"It was truly such a joy to be there."
On September 6, 2024, the British Library launched SAIL Fest. This was in honour of South Asian Heritage Month.
The South Asian diaspora includes Indian, Bengali, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani communities.
SAIL Fest was unique and dedicated to celebrating, connecting, and empowering South Asian writers.
The festival presented authors, poets, and illustrators who target readers up to the age of 17.
The event took place from 10 am – 5 pm and included the following sessions:
- The Art of Storytelling and How It Intersects with Your Culture – A Pinch of Culture in a Pot of Craft
- The Joy of Picture Books and Visual Storytelling
- The Craft of Imagining Fantastical and Other Worlds – Writing Sci-Fi and Fantasy
- Writing the Contemporary vs Writing Historicals – Why Do We Choose?
- Demystifying publishing of South Asian literature
SAIL Fest included the award-winning author Chitra Soundar, the award-winning bookseller Sanchita Basu De Sarkar, and publicity director Sinead Gosai.
Speaking about their motivation behind creating this festival, they said: “We set up SAIL Festival because there was nothing like it!
“We wanted to unite the South Asian children’s book community from across the country, from publishers and booksellers to aspiring creatives, teachers and librarians.
“Through various events and outreach, we wanted to try to encourage more collaborative and transparent working practices whilst also creating wider opportunities for everyone involved so we can hope to level the playing field and celebrate the incredible talent that has been published so far and create a unique space to nurture and develop emerging creatives of South Asian heritage.”
Sinead continued: “Chitra, Sanchita and I wanted to create an event that is dedicated to celebrating, connecting and empowering South Asian children’s authors, illustrators and poets to create books for younger readers.
“We wanted to offer a space that was truly just for our community.
“Somewhere to talk, to connect, to share experiences – both bad and good and to learn from one another.
“Being in that room, with the energy and enthusiasm, I don’t think any of us had truly grasped how much we needed a festival like SAIL Fest before that point.”
Divulging the importance of such events in 2024, Sinead added:
“Having events like SAIL Fest that uplift and support the community is incredibly important.
“Especially when the world is in such turmoil. Discovering common ground, finding a support network and connecting with your people is necessary.
“Writing and illustrating can also be a lonely experience, so being able to connect with those in your field can also give you the creative break that you need.
“There’s also a similar festival for East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) heritage writers that some friends of ours organise annually, too.
“Everyone involved with our inaugural festival loved it.
“The energy in the room was electric, and there was so much wisdom, knowledge and experience.
“It was definitely a place to learn, develop, grow and make friends, develop connections and have fun.
“We’re all incredibly excited for what’s to come.”
A specific author said: “This space was desperately needed for the South Asian community.
“It served as a safe space for really honest and illuminating conversations about publishing and creating books generally for children.”
The author Shireen Lalji added: “SAIL Fest 2024 was just such a gorgeous experience.
“So lovely to be in a space with so many lovely writers, thinkers and publishing folks celebrating South Asian writing.
“Thank you to the team. It was truly such a joy to be there.”
The writer AM Dassu expressed: “Honestly, it was amazing. I felt so uplifted.
“Thank you for creating such a supportive, welcoming, embracing and warm space, you wonder!
“Not sure if you realise what you’ve done for us by founding this festival. So much love to you.”
Sinead concluded: “All the attendees were so excited to be there and couldn’t quite believe we had a dedicated festival just for our community.
“Sanchitra, Chitra, and I feel very proud of what we’ve achieved so far (tired but proud), but know it’s just the start.
“There’s so much more we want to do, but we, of course, can’t do this without funding.
“So if you want to support the festival, visit our website, Sailfest.org.uk and get in touch.”
SAIL Fest 2024 was undoubtedly an experience to cherish and one that united the South Asian community of the UK like never before.
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