Kumar Vikram

Resharing my interview with @the_hindu published sometime back on the occasion of publication of my book ‘Men’s Lib and Other Literary, Cultural and Personal Essays’. Women’s empowerment is also about men unlearning the ways to control women and be more human…The book is available on Amazon at this link amzn.in/d/86Vgspx #WomensDay #Menslib #books #reading

🇮🇳📚 Relive the vibrant highlights as India shines as the Guest of Honour Country at FILBo Bogotá! From captivating literary moments to a rich showcase of culture, art, and heritage—every frame reflects the spirit of India on the global stage. ✨🌼 A celebration of stories, creativity, and connections that brought audiences together in an unforgettable experience. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBoBogota #GuestOfHonour #VideoHighlights #BooksAndCulture #LiteratureFestival #CulturalVibes #IncredibleIndia #GlobalShowcase #IndiaCelebrates @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

Over 50,000 people visiting everyday India Pavilion at FilBo 2026! The India Pavilion is witnessing a massive turnout as visitors explore the diverse range of books, cultural exhibitions, and the special bookstore as now only last three days are left for the closure of the FilBo 2026. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #IndiaPavilion #GuestOfHonour #NationalBookTrust #ReadAndExploreIndia #IndiaInColombia #BogotaInternationalBookFair @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

The last session of the day was 'Stories We Owe the Society: Why I Write'. The moderator, Kumar Vikram, quoting George Orwell’s famous essay ‘Why I Write’ reflected on the idea that writing can sometimes appear to be a self-centred and egoistic activity, since many writers want to leave a mark on the world, achieve something meaningful, and often place themselves at the centre of the story. However, he questioned whether this is truly selfishness, suggesting that writing becomes valuable when it moves beyond personal ambition and becomes a way of serving others through stories and shared experiences. Rajesh Kumar Tripathy explained that his stories do not belong only to him, but to the people around him. He believes that "as a writer, his role is to serve by giving voice to experiences that belong to society". Kumar Vikram connected this idea to his own reflection, pointing out that "if poetry and storytelling are created for others and as a form of service, then writing becomes an act of responsibility and connection". David Fernandez, speaking from his perspective as a cultural manager, described himself as a cultural bridge. For him, "writing and sharing stories are social acts that allow people to connect, understand one another, and recognise similarities instead of focusing only on differences". He explained that when stories are placed in books, they should not only reflect the writer’s personal life, but also open space for readers to understand other realities, cultures and societies. Emilio Aparicio Rodriguez contributed from the perspective of photography, explaining that being a photographer also means being a storyteller. He shared how entering a cave during one of his travels and seeing ancient drawings transformed him, connecting him to the past and showing him how humans have always used images to preserve stories. For him, "photography remains one of the most powerful forms of storytelling". Swaranjit Savi reflected on writing as a continuous search for identity and expression. He explained that no matter how much he writes, there is always a sense that something remains unsaid, leaving a permanent emptiness. Through paintings, "he can express even more than with words". He said that his poems and paintings often complement each other, though at times they can also contradict one another. He related a deeply personal experience of responding to the demise of his mother and how that emotion made him connect with the wider audience. @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

At the Bharat /// India Stage at Bogotá International Book Fair 2026, words turn into bridges 🌍📖 Poetry, performance, and stories come alive—connecting India and Colombia through a shared rhythm of creativity beyond borders. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #BharatIndiaStage #PoetryInMotion #CulturalExchange #IndianLiterature #GlobalVoices #StoriesBeyondBorders @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

A thought-provoking session on the writer's purpose and societal duty awaits at the Bharat /// India Stage during FILBo 2026. Join us for "Stories We Owe the Society: Why I Write?", where a distinguished panel will discuss the role of literature in shaping our world. The session features Rajesh Kumar Tripathy, Emilio Aparicio Rodríguez, Swarnjit Savi, and David Fernández, and will be moderated by Kumar Vikram. 🗓 1 May 2026 ⏰ 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Bogotá Time) | UTC/GMT-5 hours 📍 India Stage, Bogotá International Book Fair, Corferias #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #WhyIWrite #LiteraryResponsibility #GlobalLiterature #IndiaInColombia #NationalBookTrust #ReadAndExploreIndia #CulturalDialogue #BogotaInternationalBookFair @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

At Bogotá International Book Fair 2026, the India Pavilion continues to bring stories, ideas, and cultures into conversation 🇮🇳📚 Through engaging sessions and vibrant exchanges, Read and Explore India keeps inspiring every visitor. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #IndiaPavilion #ReadAndExploreIndia #NBTIndia @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

On International Dance Day, we are delighted to share the performance of Ms. Jessica Correa an ICCR alumna from Colombia. She is the first Colombian to perform virtually alongside eminent Indian classical artists. Con motivo del Día Internacional de la Danza, nos complace compartir la actuación de Jessica Correa, una antigua alumna del ICCR procedente de Colombia. Es la primera colombiana en actuar de forma virtual junto a destacados artistas de danza clásica India. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @MinOfCultureGoI @iccr_hq

Day 6 at Bogotá International Book Fair 2026 was all about ideas in motion and voices in dialogue at the India Pavilion.📚 From thought-provoking sessions to lively interactions, Read and Explore India continued to spark curiosity and connection. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #Day6Highlights #IndiaPavilion #ReadAndExploreIndia #NBTIndia #IdeasInMotion #CulturalDialogue #LiteraryMoments @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

The Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo) 2026 presents a contemplative cinematic experience at the India Stage with the screening of a special documentary. The documentary "S. H. V. Ajneya’s views on ‘SILENCE’" explores the philosophical depth and literary legacy of the legendary Indian writer and thinker, Agyeya. This 31-minute film, provided courtesy of the Prasar Bharati Archive, delves into his profound reflections on silence as a medium of thought and creativity. 🗓 28 April 2026 | Day 8 ⏰ 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Bogotá Time) | UTC/GMT-5 hours 📍 India Stage, Bogotá International Book Fair, Corferias #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #BogotaInternationalBookFair #Ajneya #IndianLiterature #DocumentaryScreening #PhilosophyOfSilence #PrasarBharati #CulturalExchange #IndiaInColombia #NationalBookTrust #ReadAndExploreIndia @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

Day 7 at Bogotá International Book Fair 2026 carried forward the spirit of stories and exploration at the India Pavilion. With engaging sessions and enriching exchanges, Read and Explore India continued to inspire every visitor. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #Day7Highlights #IndiaPavilion #ReadAndExploreIndia #NBTIndia #StoriesAndDiscovery #BooksAndCulture #LiteraryMoments @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

India shines as Guest of Honour Country at Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo) 2026 — widely covered by leading Colombian & Latin American media. 📚🇮🇳 #FILBo2026 #IndiaAtFILBo #GuestOfHonour #IndiaInFocus #CulturalExchange #BooksAndCulture #GlobalStories #Publishing #LiteratureMatters #IndiaGlobal #MediaCoverage #NBTIndia

Day 4 at Bogotá International Book Fair 2026 unfolded with thoughtful dialogues and deeper reflections at the India Pavilion.📚 Exploring silence, ideas, and inner journeys, the spirit of Read and Explore India continued to inspire. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #Day4Highlights #IndiaPavilion #ReadAndExploreIndia #NBTIndia #DialogueAndReflection #BooksAndBeyond #LiteraryMoments @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

In the final literary session of the day, ‘The Writer as Traveller: Of Movement, Memory, and Meaning,’ panelists Shri Kulpreet Yadav and Mr. Santiago Escobar Jaramillo joined moderator Shri Kumar Vikram for a profound discussion on the intersection of journey and narrative. The session explored how travel deepens creative practice by engaging the senses, noting that true understanding comes from seeing, listening, and experiencing one’s surroundings. The speakers emphasized the importance of observation and human connection, noting how these practices enrich a writer's content and perspective. The discussion also addressed the ethical dimensions of observation, particularly in photography, where creators must balance storytelling with respect for personal space. Ultimately, traveling with an open mind was highlighted as essential to preserving authenticity and fully experiencing the depth of different cultures. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #TheWriterAsTraveller #KulpreetYadav #KumarVikram #SantiagoEscobarJaramillo #TravelWriting #CreativeProcess #IndiaInColombia #LiteraryJourney #NationalBookTrust @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on "Reading, Writing and Communicating Indian Cultural Values in Colombia" at the India Stage. This session features speakers Paola Hun and Manoj Kumar Sahu, moderated by Miguel Cordoba. 🗓 26 April 2026 ⏰ 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Bogotá Time) | UTC/GMT-5 hours 📍 India Stage, Corferias, Bogotá #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #CulturalValues #IndianLiterature #PaolaHun #ManojKumarSahu #MiguelCordoba #IndiaInColombia #NationalBookTrust #LiteraryDialogue #GlobalExchange @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

Join us for a profound conversation, "The Pen and the Mahatma," exploring the exhibition Gandhi: The Writers’ Writer at the India Stage. This session brings together a distinguished panel including Kumar Vikram, Alex Sierra Moncada, and Andrés Barragán to discuss how Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and life have influenced writers and thinkers globally. The session will be chaired by Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman NBT, and moderated by Deep Saikia. Discover the literary dimensions of Gandhi’s message and its continued relevance in today's world. 🗓 26 April 2026 ⏰ 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Bogotá Time) | UTC/GMT-5 hours 📍 India Stage, Corferias, Bogotá #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #ThePenAndTheMahatma #MahatmaGandhi #KumarVikram #AlexSierraMoncada #AndresBarragan #ProfMilindSudhakarMarathe #DeepSaikia #NationalBookTrust #IndiaInColombia #LiteraryDialogue @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

Day 3 at Bogotá International Book Fair 2026 kept the momentum alive at the India Pavilion.📚 Insightful sessions, meaningful conversations, and a growing curiosity to Read and Explore India made the day truly special. #IndiaAtFILBo #FILBo2026 #Day3Highlights #IndiaPavilion #ReadAndExploreIndia #NBTIndia #CulturalDialogue #BooksAndCulture #LiteraryExchange @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

India shines as Guest of Honour Country at Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo) 2026 — widely covered by leading Colombian & Latin American media. 📚 #FILBo2026 #IndiaAtFILBo #GuestOfHonour #IndiaInFocus #CulturalExchange #BooksAndCulture #GlobalStories #Publishing #LiteratureMatters #IndiaGlobal #MediaCoverage #NBTIndia @PIB_Edu @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @FILBogota @IndiaEmbBogota @IndianDiplomacy @CorferiasBogota @mincultura @MIB_India @MEAIndia

'India on the Move: Civilisation, Knowledge and Future Pathways, the first literary session of the day discussed the significance of Indian Civilization, known for immense cultural continuity and diversity and its knowledge system. It also highlighted the global impact of vedas, yoga and meditation that showcase India's deeply-rooted culture and wisdom. The speakers on the occasion were Shri Anant Vijay and Mr Andreás Barragán with Prof Milind Sudhakar Marathe in Chair.

The second session of the day was 'Sustainable Publishing: Challenges and Opportunities' wherein Shri Ramanand Pandey and Mr Alex Sierra Moncada discussed about the need to have better copyright laws to sustain publishing in India. On the same lines the Colombian counterpart also highlighted the importance of balancing digital and print media for future sustainability of publishing industry. The advancement of technology has reshaped and enhanced the way knowledge is produced.

In session titled 'What to Expect from Literature in the Digital Times' Shri Kumar Vikram observed that with the advancement of digital platforms publishing has become quicker and access to knowledge and information has become easier. He also emphasised on the importance of physical books in the age of digital era and added that AI will not be able to replace the feeling of human experience because "when we write we share our experiences of life". The conversation, initiated by Ms. Laura Natalia Renia Gómez, ranged over a variety of topics such as impact of digital habits on literary creation, authenticity in literature, dialogue among societies, writing in mother tongue language and second language, translations evoking works and views of many literary stalwarts such as T S Eliot, Milton, Annie Ernaux, Murakami etc.