MANANTHAVADY : Journalist extraordinaire Vinod K Jose found himself in a unique role two years ago. A new vocation as a literary festival director. The Wayanad Literature Festival is his brainchild.
And as the festival reaches its second edition, he is busier than ever, organising every minute detail. There’s nothing his hands, that once held pen, hasn’t reached — be it anchoring a few literary sessions or making sure guests arrive comfortably in time. On the sidelines of the fest, TNIE caught up with Vinod for a quick chat.
When I moved back here two years ago, a friend, who is a panchayat member here, asked me whether I can publish a book with poems by a few local poets. I knew some of them personally. There was a carpenter’s wife who used to be part of the MNREGA scheme, and a few farmers as well.
And I knew all of them. But then I thought, yes we can publish the book. But why don’t we all get them here together and tell stories, read poetry, and have conversations.
The idea just grew on its own, and when I asked a few writers I knew, whether they will come to Wayanad and spend a couple of days, they all agreed. The idea was to have a two or three-hour events without any fuss. However, people started requesting particular writers who they never had a chance to meet beyond the pages.
And the list grew in size, and the event became a four-day festival. I thought if 200 people join, it will be a success. But, around 15,000 people came for the first WLF.
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