There are moments in every journey that quietly remind us how far a dream has traveled. For me, announcing the venue for the 11th edition of the Ahmedabad International Literature Festival (AILF) is one such moment.
What began as a humble dream to create a meaningful platform for literature, ideas, culture, and dialogue has, over the past decade, grown into a movement that has touched thousands of minds and hearts. Every edition has strengthened our belief that literature is not merely about books—it is about building a more thoughtful, compassionate, and enlightened society.
It gives me immense happiness to share that the 11th edition of AILF, an initiative of Ikon Education Foundation, will be held on 24th and 25th October 2026 at The Ummed Ahmedabad, one of the city’s finest five-star hotels near Airport Circle. This landmark edition marks another significant milestone in our journey, and I believe the grandeur of the venue beautifully complements this year’s theme, “Literature & the Echoes of Joy.”
Joy is not merely an emotion; it is an experience that literature has gifted humanity across generations. Every story, every poem, every play, every biography, every philosophical work, and every meaningful conversation has the power to inspire hope, deepen understanding, and enrich our lives. Through this year’s theme, we wish to celebrate literature as a timeless source of joy, wisdom, empathy, resilience, and human connection.
The festival will once again bring together distinguished authors, poets, journalists, academicians, artists, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and cultural ambassadors from India and across the world. Together, they will engage in conversations that inform, inspire, challenge, and celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives.
As always, our doors remain open to everyone. The Ahmedabad International Literature Festival belongs to every reader, every learner, every dreamer, and every curious mind. Entry to all sessions will continue to be free because we firmly believe that knowledge and culture become truly meaningful only when they are accessible to all.
One of our greatest responsibilities is towards children and young adults who are shaping the future of our society. If literature can ignite curiosity, encourage critical thinking, nurture empathy, and inspire responsible citizenship among young minds, then our efforts will have found their true purpose.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, patrons, speakers, volunteers, institutions, media friends, and thousands of literature lovers who have believed in this festival over the years. Your encouragement has transformed a dream into a nationally respected literary celebration.
The official festival poster will be unveiled shortly, followed by invitations to our distinguished speakers and participants. I warmly invite authors, artists, institutions, volunteers, and well-wishers to join us in writing the next chapter of this extraordinary journey.
As we step into our eleventh year, we do so with renewed humility, greater responsibility, and an even bigger dream—to make Ahmedabad a vibrant global destination for literature, ideas, culture, and meaningful conversations.
I look forward to welcoming you all on 24th and 25th October 2026 at The Ummed Ahmedabad.
Together, let us celebrate the enduring power of words, the richness of ideas, and the echoes of joy that literature leaves in every heart.
Warm regards,
Umashanker Yadav
Founder Director & Managing Trustee
Ikon Education Foundation
Founder Director, Ahmedabad International Literature Festival
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