Mysuru: The Mysore Literary Association (MLA) is holding its First Mysore Literary Fest on June 18 at Senate Bhavan in  Manasagangotri Campus.

Addressing a press conference here this morning at Patrakarthara Bhavan, MLA President Prof. K.C. Belliappa said that the Association had planned to hold a Lit Fest along the lines of Jaipur Literature Festival, since a long time and this is their maiden attempt.

Renowned novelist and Saraswati Samman awardee Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa will inaugurate the fest at 10 am and eminent historian Dr. Ramachandra Guha will speak at 11.15 am. This will be followed by a conversation, which, June Gaur will have with well-known novelist Shashi Deshpande, he said.

The day-long fest will also see Prof. Harish Trivedi, distinguished scholar and critic from Delhi, and Geetha Kariappa in conversation with Kavery Nambisan.  There  will be a panel discussion on “Role of Media Today,” in which K.B. Ganapathy, Editor-in-Chief, Star of Mysore, writer C.P. Belliappa and Ad Man R.V. Rajan from Chennai will participate. This will be followed by a violin concert by Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Mysore Manjunath and party, said Prof. Belliappa.

Nearly 140 people have already registered online including a participant from US. About 500 to 600 are likely to participate in the Fest, he said.

The Fest logo and poster was also released on the occasion. Secretary of MLA Reginald Wesley, Treasurer Prof. K. Latha Bidappa and member Prof. B. N. Balajee were present.