Why Literature Matters Beyond Literature | Interdisciplinary Panel Discussion | LITFEST 2026

Why Literature Matters Beyond Literature is the second session of LITFEST 2026: Stories We Live By, a one-day online literary festival organized by the School of Social Sciences and Languages, VIT Chennai. The panel explores how literature and storytelling extend far beyond the study of texts, shaping the ways we understand history, science, management, strategy, identity, and society. Bringing together scholars and professionals from diverse disciplines, the discussion examines the enduring relevance of literary thinking in research, leadership, education, and professional practice. Panelists Uthara B. - Research Scholar & KCHR Fellow, Dept. of History, Central University of Tamil Nadu Dr. Ratheesh Kumar R. T. – Assistant Professor, Department of Marine Geology and Geophysics Dr. Manu Melwin Joy – Assistant Professor, School of Management Studies, CUSAT Dr. Safia Bahas – Aviation Strategy Specialist Dr. Sharada Devi V. – Assistant Professor of English, University College, Thiruvananthapuram