HYDERABAD LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2025
Speaking Stones: Rock Art of Ladakh made its much-awaited South India debut in the very city it was printed (at Pragati Offset) — Hyderabad. The Stage talk given by Ahtushi was welcomed with an enthusiastic response where people were awe struck by an aspect of ladakh they knew little off. The book was fittingly launched by, 'Save the Rock Society' of Hyderabad, whose dedication to preserving natural heritage resonated deeply with the book’s themes.
Ahtushi also participated in an inspiring panel on “Climate Expressions,” joining fellow musicians and artists in a thoughtful discussion about the intimate relationship between creativity and nature. The session explored how their crafts draw from the environment and what lessons this connection offers in today’s world.
The Hyderabad Literary Festival with a footfall of over 100,000 people from all walks of life, offered memorable interactions, spirited conversations with the youth and a diverse cultural experience with artists, authors, musicians, environmentalists and more. It was a great platform to share my book and give a presentation with such an energizing literary community and audience.
Review on 'Speaking Stones' Book by Dr. Stephen Huyler
I have been working in photo-documenting Indian art for five decades. I have never ever seen, any book of pictographic art like this one and I have a whole collection of pictographic books. There really is nothing that exists in this genre to compare to the quality of the photography and the heart that has gone into this book.
It is extraordinary and I mean that with every fiber of my being. I am just floored by it and I'm so delighted to have a copy for my own. It will be a pride of place in my library.
