The Yaanam 2025 travel literary festival, hosted by Kerala Tourism at Varkala Cliff’s Ranga Kala Kendram, kicked off its second day with a series of captivating sessions. Attendees were treated to inspiring tales and experiences from seasoned wanderers, setting a vibrant tone for the event.
Writer V. Muzafer Ahamed took the stage for his session, “Desert Crossings: Stories of Migration and Travel,” where he passionately argued that deserts are far from desolate. Instead, he presented them as rich tapestries of sustainability and resilience. He highlighted that their unique ecology and culture are just as inclusive and fascinating as Kerala’s verdant landscapes and diverse heritage. Ahamed, who hails from Kerala—a region blessed with abundant rivers and monsoon rains—noted how many Keralites hold misconceptions about deserts. His own extensive explorations into the Arabian desert have yielded vivid travelogues, widely read and translated, that challenge these preconceived notions.
Ahamed, the prolific author of 20 books, including the acclaimed Marubhumiyude Atmakatha (Autobiography of the Desert), pointed out the intriguing irony that much of Kerala’s current prosperity stems from the Arabian desert. He reminded the audience of the arduous journeys undertaken by pioneers of the Gulf migration across those hot, arid lands. He criticized the common Western portrayals of deserts in literature and film, suggesting they often overlook or misrepresent the vibrant life, diverse ecosystems, and resilient cultures found within these regions.
“During my very first journey into the desert, I was astonished by how different the reality was from what I had gleaned from existing narratives,” Ahamed shared. “Deserts possess a rich biodiversity, and their communities have meticulously preserved their unique cultures, traditions, and adaptive survival strategies. When I decided to chronicle my experiences, I committed to presenting an honest and thorough account of what I had truly witnessed and felt.” He also cautioned that, like any other ecosystem, deserts are vulnerable to degradation due to human encroachment.
His acclaimed travelogues, Marubhumiyude Atmakatha, which earned him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award, and Maru Marangal, have both been translated into English, bringing his unique perspective to a global audience.
The festival continued with Andrew Fidel Fernando, a Sri Lankan author and travel writer, who spoke in a session titled “Over the Mountain, Under the Sea.” Fernando emphasized that India is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered, calling it an “under-travelled country” despite its brilliant potential as a destination. Also a respected cricket writer for ESPN Cricinfo, he enthused about the breathtaking beauty and surfing opportunities at Varkala beach.
Later, in “The Cross-Culturists” session, author and journalist Sudeep Chakravarti discussed how traversing different cultures becomes a compelling obsession for writers, driving them to document their experiences. As a seasoned global traveler who has explored over 70 countries, Chakravarti observed that India’s sheer vastness makes it a lifelong endeavor to truly explore. Joining him, Sri Lankan writer Pramudith Rupasinghe articulated that cross-cultural journeys are primarily about immersing oneself in and exchanging diverse experiences.
Booker Prize-winning Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka, during his session “The Time-Traveller,” humbly referred to himself as a ‘slow writer.’ He conveyed that stories often choose the writer, lingering until they are finally brought to life on paper. Karunatilaka revealed that his Booker Prize-winning novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida (2022), required four distinct drafts before reaching its final form.
Karunatilaka further elaborated on the boundless potential of travel writing, highlighting its wide-ranging nature. “Travel writing can encompass anything—it can be political, deeply subjective, and often reveals more about the author’s inner world than the actual destination,” he remarked during an engaging interactive session.
Sabin Iqbal, a journalist, author, and the festival director, shared his personal writing process, explaining his strong reliance on emotions when crafting characters, many of whom are inspired by his hometown of Varkala. For him, writing is not merely a profession but a fundamental means of survival.
The Yaanam 2025 literary festival is slated to conclude its inspiring program on Sunday.