International participants, including writers, poets and critics, at the inaugural session of Kolkata Literature Festival today called for an end to violence and intolerance in this strife-torn world and promotion of peace and understanding.
When asked about the recent developments in the USA, eminent Egyptian writer Khaled Alkhamissi told PTI, "Some forces are promoting intolerance, but as participants of the 41st International Kolkata Book Fair and the Literature Festival, we want to stamp our mark against intolerance."
Ruing that old concepts related to 18th century thinkings were haunting the world once more, Alkhamissi asserted, "We the writers and poets of the world wish to affirm that centuries old notions don't have anything to do with the world today."
"I find the feel and warmth of the Kolkata Book Festival and Cairo Book Festival almost the same. The enthusiasm of the people is the same everywhere. Why should different countries, nationalities and communities be pitted against each other in such a wonderful world?" the novelist and writer of much acclaimed 'Noah's Arch' observed.
Founder director of Edinburgh International Book Festival and presenter of book programmes for Scottish Television, Jenny Brown said, "It is time for peace and art, and book meets like this can keep global boundaries blurred."
Brown referred to the intellectual vibe between Scottish and Indian English literature and the interest about Scottish and world literature among the people of Kolkata, which she described as a great city.
This year's Jnanpith Award winner poet Sankha Ghosh inaugurated the three-day literature festival. Ghosh, however, did not address the gathering.
Noted Spanish poet Francisco Munoz Soler reiterated that the underlying theme of any art festival was to engage in dialogue and discussion and not duel.
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