Brahmanandam calls for literature to be accessible to everyone

Actor Brahmanandam said literature nurtures imagination, emotional awareness and independent thought at the closing session of Amaravati Literature Festival 2026 on October 9, The Hindu reported.

The Padma Shri recipient described literature as a way to express human feelings beautifully. He said stories, poetry and classical works preserve cultural memory and knowledge across generations despite technological change.

Brahmanandam drew on Telugu writers Vemana, Sri Sri and Dhurjati. He also stressed literature’s spiritual dimension, identifying the Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita as works that encourage introspection and reflection on human values.

The three-day festival at SRM University-AP carried the theme Stories for a Changing World. Participants included Roopa Pai, Samhita Arni, Dinesh C Sharma, Suruchi Garg and Amit Bharti. College students took part in Prahelika, a literary quiz.

University Vice-Chancellor Ch. Satish Kumar highlighted the festival’s role in introducing young people to global literary traditions. Organisers Vishnupad, Sayantan Thakur and Argha Basu emphasised dialogue between writers, scholars and creative practitioners.