The 6th edition of the South Asian Literature and Art Festival, SALA 2025, will take place at Menlo College in Atherton, California, on September 13 and 14, featuring renowned speakers and cultural events.
The South Asian Literature and Art Festival (SALA) returns for its sixth edition, taking place at Menlo College in Atherton, California, on the weekend of September 13 and 14. Recognized as a vital platform for cultural diplomacy and the exchange of ideas, SALA 2025 promises a weekend filled with intimate conversations featuring globally acclaimed figures from literature, filmmaking, the arts, and sciences, as well as representatives from South Asia and its diaspora.
This year’s theme, “Thoughts without Borders,” will showcase a star-studded lineup of celebrated speakers through curated sessions, each designed to serve as a masterclass with trailblazing voices and panelists who have significantly influenced their respective fields.
Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions with a variety of prominent figures. Nobel Laureate and economist Abhijit Banerjee will discuss how inequalities shape our present and future. Modern mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik will explore the impact of mythological stories on contemporary life. Bollywood filmmakers Kabir Khan, known for “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” and Kiran Rao, director of “Laapataa Ladies,” will share insights on the intersection of entertainment and politics. Additionally, Bay Area novelist Alka Joshi, whose work has been featured in the Reese Witherspoon book club, and Michelin Star restaurateur Ajay Walia will also be part of the lineup, along with Padma Dorje Matiland, Associate Curator at San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum.
Highlighted speakers at SALA 2025 include:
Dr. Abhijit Banerjee, a professor at MIT and Nobel Laureate, is renowned for his innovative approaches to alleviating global poverty. He emphasizes the importance of who makes the rules in shaping societal outcomes.
Devdutt Pattanaik, a modern mythologist and author, discusses how mythology serves as a subjective truth, reflecting the unique ways cultures interpret life.
Kiran Rao, a producer and director of the IIFA award-winning “Laapataa Ladies,” shares her perspective on the liberating power of humor in addressing long-standing societal issues.
Alka Joshi, an Indian American author, reflects on the profound changes individuals undergo over a lifetime, emphasizing that our true measure lies beyond daily experiences and future aspirations.
In addition to these enlightening discussions, SALA 2025 will feature 22 panel discussions covering a range of thought-provoking topics over the two-day event. Attendees can participate in open-mic poetry and book readings, enjoy performances by local Bay Area artists, and explore an art exhibition showcasing contemporary South Asian artists. Unique objects and artifacts from local South Asian brands will also be on display.
Tickets for SALA 2025 are available now, with options priced at $130 for a two-day pass or $65 for a single day.
For more information, visit salafestival.org and follow on Instagram at @artforumsf.
The festival will take place on September 13 and 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Menlo College, located at 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA.
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