Internationally acclaimed author Amitav Ghosh will be delivering a highly anticipated public lecture at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Javett Arts Centre. The event, which is being hosted by UP’s Centre for Asian Studies in Africa (CASA), is expected to attract a large audience of academics, literature enthusiasts, environmentalists, students and members of the public, eager to gain insights from the celebrated author of bestselling novels and non-fiction works.

CASA has brought the Indian writer to South Africa in collaboration with colleagues at the University of the Witwatersrand, and will host the event on 13 September 2024. Ghosh’s lecture offers the audience a unique chance to engage with an author whose works have won multiple prestigious awards.

“Mr Ghosh is the author of globally acclaimed novels such as The Glass Palace, The Hungry Tide and The Ibis Trilogy,” said CASA Director Professor Alf Nilsen. “More recently, he has ventured into non-fiction, producing works like The Great Derangement, The Nutmeg’s Curse and his latest, Smoke and Ashes – all of which tackle the planetary ecological crisis, and have sparked significant international attention and debate."

Prof Nilsen expressed delight that CASA and UP have played a pivotal role in bringing an author of Ghosh’s calibre to South Africa. He noted that the writer’s public lecture has the potential to be a high-profile event for both CASA and the University. Prof Nilsen will also interview Ghosh, and the story will be published in the Mail & Guardian and on other UP platforms.

“Mr Ghosh’s visit is a rare and invaluable opportunity for the South African public to engage with one of the foremost literary voices of our time,” Prof Nilsen said. “We encourage all those with an interest in literature, environmental issues or global perspectives to attend this event. The lecture is open to the public, and we anticipate a stimulating exchange of ideas that will resonate well beyond the walls of the Javett Arts Centre. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a thought-provoking discussion about literature, history and the environment.”

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/2XBYStc17sJj4GUn7