KSLF 2026: 15th Edition of Khushwant Singh Literary Festival Set to Be Special

Chandigarh, October 16, 2026: Based on the theme “The Art of Disagreement: Conversation Across Divides,” the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival will bring together prominent personalities from literature, journalism, politics, business, technology, culture and the arts on a common platform. The festival aims to explore the power of dialogue in an increasingly polarised society and encourage the exchange of ideas.

Sharing details about the festival, Rahul Singh, Director of the festival, said that the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival (KSLF) would be held in Kasauli from October 23 to 25, 2026. This year marks the 15th edition of the festival. The theme, “The Art of Disagreement: Conversation Across Divides,” encourages open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the willingness to listen to and understand people whose views differ from our own. Rahul Singh is son of the famous writer late Khushwant Singh and he addressed the media along with Ms Madhur Singh, Curator of KSLF.    

He said that at a time when people hold differing opinions on several issues and disagreements are becoming increasingly common, KSLF 2026 will provide a platform for meaningful conversations and the exchange of ideas. The festival will feature discussions on a wide range of subjects related to literature, politics, business, technology, society, culture and the arts. These discussions will explore how listening to others can broaden our perspectives, how we can reassess our existing beliefs, and how common ground can be found despite differences of opinion.

Rahul Singh said that the 2026 edition would feature more than 80 distinguished speakers. These include Imtiaz Ali, Sonam Wangchuk, General (Dr.) Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.), Sarthak Ahuja, Sandhya Mridul, Vishnu Som, Divya Dutta and Satinder Sartaaj, among other prominent authors, journalists, thinkers and well-known personalities from public life. The discussions will explore disagreements, diverse viewpoints and shared experiences that shape contemporary society.

He further informed that this year's festival sessions would be held at three different venues within the Kasauli Club—the Badminton Court, Terrace and Tennis Lawn. This arrangement will facilitate an extensive programme featuring thought-provoking discussions, meaningful conversations and cultural activities.

He also announced that an initiative titled ‘Writing the Next Chapter’ would be organised as part of the festival. The initiative aims to inspire young audiences through creative workshops and engaging activities. The programme will seek to nurture curiosity among young people, encourage creative expression, and foster a deeper interest in reading and engaging with new ideas.

He said that as the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival completes 15 editions of bringing people and ideas together, it will once again highlight the enduring power of literature and dialogue. These play a vital role in encouraging critical thinking, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening relationships among people, even when their opinions differ.