Engaging the younger diaspora
Literary sessions will be led and coordinated by young diaspora participants with a passion for literature, helping carry modern Tamil literature into the future.
Built and funded by readers, the second Living Tamil LitFest brings the independent tradition of modern Tamil writing to London. At Dulwich College, writers, translators and readers will spend two days examining the work itself: how it grew without institutional shelter, what freedom gave its voice, and how translation can carry that voice without domesticating it.
The second edition of Living Tamil LitFest comes to London, bringing UK and European writers and translators together in conversation with Tamil literature. Our aim is to introduce modern Tamil literature to the next generation and to the world stage. Our Tamil children born abroad, growing up at a distance from the language, will have an opportunity at their doorstep to engage in creative traditions that spring from their Tamil roots.
Highlights across two full days:
Literary sessions will be led and coordinated by young diaspora participants with a passion for literature, helping carry modern Tamil literature into the future.
Discover the depth of modern Tamil literature through the work of writers such as Pudhumaipithan, Ka. Na. Subramaniam, Ku. Azhagirisamy, Sundara Ramaswamy, Ashokamitran, K. Rajanarayanan, Thi. Janakiraman and many other literary giants. Trace the evolution of Tamil storytelling across novels, short stories and essays that continue to shape contemporary thought.
Celebrated Tamil writers from the UK, India, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Sri Lanka, Australia and the USA will reflect on the global journey of Tamil literature, where it has been, where it stands today and where it is headed.
Leading translators will share what they have learned, and the editorial challenges they face, in carrying Tamil texts faithfully into other languages.
All sessions will be conducted in English. Tamil-language discussions carry real-time English translation, so every attendee can take part.
Lively, thought-provoking conversations between writers and readers. These sessions bring literature to life, inviting questions, exploration and shared appreciation.
The London advisory group will be introduced as appointments are confirmed.
Photograph, name, role and a short biography will be added here.
To be announcedPhotograph, name, role and a short biography will be added here.
To be announcedPhotograph, name, role and a short biography will be added here.
To be announcedDedicated sections ready for photographs, names, roles and biographies.
Committee member profiles and responsibilities can be added here.
Volunteer photographs, roles and short biographies can be added here.
See the two-day programme layout, Dulwich College venue information and the London 2027 registration form.