Announcement of Literary fest in Jaipur blew an air of zeal and enthusiasm among the literature lovers but soon the excitement swayed considering the unnecessary importance given to Salman Rushdie. Jaipur Literary fest being one of the most highly reputed congregation of eminent writers and scholars seemed to have ignored the Indian as well as foreign authors throwing the spot light solely on Rushdie who wasn’t even present. Be it news channels, print media or the four runaways who read the excerpts from the controversial “Satanic Verses” everyone and everything is revolving around Rushdie highly ignoring other authors whose exemplary works might be of more importance than those of the absent man.
The fest seemed to be “Rushdie fest” rather that literary fest considering the absence of its success stories on the news channels or newspapers, its talks and lectures were all considered secondary making Rushdie and Satanic Verses the priority. The efforts of Muslim community to keep him away failed acknowledging the enormous publicity the banned book and the banned man received. Five day fest started and ended but none except those who attended could taste the flavour of the most awaited event because the days passed partly in debating about Rushdie’s participation and partly in discussing and fighting over his absence. Finally Rushdie fest has ended leaving the bitter memories behind, people cried for the one who didn’t attend but few appreciated those who were present.
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