India Today Group Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief Kalli Purie set the tone for the 8th edition of ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak ‘with a reflective, heartfelt address that touched on loss, resilience and the power of literature.

Speaking at the annual literary festival in Delhi, Purie said that while life remains fragile and unpredictable, literature serves as the thread that binds people together and strengthens human connections.

Her remarks came against the backdrop of a difficult year for India. The country entered 2025 overshadowed by grief, beginning with the Pahalgam terror attack in January, where 26 tourists lost their lives while admiring the scenic Baisaran Valley. Just two months later, tragedy struck again when Air India flight 171, travelling from Ahmedabad to London, crashed into a medical college building, resulting in 260 fatalities.

Purie said these incidents were stark reminders of how sudden and unpredictable life can be. Reflecting on that vulnerability, she quoted the iconic Kishore Kumar line, “Zindagi ek safar hai suhana, yahaan kal kya ho kisne jaana”, noting that the beauty of life is often intertwined with its uncertainty. Amid such unpredictability, she stressed, literature becomes a source of comfort, meaning and deeper bonds between individuals.

She highlighted how ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak’ has grown into a platform that not only celebrates literature and art but also brings together writers, poets, musicians and thinkers—people who help society make sense of its joys and sorrows. As the festival opened its doors to eminent personalities across creative fields, Purie reiterated that storytelling remains one of humanity’s strongest anchors.

The 2025 edition of the festival continues to host a diverse lineup of sessions, performances and conversations aimed at exploring evolving literary landscapes while staying rooted in the emotional and cultural fabric of India.