First Literature Festival for Diplomats 'Words Beyond Borders' Set for October 25 to 27 in Neemrana
A first-of-its-kind literature festival specifically organized for diplomats, titled 'Words Beyond Borders', will take place from October 25 to 27 in Neemrana. Supported by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Rajasthan government, the three-day event brings together published diplomat-authors to engage in literary discussions and interact with students and youth.
To participate in the event as a speaker, foreign and Indian diplomats must be published authors. More than 80 speakers originating from 30 countries have confirmed their participation. The attendee roster includes over 65 foreign diplomats along with approximately 20 retired and serving officers from the Indian Foreign Service.
Global Participation and Event Vision
Ambassadors and senior diplomats representing nations including the United States, Ukraine, Turkiye, Italy, France, and Germany are expected to attend the literary gathering. The event is designed to offer an informal setting where diplomats can reflect on their writings, careers, and personal experiences while bridging the gap between foreign policy and public understanding.
The initiative was conceived by Dnyaneshwar Mulay, a 1983-batch Indian Foreign Service officer who previously served as Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs and held prominent diplomatic assignments in New York, the Maldives, and Russia. Mulay, who has authored more than a dozen books in Marathi and Hindi, noted that the festival aims to demystify foreign policy for younger generations and the broader public.
Sessions and Panel Discussions
Students from various universities across India have been invited to participate in sessions and converse with diplomats throughout the event. Beyond individual literary journeys, the scheduled sessions will address key international topics, including discussions on India's diplomatic relations with East Asia and ASEAN, perspectives on why Europe is at a crossroads, and arguments regarding non-alignment as a path forward for the Global South.
Specific sessions feature notable diplomatic and academic speakers. Ambassador Navdeep Suri will chair a session titled 'Foreigner in Translation' alongside Gonchig Ganbold of Mongolia and Egypt's Mohamed Tawfik. Additionally, Sreeram Chaulia will lead an analytical session on India's bilateral relations with Pakistan, featuring contributions from former Indian envoys to Pakistan, including TCA Raghavan, Ruchi Ghanashyam, and Ajay Bisaria.
