidustani Devi joins the list.
The announcement further includes Akshata Murty known for her work in business, philanthropy and social impact; and Mishal Husain, acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and author; and Vishaka N Desai, an art historian whose work focuses on Asian art, museums and international cultural exchange.
Sanjoy K Roy, managing director, Teamwork Arts, said, “As we approach the landmark 20th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), we reflect on the extraordinary range of voices, ideas and perspectives that have shaped the festival over the past two decades. From literature and history, science to philosophy, geopolitics and the arts, these themes have embodied the spirit of curiosity and discovery that lies at the heart of Jaipur Literature Festival. At a time when the world needs platforms for meaningful dialogue more than ever, we remain committed to bringing people and ideas together across disciplines, cultures and intercontinental boundaries, encouraging conversations that challenge assumptions, broaden horizons and remind us of our shared humanity.”
William Dalrymple, historian, author and festival co-director, said, “When we first began the Jaipur Literature Festival, we could hardly have imagined what it would grow into. India has an extraordinary and very ancient tradition of storytelling, intellectual exchange and public debate, and I think the Festival has helped bring that tradition into conversation with the wider world. Over the past two decades, it has been remarkable to see writers, historians and thinkers from across India and the world come together in Jaipur, and to see audiences engage so enthusiastically with books and ideas. As we look towards our 20th edition, what remains exciting is the sense that there are still so many stories to discover, histories to revisit and ideas waiting to be debated.”
Namita Gokhale, writer, co-founder, and co-director, Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “Books are windows to our many worlds. Our 20th edition is open to the winds of change, to fresh ideas, evolving technologies, new ways of seeing, while remaining rooted in the classical and the timeless. Our writers and speakers bring us multicultural perspectives from around the planet. Our landmark edition will also see a special focus on the multilingual Indian literary landscape, with writers from all the major Indian languages joining us for sessions, panels and readings.”
The second announcement further underscores the festival’s commitment to an inclusive and evolving literary landscape, one that embraces established traditions while making room for new ideas, unfamiliar narratives and perspectives from across the world. At its heart remains the belief that books and ideas are not confined to the page or the lecture hall; they are catalysts for exchange, debate, curiosity and connection.
As the Jaipur Literature Festival approaches its landmark 20th edition, the program promises another literary marathon marked by the diversity and freedom of ideas. With its distinctive blend of literature, history, science, culture and contemporary thought, the festival continues to create a space where readers, writers and audiences can encounter perspectives beyond their own and participate in conversations that resonate long after sessions conclude.
