News Desk, News Nation 360 : The renowned singer Usha Uthup gave a mesmerising musical performance at Allen Park in Kolkata to kick off the 16th edition of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF). Usha highlighted the everlasting delight of reading books and the joy of living in the present while sharing her thoughts on her 55-year career in music. As she encouraged the younger generation to rediscover reading, she said, "WhatsApp and Instagram are good, but we need to get back to books." Her performance of James Bond's "Ganesh Vandana" and "Skyfall" blended history and contemporary, adding a musical appeal to the opening ceremony. The AKLF directors, Anjum Katyal and Maina Bhagat welcomed everyone to the thrilling three days of literature celebration in Kolkata before Usha Uthup arrived. On the occasion, Maina Bhagat, Director, Oxford Bookstores and AKLF stated that a celebration of the ability of words to uplift, unite, and change, the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival is more than just a literary event. Literature can stimulate their creativity, develop empathy, and make them reevaluate their viewpoints. It reminds them of their common humanity by bringing them together across years, cultures, and experiences. It gives them great pleasure to welcome back the 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival. This year, they have organised a three-day festival with a wide range of voices, well-known writers, provocative lecturers, motivational Bollywood stars, and other distinguished dignitaries. To mention a few, AKLF 2025 will examine topics related to mythology, cuisine, history, poetry, translations, health, and the environment.
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