Writer and parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor will talk about his latest book,Why I Am a Hindu , at the Krithi International Books Fair at Marine Drive at 5 p.m. on Friday.

Mr. Tharoor will be seen in discussion with journalist K.J. Jacob at Changampuzha Hall near the main book exhibition hall. Tharoor has dabbled in fiction and non-fiction with focus on contemporary history and politics. Why I Am a Hindu , his 17th book, marked his first attempt at writing on religion.

It showcases Hinduism as a complex, multidimensional and syncretic practice that subsequently got reduced to a monolith. He talks about his own faith and tries to dissect Hindutva as a dangerous political tool. While his take on caste has come under criticism, the book triggered a debate on whether the contemporary phenomenon of Hindutva could be combated with a return to the holy texts, as Mr. Tharoor suggests.

Live streaming of fest

Krithi-2018 will be available live online. The events at all the five venues will be live-streamed onwww.krithilitfest.com.

Words and Colours, a painting camp organised by the Lalithakala Akademi, was inaugurated by chairman Nemom Pushparaj at the Krithi Book Fest venue on Thursday. Works created during the five-day camp will be exhibited at the Book Fair venue from March 5 to 11. There will be a seminar on Art, Society and Fascism at Bolgatty Palace on March 9.