The man who wasn't there - Jaipur Literature Festival, Day 1

Salman Rushdie didn't make it to Jaipur, but he was there all right.

You felt his presence as you worked past armed policemen and road blocks at the entrance of the lane that leads up to the Diggi Palace's portal. You felt it in the metal detectors and frisking as you walked into the registration tent, more so because this was the first year that JLF required registration. Which didn't keep away the crowds: every venue was packed. The number of journalists registered — over 700, said the Press Desk — hinted at big things expected. And in the schmooze areas, at the bar, at the buffet tables, you heard his name.

Of course, he was mentioned in many events too. (I'm told the topic came up in just about every event, but I can't say for sure. JLF has four events going on simultaneously most of the time, so one has to choose what to attend. And then, of course, the festival has far outgrown its venue, so most events were packed. But on that, another post, later.)

And then, of course, there were the 'ambush readings' which were much in the news today.

Later in the night, the organisers issued this statement.

This press release is being issued on behalf of the organizers of the Jaipur Literature Festival. It has come to their attention that certain delegates acted in a manner during their sessions today which were without the prior knowledge or consent of the organizers. Any views expressed or actions taken by these delegates are in no manner endorsed by the Jaipur Literature Festival. Any comments made by the delegates reflect their personal, individual views and are not endorsed by the Festival or attributable to its organizers or anyone acting on their behalf. The Festival organizers are fully committed to ensuring compliance of all prevailing laws and will continue to offer their fullest cooperation to prevent any legal violation of any kind. Any action by any delegate or anyone else involved with the Festival that in any manner falls foul of the law will not be tolerated and all necessary, consequential action will be taken. Our endeavor has always been to provide a platform to foster an exchange of ideas and the love of literature, strictly within the four corners of the law. We remain committed to this objective.

Sigh.

More anon.

The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.