Looking to the light

As we prepare to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, this time of year serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion across all spheres of life, particularly within publishing. For my parents, who are Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Divas holds profound significance as it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the sixth guru of the Sikhs, from imprisonment. This festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the enduring hope that light will prevail over darkness.

In the UK, strides have been made toward recognising the importance of diverse voices in literature, yet the gap in meaningful representation remains. South Asian narratives, in particular, are often limited or pigeonholed, and many emerging writers still struggle for visibility. The challenges they face point to a publishing industry that, while attempting to be inclusive, frequently falls short. This is where initiatives like the DESIblitz Literature Festival, alongside others, aim to step in, championing new and emerging voices to ensure these stories are told and celebrated.

The UK publishing industry has made visible attempts to diversify, introducing initiatives and diversity quotas and investing in specific outreach programmes. However, these well-intentioned steps often lack the necessary structural support or cultural understanding needed to create sustainable change for South Asian writers. Despite the excitement surrounding multicultural stories, the industry has not fully embraced the diversity of South Asian experiences, frequently boxing writers into specific genres, themes, or narratives. For instance, stories that do not centre around traditional expectations of migration or cultural struggle can struggle to gain traction, despite the broad range of South Asian experiences.

This limitation pushes many South Asian writers to pursue self-publishing, even when they are offered book deals. The reason is twofold: while mainstream publishing often demands narratives be altered to meet perceived commercial preferences, self-publishing allows writers the freedom to maintain authenticity without compromising their voices. Furthermore, self-published authors report a more direct connection with readers who are eager for unfiltered stories that truly resonate with their experiences. The industry’s slow pace in adapting to these nuanced needs only reinforces the cycle, making the push for self-publishing both a necessity and a conscious choice for many South Asian authors.

Numerous initiatives, such as Penguin Random House’s WriteNow scheme and Faber Academy’s scholarship, have been created to improve access and visibility for under-represented writers, including South Asian authors. These programmes are valuable, yet they often face limitations in scope and impact, benefiting a select few rather than bringing about systemic change. Additionally, while initiatives like these succeed in identifying talent, they sometimes lack the follow through to support authors adequately in the publishing process itself. Issues such as cultural misunderstanding, pressure to conform to mainstream tastes, and lack of access to a truly supportive network mean that the path forward for many South Asian writers remains challenging.

Issues such as cultural misunderstanding, pressure to conform to mainstream tastes, and lack of access to a truly supportive network mean that the path forward for many South Asian writers remains challenging.

Beyond major publishing houses, independent presses like Jacaranda Books and Fox & Windmill have been instrumental in fostering diverse narratives, showing what can be achieved when a genuine commitment to inclusivity is in place. These independent publishers have carved out spaces for authentic voices, but the limited resources they often operate with highlight the broader need for a systemic overhaul across the industry. Similarly, festivals and organisations like the DESIblitz Literature Festival, SAIL Fest and Wasafiri have provided essential platforms for South Asian authors to connect with readers and each other, amplifying stories that traditional publishing often overlooks. These community-driven efforts underscore the role of grassroots initiatives in creating change, but they also illuminate how much work still lies ahead.

At the DESIblitz Literature Festival, we are dedicated to nurturing and supporting emerging Asian writers. Our programming is crafted to offer opportunities for these voices to flourish, providing a platform where writers can showcase their work and connect with audiences. By amplifying these narratives, we aim to inspire a new generation of writers while fostering a community that values authenticity and inclusion. This year’s festival, for instance, brings together a diverse line-up of South Asian authors exploring themes of identity, race, migration, heritage—and many more—through panel discussions, readings and workshops.

Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas remind us of our collective responsibility to elevate voices that are too often marginalised.

Literature festivals play a vital role in promoting diversity, providing spaces for writers, readers and industry professionals to engage in meaningful conversations around representation and inclusivity. The DESIblitz Literature Festival, along with others, showcases a range of perspectives, inviting audiences to explore the complexity and depth of South Asian experiences beyond stereotypes. By highlighting these unique narratives, we strive to cultivate a more inclusive literary landscape that values genuine voices and fosters empathy.

As Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas inspire us with their celebration of light, they also remind us of our collective responsibility to elevate voices that are too often marginalised. While the publishing industry has made some progress, there is still much to be done to achieve a truly inclusive environment where South Asian writers can thrive without the limitations currently imposed upon them. Moving forward, let us commit to supporting emerging voices, encouraging self-expression, and advocating for a publishing industry that reflects the diversity of our society.

By embracing these narratives, we enrich our cultural fabric, ensuring that literature remains a space for all voices to be heard, valued, and celebrated. Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas!