Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Lit Fest Award 2026 will be conferred on Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, noted historian and Padma Shri awardee Meenakshi Jain during the 8th edition of the Mangaluru Lit Fest. The announcement was made by the Bharath Foundation, which is organising the two-day literary festival at the Dr TMA Pai International Convention Centre from Saturday.
Recognition for scholarship and public discourse
The Mangaluru Lit Fest Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to intellectual life, public thought and national discourse. According to the organisers, Meenakshi Jain has been selected for the honour in recognition of her extensive scholarly work, contributions to Indian historiography and role in shaping contemporary debates on history and civilisation.
Meenakshi Jain is widely known for her research on Indian history, culture and education. A Padma Shri awardee, she has authored several influential books and academic works that engage with India’s civilisational narrative. As a Rajya Sabha MP, she has also been an active voice in parliamentary discussions related to education, culture and national identity.
Festival dedicated to the ‘Idea of Bharat’
The Bharath Foundation stated that the Mangaluru Lit Fest continues to be dedicated to promoting the “Idea of Bharat”, a theme that explores India’s civilisational values, cultural continuity and intellectual traditions. Entering its 8th year, the festival has established itself as a prominent platform for dialogue among scholars, writers, policymakers and thinkers from diverse fields.
This year’s edition will feature a line-up of over 70 speakers, including historians, philosophers, economists, cultural commentators, authors and public intellectuals. Through panel discussions, lectures and interactive sessions, the festival aims to encourage informed debate on contemporary issues rooted in India’s historical and cultural context.
Special interaction with awardee
As part of the award ceremony, a special interaction session with Meenakshi Jain has been scheduled. The session will provide participants an opportunity to engage directly with the awardee on her academic journey, perspectives on Indian history and her views on the evolving role of historical scholarship in public life.
Organisers said the interaction is expected to draw keen interest from students, researchers and readers, given Jain’s prominence in both academic and public spheres. The session will also focus on the relevance of historical understanding in shaping national consciousness and policy.
Inaugural ceremony and dignitaries
The festival will be officially inaugurated on Saturday with the participation of several distinguished personalities. Those expected to attend include Shatavadhani Dr R Ganesh, Meenakshi Jain herself, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, Ravi S of the Mythic Society and Dr Ajakkala Girish Bhat.
The inaugural programme will set the tone for two days of discussions, reflections and intellectual exchange. Organisers said the presence of scholars and public figures from varied disciplines underscores the festival’s inclusive and multidisciplinary approach.
Growing stature of Mangaluru Lit Fest
Over the years, the Mangaluru Lit Fest has steadily grown in scale and stature. What began as a regional literary initiative has evolved into a national-level forum that attracts speakers and audiences from across the country. The Bharath Foundation noted that the festival’s consistent focus on Indian knowledge systems and civilisational themes has resonated with a wide audience.
The festival has previously hosted leading thinkers, writers and practitioners who have contributed to discussions on history, literature, philosophy, science, governance and culture. Each edition has sought to balance scholarly depth with accessibility, making complex ideas engaging for a broader public.
Platform for dialogue and ideas
According to the organisers, the festival’s core objective is to create a space where ideas can be exchanged freely and respectfully. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, the event encourages dialogue that goes beyond academic silos.
Panel discussions during the two-day event will address a range of topics linked to the “Idea of Bharat”, including historical narratives, cultural heritage, education, identity and contemporary challenges. The sessions are designed to appeal not only to scholars but also to students, teachers and general readers interested in intellectual exploration.
Conclusion
The decision to confer the Mangaluru Lit Fest Award 2026 on Meenakshi Jain reflects the festival’s emphasis on recognising scholarship that engages deeply with India’s past and present. With a strong line-up of speakers, a dedicated interaction with the awardee and discussions centred on civilisational thought, the 8th edition of the Mangaluru Lit Fest is expected to further strengthen its role as a key forum for ideas and dialogue.