Abodh Aras
Animal Activist
Abodh Aras is the Chief Executive Officer of The Welfare Of Stray Dogs (WSD)
"PILF 2022"
About Abodh Aras
Abodh Aras is the Chief Executive Officer of The Welfare Of Stray Dogs (WSD). His passion for animals led him to quit the corporate sector and join The Welfare of Stray Dogs in 2000. He also serves on the Board of The Federation Of Indian Animal Protection Organisations(FIAPO). He loves Mumbai and knows the street dogs by name.
Alka Pande (Dr.)
Art Historian and Writer
Dr Alka Pande is an art historian. Pande is a curator, arts manager, prolific writer, and winner of many prestigious and highly coveted awards.
"PILF 2022"
About Alka Pande (Dr.)
Dr Alka Pande. An art historian, ex-Reader of Indian Arts and Aesthetics at Panjab University. Pande is a curator, arts manager, prolific and extensive writer, and winner of many prestigious and highly coveted awards in India and abroad. Her major fields of interest are gender, identity, sexuality and traditional arts and heritage She has been passionately involved with the world of visual arts for more than three decades now. Currently, Dr. Pande serves as consultant art advisor and curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
Ambi Parameswaran
Author
Ambi Parameswaran is a brand/advertising veteran with over four decades of experience, and a bestselling author of eleven books.
"PILF 2022"
About Ambi Parameswaran
Ambi Parameswaran is a brand/advertising veteran with over four decades of experience, and a bestselling author of eleven books. His book ‘Nawabs Nudes Noodles – India Through 50 Years of Advertising’ was a Crossword Popular Book Awards 2017 finalist and ‘Spring-Bouncing Back From Rejection’ was a finalist at Tata Lit Live Business Book of The Year Award 2021. His latest book ‘All The World’s A Stage’ is a story on the power of personal branding. Linked In @AmbiParameswaran Twitter @ambimgp
Amit Paranjape
Writer and Tech Entrepreneur
Amit is a tech entrepreneur based in Pune. He writes regularly in blogs, media. He is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and University of Wisconsin.
"PILF 2022"
About Amit Paranjape
Amit is a tech entrepreneur based in Pune. He has a wide variety of interests in software, science & technology, innovation, history, geo-politics and public policy. He writes regularly in blogs, media and is very active on twitter (at @aparanjape). Amit is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and University of Wisconsin.
Andreea Raicu
Author, Mindfulness Coach, Meditation Facilitator.
Andreea Raicu has worked for over 20 years in the television in Romania, hosting ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Megastar’.
"PILF 2022"
About Andreea Raicu
Andreea Raicu has worked for over 20 years in the television industry in Romania, hosting popular productions such as ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Megastar’. A mindfulness coach, meditation facilitator, author, TEDx speaker and entrepreneur, her own online business inspires millions of women to discover the joys of living a balanced life. Connect with her on Instagram@araicu, on Facebook@AndreeaRaicu.ro and on her website www.andreearaicu.ro.
Anita Satyajit
Writer and Storyteller
Anita Satyajit is a writer, storyteller and spiritual facilitator.
"PILF 2022"
About Anita Satyajit
Anita Satyajit is a writer, storyteller and spiritual facilitator. She is the self -published author of the Isapuram Tales book series, which is often called India's first spiritual fiction for children. A nature lover, she loves exploring our inner and outer worlds to better connect herself and others to our joy, peace and ease. When not writing, teaching or dancing, she can be found deep in thought, plotting ways to overcome her chocolate addiction.
Anita Nair
Author
Anita Nair is one of India’s most acclaimed authors. She is the founder of the creative writing mentorship program Anita’s Attic.
"PILF 2022"
About Anita Nair
Anita Nair is one of India’s most acclaimed authors. Her oeuvre ranges from literary fiction to noir to children’s literature to translation. Her books have been translated into thirty-two languages around the world. Anita Nair is the recipient of several prizes and honours including the Indian National Film Award in 2013, the Central Sahitya Akademi award and the Crossword Prize. She is the founder of the creative writing mentorship program Anita’s Attic. Anita Nair is a High-Profile Supporter of the UNHCR
Anjali Kirpalani
Author
Anjali Kirpalani is bestselling author . She is also a screenwriter and public speaker.
"PILF 2022"
About Anjali Kirpalani
Anjali Kirpalani is bestselling author of 19 till I die, Written in the stars and Never say Never and Tinsel Town Affair. She is also a screenwriter and public speaker. Anjali has been an RJ, Anchor with ET NOW and Shethepeople.tv and the editor of Stylekandy.com, a fashion portal.
Anthony Horowitz
Writer
He is one of the world’s most prolific and successful writers, he may have committed more (fictional) murders than any other living author.
"PILF 2022"
About Anthony Horowitz
One of the world’s most prolific and successful writers, Anthony Horowitz may have committed more (fictional) murders than any other living author, working across so many media, from books, to TV, film, plays and journalism. Several of his previous novels were instant New York Times bestsellers. His bestselling Alex Rider series for Young Adults has sold more than nineteen million copies worldwide. As a TV screenwriter he created both Midsomer Murders and the BAFTA-winning Foyle’s War on PBS; other TV work includes Poirot and the widely acclaimed mini-series Collision and Injustice. His award-winning novel Magpie Murders has been adapted into a six-part miniseries, written by Horowitz himself and staring Lesley Manville. It will be on PBS Masterpiece starting October 16, 2022. He lives in London. For more, visit: https://anthonyhorowitz.com/
Antoine Lewis
Author and Programming Director of Literature Live
He is the Programming Director of Literature Live! He has been the editor of several publications and websites.
"PILF 2022"
About Antoine Lewis
Antoine Lewis wears many hats. He is the Programming Director of Literature Live! The Mumbai International Litfest, one of the India’s largest and most prominent literature festivals. He has been the editor of several publications and websites including burrp.com, India's largest food review site; Savvy Cookbook, India's largest-selling food magazine, the Khaleej Times Cookbook and Food and Drink editor at Paprika Media. When not writing and cooking he’s trying to figure out which herbs and vegetables to grow in his kitchen garden.
Anupama Jain
Writer
Anupama Jain writes for both adults and children. She is the author of 3 well-received books and a co-author of 12 anthologies across genres.
"PILF 2022"
About Anupama Jain
Anupama Jain writes for both adults and children. She is the author of 3 well-received books and a co-author of 12 anthologies across genres, one of which is a LIMCA record holder as India’s first Composite Novel She is a multi-award-winning blogger across coveted forums, an acclaimed community builder and a mentor from Gurugram.
Ashwin Sanghi
Author
Ashwin Sanghi is counted among India’s highest-selling English fiction authors.
"PILF 2022"
About Ashwin Sanghi
Ashwin Sanghi is counted among India’s highest-selling English fiction authors having sold over two million books globally with over a million copies sold in his Bharat Series alone. He has written several bestsellers in his Bharat Series that include The Rozabal Line, Chanakya’s Chant, The Krishna Key, The Sialkot Saga, Keepers of the Kalachakra, The Vault of Vishnu and The Magicians of Mazda. Many of these books have been #1 bestsellers in India and have been acquired or optioned for movies, television, or web series. In addition, Ashwin has penned two New York Times bestselling thrillers with James Patterson, Private India (sold in the US as City on Fire) and Private Delhi (sold in the US as Count to Ten). He has also co-authored several non-fiction titles in the 13 Steps Series on Luck, Wealth, Marks, Health and Parenting. He also contributes to the op-ed pages of The Times of India. Ashwin has been included by Forbes India in their Celebrity-100 and by the New Indian Express in their Culture Power List. He is a winner of the Crossword Popular Choice Award 2012, Atta Galatta Popular Choice Award 2018, WBR Iconic Achievers Award 2018, the Litofest Literature Legend Award 2018 and the Kalinga Popular Choice Award 2021. He was educated at Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai, and St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. He holds a Masters’ degree from Yale University. Ashwin lives in Mumbai with his wife, Anushika, and his son, Raghuvir.
Ashwini R Sane
Author
Ashwini R Sane is the author of science fiction fantasy books with a dash of mythology.
"PILF 2022"
About Ashwini R Sane
Ashwini R Sane is the author of science fiction fantasy books with a dash of mythology. She is the author of the popular fantasy series for children ‘The Adventures of Little Kanya-The Sonic Reverberator, ‘The Terrorist Inquest’- A Play and ‘Ariyana the Secrets in the Forest’. She loves reading, painting, nature and animals.
Balaji Vittal
Author
Balaji Vittal has co-authored the National Film Award winning R.D. Burman.
"PILF 2022"
About Balaji Vittal
Balaji Vittal has co-authored the National Film Award winning R.D. Burman: The Man, The Music (2011) and the MAMI Award winning Gaata Rahe Mera Dil – 50 Classic Hindi Film Songs (2015) and the highly acclaimed S.D. Burman: The Prince-Musician (2018). His latest book (and his first solo-authored one) Pure Evil - The Bad Men of Bollywood is a walk through the rogues’ gallery of Bollywood villains from 1929 to 2021 where villainy in dazzling shades of black & grey is showcased. This is enriched with a treasure trove of rare trivia and anecdotes based on interviews conducted with almost 50 leading actors, film makers and script writers and has received widespread praise and appreciation from media as well as from leading book and film critics, influencers and the readers alike.
Bernhard Moestl
Author
Bernhard Moestl is an international bestselling author, business mentor, photographer and adventurer.
"PILF 2022"
About Bernhard Moestl
Bernhard Moestl, born in 1970 in Vienna, Austria, is an international bestselling author, business mentor, photographer and adventurer. Always living his personal dream of freedom Bernhard has been travelling the world for more than 35 years. From his very first trip to Asia in January 1991 he spent more than a decade in East-Asia, which quickly became his favourite region of the world. Having been fascinated by martial arts since his youth, he took the chance to stay with the legendary fighting monks of Shaolin, China. There he studied the art of Kung-Fu and gained deep insights into the philosophy behind it. Till today his books, which deal with topics like self awareness, mindfulness, self-improvement and leadership, are strongly influenced by that Asian way of thinking.
Bharat Bhushan
Author
Bharat Bhushan has authored Katha Panduranga, Birds of Ramayana and the Kailasa Kora: Mysteries of the Ancients.
"PILF 2022"
About Bharat Bhushan
Bharat Bhushan Birder, Biologist, Teacher, Trainer. With a Masters and PhD in Ornithology and an eclectic interest in ancient knowledge systems and sciences of India, has authored Katha Panduranga, Birds of Ramayana and the Kailasa Kora: Mysteries of the Ancients, published by Vishwakarma. Keen student of natural history and the puranas, is now Adjunct Professor in Hindu Studies at the University of Mumbai, with essays on the Sri Rama Raksha Stotra and the Ashta-dikhapala, i.e. the guardians of the eight directions.
Boria Majumdar
Sports Historian and Journalist
Boria Majumdar is an Indian sports historian and journalist and has most recently authored Maverick Commissioner- The IPL Lalit Modi saga.
"PILF 2022"
About Boria Majumdar
Boria Majumdar is an Indian sports historian and journalist and has most recently authored Maverick Commissioner- The IPL Lalit Modi saga. He is the founder of RevSportz, a digital first multi sports platform.
Brett Scott
Journalist, Monetary Anthropologist
Brett Scott is a journalist, monetary anthropologist and former financial broker who explores the intersections between finance and digital technology.
"PILF 2022"
About Brett Scott
Brett Scott is a journalist, monetary anthropologist and former financial broker who explores the intersections between money systems, finance, and digital technology. In 2013 he published The Heretic’s Guide to Global Finance: Hacking the Future of Money, a guide to high finance and the emergent forms of alternative finance, alternative currencies and activism that are challenging it. He has spoken at hundreds of events across the globe, and has appeared across international media, including BBC World News and Sky News. He has written extensively on financial activism and reform, digital finance, blockchain technology and the cashless society for publications like the Guardian, New Scientist, Huffington Post, Wired Magazine and CNN.com, and publishes the Altered States of Monetary Consciousness newsletter. He did a degree in anthropology in South Africa and a Masters in international development at Cambridge University (UK), and is a Senior Fellow of the Finance Innovation Lab (UK), and an Associate at the Global Prize. He lives in Berlin. Twitter: @suitpossum
Christopher C. Doyle
Author
Christopher C. Doyle transports the reader into a fascinating world where ancient secrets buried in legends blend with science and history to create a gripping story.
"PILF 2022"
About Christopher C. Doyle
Christopher C. Doyle transports the reader into a fascinating world where ancient secrets buried in legends blend with science and history to create a gripping story. His debut novel, The Mahabharata Secret, featured among the top ten books of 2013 and was nominated for the Raymond Crossword Book Award, 2014. He followed it up with the bestselling The Mahabharata Quest series, featuring The Alexander Secret and The Secret of the Druids, and the best-selling The Pataala Prophecy series, featuring Son of Bhrigu and The Mists of Brahma, all of which have won rave reviews from readers.
Colby Sharma
Entrepreneur and an International Traveller
Colby Sharma is an entrepreneur and an international traveller dedicated to making the world a brighter place.
"PILF 2022"
About Colby Sharma
Colby Sharma LLB., is a law graduate from the University of Liverpool, an entrepreneur and an international traveller dedicated to making the world a brighter place. This is his first novel.
D.V. Guruprasad
Retired director general of Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department
D.V. GURUPRASAD is the recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
"PILF 2022"
About D.V. Guruprasad
D.V. GURUPRASAD, IPS, is a retired director general of Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department. He is the recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service as well as Police Medal for Meritorious Service. He is a guest faculty in criminology and law enforcement for many universities and colleges. He is also a columnist for several English and Kannada dailies.
Deepak Chaitanya
Author
Deepak Chaitanya is well-known writer of Marathi, Hindi and English. He has written his literature in near about every from and style.
"PILF 2022"
About Deepak Chaitanya
Deepak Chaitanya is well-known writer of Marathi, Hindi and English. He has written his literature in near about every from and style, especially short story, novels and drama. He is known for his theatre activities too and has received multiple awards for his writings and translation works.
Deepti Naval
Actor, Director, Writer, Painter, and Photographer.
Deepti Naval is an Indian actor, director, writer, painter, and photographer. A multifaceted personality.
"PILF 2022"
About Deepti Naval
Deepti Naval is an Indian actor, director, writer, painter, and photographer. A multifaceted personality, Deepti has carved a distinct niche for herself in the Indian film industry, winning critical acclaim for her ‘sensitive and close to life’ portrayals that emphasized the changing role of women in India. Deepti made her debut in the year 1980 with the path-breaking film Ek Baar Phir, and has since appeared in more than ninety films, including Chashme Buddoor, Katha, Saath Saath, Kamla, Ankahi, Main Zinda Hoon, and Mirch Masala. She has received the Best Actor award in several national and international film festivals for her roles in Leela, Firaaq, Memories in March, Listen Amaya, NH10, The Boy with the Topknot, and others. She also won the Best Screenplay award at the New York Indian Film Festival for her directorial film, Do Paise Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baarish, in 2010. As a writer, she has three books to her credit—her first collection of poems, Lamha Lamha, published in 1981, Black Wind and Other Poems in 2004, and The Mad Tibetan: Stories from Then and Now in 2011. Her poems are reflective, sometimes autobiographical, and ‘constitute a direct and honest female voice’. A graduate of Hunter College, City University of New York, Deepti acquired her bachelor’s degree in fine arts studying painting as her major subject along with psychology, astronomy, and American theatre. As a painter, her knife work with oil on canvas is distinctly expressionistic.
Dev Prasad
Writer
Dev Prasad has five books are published. One of his books was longlisted for “Vodafone Crossword Award” and won “ISTD Book Award”.
"PILF 2022"
About Dev Prasad
Dev Prasad is an NIT Trichy and IIM-B alumnus. His five books are published by Penguin Random House, Vishwakarma, Jaico and Rupa. One of his books was longlisted for “Vodafone Crossword Award” and another won “ISTD Book Award”. He speaks on management topics at prestigious forums and Institutions.
Devalina Mookerjee
Translator and Publisher.
Devalina Mookerjee is a translator and publisher. She is also a researcher in health and education.
"PILF 2022"
About Devalina Mookerjee
Devalina Mookerjee is a translator and publisher. She is also a researcher in health and education. Her interest in ghosts is based on two decades of social science research. She learned to play bass over the lockdown, mostly jazz, blues and folk, and finds that the sound of the bass goes beautifully with stories of ghosts. She lives in New Delhi with her partner and five dogs
Devendra Prabhudesai
Author
Devendra Prabhudesai has authored seven books including biographies on Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
"PILF 2022"
About Devendra Prabhudesai
Devendra has been a part of the cricket industry for more than two decades. He was a part of Professional Management Group, India's first sports event management company jointly headed by Mr. Gavaskar, from 2000 to 2007, after which he joined the BCCI as Manager - Media Relations and Corporate Affairs. In his 7.5 years at the Board, he worked on several series and projects, like the media management of the World Cup, bilateral series and the IPL, as well as the Board's annual awards ceremonies. He has written nine books on cricket, including biographies of Mr. Sunil Gavaskar, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar and Mr. Rahul Dravid. He regularly presents cricket segments on Radio Nasha 91.9 FM. He has designed India's first cricket heritage walk, in south Mumbai.
Devyani Mungali
Founder of the Sanskriti Group of Schools
Devyani Mungali has been an educator for more than 30 years and founded the Sanskriti Group of Schools,
"PILF 2022"
About Devyani Mungali
Devyani Mungali has been a teacher and educator for more than 30 years and founded the Sanskriti Group of Schools, Pune with the mission of providing children a personalized education model which would look at their holistic growth. The fulcrum of her vision for education centers around compassion, empathy and love. This has received support from some of the most respected people in the country like our former President Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and others. She has been the recipient of several awards and accolades for her contribution to the field of education. She spends a lot of her time and efforts towards philanthropic causes especially the education of under privileged girl children.
Fabien Chartier
Author and Scholar
Fabien Chartier wrote a Ph-D thesis on Rabindranath Tagore’s reception in Great Britain and France in 2000.
"PILF 2022"
About Fabien Chartier
Fabien Chartier is a former French teacher at St. Stephen’s College and Delhi University, now teaching English and intercultural management at the University of Rennes (Brittany, France). He wrote a Ph-D thesis on Rabindranath Tagore’s reception in Great Britain and France in 2000. In 2020, he edited, co-prefaced and annotated a 1632-page book on Tagore’s life and works published by Quarto-Gallimard. He is also the co-founder and vice-President of SARI (the French Society of Activities and Research about India).
Faraaz Kazi
Author
Faraaz Kazi is the best-selling author of seven books. Kazi is a digital marketer by day and writer by night.
"PILF 2022"
About Faraaz Kazi
Faraaz Kazi is the best-selling author of seven books. Kazi is a digital marketer by day and writer by night. His latest, 'The Sun, The Moon & The Love in Between' is a romance thriller that deals with a sensitive subject. His notable works include 'Truly Madly Deeply', the only Indian book to have won a Goodreads Choice award and 'The Other Side', one of the highest selling Indian horror titles.
Ganesh Vancheeswaran
Writer, Book coach & Editor
Ganesh is the author of the books The Underage CEOs: and Till I Die! :
"PILF 2022"
About Ganesh Vancheeswaran
Ganesh is a catalyst for people’s self-expression. He believes all of us have the strong urge to express ourselves impactfully, one way or another: through our work, our knowledge, our achievements, our ideas and thoughts, our life stories, etc. As a person branding coach and speaker, writer, book coach & editor, voiceover artiste and scriptwriter for corporate films, this is what he helps people and organisations do. Ganesh is the author of the books The Underage CEOs: Fascinating Stories of Young Indians who Became CEOs in their Twenties and 22 Till I Die! : Precious Learnings of a Freewheeling Entrepreneur.
Gargi Mehra
Writer
Gargi Mehra has 50 short stories and 20 essays published in numerous literary magazines.
"PILF 2022"
About Gargi Mehra
Gargi Mehra works as a Project Manager in the IT arm of an international bank. She has 50 short stories and 20 essays published in numerous literary magazines. Her fiction has appeared in Lockdown Longings – a Roli Books Anthology, Jaggery Lit, Juggernaut, and Open Road Review among others.
Harshali Singh (Dr.)
Author, A Poet,
Dr. Harshali Singh is a Member judge at the Consumer Forum, an Author, a Poet, an academician,an Occupational Therapist and a Painter.
"PILF 2022"
About Harshali Singh (Dr.)
Dr. Harshali Singh is a Member judge at the Consumer Forum, an Author, a Poet, an academician,an Occupational Therapist and a Painter. She has won the ‘Write India ‘ season 2 , an initiative of The Times of India Group . She has also been conferred with the Iconic Author Award 2022 by Aesthetics International Lifestyle magazine. Dr. Harshali Singh has written in several literary genres ranging from poetry, fiction, anthologies and magazines. Her Novels ‘A Window to her Dreams’, and ‘The Anatomy of Choice’ and the new ‘A Paradox of Dreams’ form part of a nine book ‘Haveli Series’.
Helia Nazari
Associate for Program and Engagement
Helia Nazari is the associate for program and engagement at Salzburg Global Seminar.
"PILF 2022"
About Helia Nazari
Associate for Program and Engagement Helia Nazari is the associate for program and engagement at Salzburg Global Seminar. In her role she supports program development and implementation in various areas such as Public Policy New Voices Europe. She works in close collaboration with the Public Affairs team to design and implement approaches to engage program networks and Fellows. Prior to joining the organization, she worked as campaign manager for Women Political Leaders based in Brussels where she organized workshops and conferences for more than 500 politicians focusing on increasing the number and influence of women in politics and business. Previously she worked as research assistant for ZOE, focusing on finding solutions for the climate crisis and social…
Hemma Myers Sood
Writer
Hemma Myers Sood is a writer and she is a Reiki Grandmaster, psychic medium, healer and teaches different modalities.
"PILF 2022"
About Hemma Myers Sood
At 29, Hemma Myers Sood released her first book, The Eternal Ocean of Brahma. Hemma has successfully completed a course on ‘Writing Fiction’ from the prestigious Oxford University, and her ninth book, Tijara’s Mystery Codes, is uniquely interwoven with historical fiction, murder, palace intrigue and clairvoyance. She is a Reiki Grandmaster, psychic medium, healer and teaches different modalities.
J. Thorn
Author
J. Thorn has published two million words and has sold over 185,000 books worldwide.
"PILF 2022"
About J. Thorn
J. Thorn has published two million words and has sold over 185,000 books worldwide. He is an official member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and the Horror Writers Association. J. hosts the Writers, Ink podcast with J.D. Barker and Zach Bohannon.
J.D. Barker
Author
J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels.
"PILF 2022"
About J.D. Barker
J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and THE FOURTH MONKEY. His latest with James Patterson, DEATH OF THE BLACK WIDOW, released April 19th. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.
Jaya Gadgil
French Academician
Jaya Gadgil is a french academician. She has retired as the Head of the department of French from Fergusson college.
"PILF 2022"
About Jaya Gadgil
Jaya Gadgil has retired as the Head of the department of French from Fergusson college, she is currently teaching at the Alliance Francaise de Pune. She has an M. Phil from Savitribai Phule Pune University and is an examiner for the international DELF and DALF exams. She has conducted several exchange programs with French schools. As the National General Secretary of the Indian Association of Teachers of French (IATF), she has successfully conducted spelling bees and singing competitions in French language, organized regional and national congresses and was also the convenor for its first international online congress under the patronage of the French embassy and the French Institute in India.
Julia Trouilloud
Attaché at the French Institute in India
Julia Trouilloud is Attaché for books and ideas at the French Institute in India. She fosters literary and intellectual exchanges between France and India.
"PILF 2022"
About Julia Trouilloud
Julia Trouilloud is Attaché for books and ideas at the French Institute in India. She fosters literary and intellectual exchanges between France and India. She was previously working in the same field in South Korea and at the French Institute’s headquarters in France. An avid reader and an Indian culture lover, she holds a Masters from La Sorbonne University and an M.Phil from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Kathrin Rohmann
Writer
Kathrin Rohmann, has been writing stories for children, published for magazines and on the radio.
"PILF 2022"
About Kathrin Rohmann
Kathrin Rohmann, born in 1967, actually wanted to be a stage designer or a journalist, but because of a large, beautiful dog, she first became a farmer, then an agricultural engineer and finally a mother of three children. Since 2008 she has been writing stories for children, published for example in magazines and on the radio. "Apple Cake And Baklava" is her heart project, which was developed within the framework of the “Academy for Children's Media” 2014/15 and awarded the Baumhaus / Boje Media Prize 2015. Kathrin Rohmann lives in the north of Hanover.
Kathryn Hummel (Dr.)
Writer
Dr Kathryn Hummel is an Australian writer, social scientist, and multimedia artist. Author of six books of poems, her latest is Lamentville (2019).
"PILF 2022"
About Kathryn Hummel (Dr.)
Dr Kathryn Hummel is an Australian writer, social scientist, and multimedia artist. Author of six books of poems, her latest is Lamentville (2019). Kathryn's work across genres has been published, performed, translated and anthologised worldwide; among other honours she has received the Melbourne Lord Mayor's Dorothy Porter Award.
Ketan Joshi
Biker and Travel Writer
He is the author of 20 books - including the ‘Three Men on Motorcycles’ series, the 'One Man Goes Backpacking' series, and the ‘Antarctica trilogy’.
"PILF 2022"
About Ketan Joshi
Ketan Joshi is a biker, backpacker and travel writer. He is the author of 20 books - including the ‘Three Men on Motorcycles’ series, the 'One Man Goes Backpacking' series, and the ‘Antarctica trilogy’. Ketan has travelled to the Arctic and Antarctic, to over 50 countries and to all 7 continents.
Kiran Manral
Author
Kiran Manral is an Indian author, columnist and mentor. She has published books across genres in both fiction and non-fiction.
"PILF 2022"
About Kiran Manral
Kiran Manral is an Indian author, columnist and mentor. She has published books across genres in both fiction and non-fiction. She lives in Mumbai.
Kiron K Abraham
Writer
Kiron K Abraham has published numerous poems and short stories in several magazines- some of them have won awards and accolades.
"PILF 2022"
About Kiron K Abraham
Kiron K Abraham is a software professional from Kerala and an alumnus of KCT, Coimbatore. He has published numerous poems and short stories in several magazines- some of them have won awards and accolades. He has bagged second prize for poetry in Malayala Manorama Cultural Competition.
Kulpreet Yadav
Author
An author of 14 books, Kulpreet Yadav is an actor and filmmaker. Kulpreet is also an armed forces veteran who’s spent two decades in uniform.
"PILF 2022"
About Kulpreet Yadav
An author of 14 books, Kulpreet Yadav is an actor and filmmaker who lives in Mumbai. Kulpreet is also an armed forces veteran who’s spent two decades in uniform.
L. Aruna Dhir
Author
L. Aruna Dhir is the author of the bestselling Memoir – Hotel Adventures with the Stars.
"PILF 2022"
About L. Aruna Dhir
L. Aruna Dhir is a recognized and national poll-winning Corporate Communications Specialist, and an International Hospitality Writer of repute with the #1 ranked publication Hospitality Net. Aruna is also the author of the bestselling Memoir – Hotel Adventures with the Stars – brought out by Vishwakarma Publications. A published poet, Aruna is India’s first-ever Creative Writer with Archies Greetings!
Lalitha Suhasini
Independent Journalist
Lalitha Suhasini is an independent journalist and teaches journalism at Flame University
"PILF 2022"
About Lalitha Suhasini
Lalitha Suhasini is an independent journalist and teaches journalism at Flame University
Maithili Rao
Film critic, Author and Editor
Maithili Rao is a film critic, author and editor.
"PILF 2022"
About Maithili Rao
Maithili Rao is a film critic, author and editor. Her new book The Millennial Woman, Bollywood's New Brand? continues her focus on the portrayal of women in cinema. Smita Patil, A Brief Incandescence (2015) was her first book after contributing chapters to many publications. She co-edited Films Through Women’s Eyes, a study of 17 directors and The Oldest Love Story, a Motherhood Anthology (2022).
Manisha Saxena (Dr.)
Novelist, Paediatrician & Travel blogger
Dr. Manisha Saxena is a novelist, Pediatrician & travel blogger. She has received 'Women's Pride Award'.
"PILF 2022"
About Manisha Saxena (Dr.)
Dr. Manisha Saxena is a novelist, Pediatrician & travel blogger. After the debut success of Natal Fault, she has penned the bestseller crime thriller Blue Jeans. Her poems and articles have been published in The Times of India, Outlook Traveller and Citizen Journalist CNN IBN. She has received 'Women's Pride Award'.
Manjiri Prabhu (Dr.)
Author and Festival Director
Award-winning international Author of 19 books, and the Curator & Founder/Director of two international festivals.
"PILF 2022"
About Manjiri Prabhu (Dr.)
Dr. Manjiri Prabhu holds a Doctorate in Communication Science and is a short-film-maker, an award-winning international author and also the Founder/ Director of two Festivals. She has directed over 200 children’s TV programmes, more than 50 short fiction and travel films and has authored 19 books. she is also a Master's in French. Her unpublished psychological thriller novel was adapted into a Hindi feature film by NFDC, titled 'Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha'. Her thesis, converted into a book, titled 'Roles: Reel and Real', has become a rare reference book for students of Hindi cinema. Prabhu has been acknowledged as a pioneer in India among women writers of mystery fiction, and she has a diverse global fan following. She is also the first female mystery Author to be published outside India and has been labelled as the ‘Indian Agatha Christie’. And much recently, Prabhu has been acknowledged to be a 'match for Dan Brown' by Dr. Shashi Tharoor. She has been invited to reputed International Literature Festivals like Bouchercon, Cheltenham Litfest, the International Agatha Christie Festival, UK and International Women Fiction Writers, Matera, Italy. Her novels 'The Cosmic Clues' was selected as a Killer Book, by Independent Mystery Booksellers of America and 'The Astral Alibi' was honoured as a 'Notable Book' in the Kiriyama Prize. As the Founder/ Director of Pune International Literary Festival, Prabhu has brought Pune city on the International map of Literature and Arts festivals. She believes that literature heals and is a prerequisite to a peaceful society. Recently she also founded the International Festival of Spiritual India (For Humanity and Wisdom). This unique, free festival aims at helping people find a direction in life by supplying the attendees with tools, guidance and a purpose. She has been awarded an award for 'Excellence in Service for Humanity' from the Rotary Club of Pune, Kalyani Nagar, (2022) 'Inspirational Women of Maharashtra -Excellence in the field of Writing’ (2017) and ‘Most Admired Leader of Maharashtra' by ERTC Global Herald (2017). Also awarded the Rex Karmaveer Gold Medal Award (2016) instituted by iCONGO and the UN. She is also an animal welfare activist promoting caring and adoption of stray dogs for more than 35 years.
Manohar Sonawane
Author and Poet
Manohar Sonawane is a consulting editor of Vishwakarma Publications' Marathi Editorial Team. He is an author and a poet.
"PILF 2022"
About Manohar Sonawane
Manohar Sonawane is a consulting editor of Vishwakarma Publications' Marathi Editorial Team. He is an author and a poet. His books titled 'Sadara Badalaleli manase' and 'Brand Factory' have been awarded various prestigious awards such as the Maharashtra Government Literary Award. Recently, one of his book is included in North Maharashtra University curriculum for M. A. Marathi IInd year.
Mathew Prichard
Grandson of Agatha Christie
Mathew Prichard is Agatha Christie's only grandson, being Agatha's only daughter Rosalind's only son. He was Chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd.
"PILF 2022"
About Mathew Prichard
Mathew Prichard is Agatha Christie's only grandson, being Agatha's only daughter Rosalind's only son. He will be 80 in 2023. He was educated at Oxford University in the 1960s, and following that he was Chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd, which distributes and licences Agatha Christie books, films, TV and plays until his retirement in 2015. He now lives in Wales with his wife Lucy.
Mayur Didolkar
Author
Mayur Didolkar has published 5 novels, 2 short novels and several short stories.
"PILF 2022"
About Mayur Didolkar
A wealth manager by profession, Mayur Didolkar has published 5 novels, 2 short novels and several short stories. For last 3 years, Mayur has been a student at Spiral Bound; a screenwriting initiative of Boman Irani. Mayur has also written three feature length screenplays which are in various stages of development.
Mehul Darooka
Author
Mehul Darooka is an accomplished Corporate Trainer, Author and corporate and advertisement film maker.
"PILF 2022"
About Mehul Darooka
Mehul Darooka is an accomplished Corporate Trainer, Author and corporate and advertisement film maker. His short films have received critical acclaim, selected for being telecast on National TV and also has created and conceptualized advertisement films for several corporates. He received a 'Certificate of Excellence' from the prestigious NFDC.
Milind Prabhakar Sabnis
Writer
Milind P Sabnis is conducting a study of 'Vande Mataram '. He has authored and translated multiple books on history.
"PILF 2022"
About Milind Prabhakar Sabnis
Milind Prabhakar Sabnis is retired drawing teacher from Dnyanda Prashala - Pune. He is conducting a study of 'Vande Mataram ' since 1994. For the collection of 225 musical compositions of Vande Mataram, his name has been recorded in Limca Book of Records in 2002. He has authored and translated multiple books on history.
Minnie Vaid
Author
Minnie Vaid wears many hats---journalist, documentary filmmaker, author, writer/researcher, creative producer for feature films.
"PILF 2022"
About Minnie Vaid
Minnie Vaid wears many hats---journalist (both print and television), documentary filmmaker, author, writer/researcher, television professional and creative producer for feature films. While her earlier books were all research-based non-fiction titles, FATEH is her first fiction book, based on a real life story. She is passionate about filming documentaries on social issues in rural India and writing about human rights Women empowerment and mental Health issue.
Mona Verma
Author and Poet
Mona Verma is an award-winning author of 8 works of fiction and over a dozen anthologies. She specializes as a Haiku, Limericks, and Tanka poet.
"PILF 2022"
About Mona Verma
Mona Verma is an award-winning author of 8 works of fiction and over a dozen anthologies. She had edited various science journals, self-help books, and biographies and specializes as a Haiku, Limericks, and Tanka poet. Her books have been the subject of the thesis for many Research Scholars and the ICSE ELT series. She is on the board of various universities as an academic advisor and visiting faculty. She is the Chief Coordinator for FLO FICCI, Uttarakhand Literature Committee. Her name is mentioned in Dateline Dehradun as one of the most influential literary figures of Uttarakhand. Recently she has been listed in the 50 Iconic Authors 2022 Category by Aesthetics International. She has served as a member of the Asia Development Bank for the Uttarakhand chapter. She is a Paul Harris Fellow and serves with Interplast, Germany annually for free treatment of Burns victims. She co-owns DISHA, a Corporate Training firm that is much sought by leading MNCs, PSUs, Corporate Houses, and Universities for Executive presence training, Faculty Skill enhancement, PEP and PSI, and OB programs in India, the U.K., and the U.S.A. Mona is passionate about Indian classical music, acrylic oil, and charcoal pencil art. Her work is exhibited in the book, Daivya Sutras.
Muzaffar Saleem Shaikh
Writer and Teacher
Muzaffar Saleem Shaikh, Writes fiction and poetry in English, Collections of English short Stories.
"PILF 2022"
About Muzaffar Saleem Shaikh
Born in Ahmednagar Camp in 1954, Muzaffar Saleem Shaikh, M.A. M. Phil, Ph.D. (English). Worked in Poona College, Camp and King Saud University, Riyadh, as an English teacher. Writes fiction and poetry in English. Collections of English short Stories, 1) Feather is Thine but Thou art Mine (2008) 2) His Wife’s Lover and Other Stories (2022), Heerkani and Other Poems (2010).
Naseeruddin Shah
Actor
Naseeruddin Shah is an Indian actor. He is notable in Indian parallel cinema. He has also starred in international productions.
"PILF 2022"
About Naseeruddin Shah
Naseeruddin Shah is an Indian actor. He is notable in Indian parallel cinema. He has also starred in international productions. He has won numerous awards in his career, including three National Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan awards for his contributions to Indian cinema
Nathalie Azoulai
Author
After teaching for several years, Nathalie Azoulai turned to the world of publishing where she evolved for ten years in different publishing houses.
"PILF 2022"
About Nathalie Azoulai
Nathalie Azoulai was born in the Parisian region. After going through the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Saint-Cloud, she majored and obtained her degree in modern literature. After teaching for several years, she turned to the world of publishing where she evolved for ten years holding different positions and in different publishing houses. In June 2021, she became a jury member for Prix Femina. She is also the author of a new translation of Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf and of a novel which has just been published in 2022, La Fille parfaite, by P.O.L. She is currently translating from English to French novels by Richard Wright and Deborah Levy.
Naushad Forbes (Dr.)
Author and Co-Chairman of Forbes Marshall
Dr. Naushad Forbes is author of 'The Struggle and the Promise: Restoring India’s Potential'.
"PILF 2022"
About Naushad Forbes (Dr.)
Dr. Naushad Forbes Naushad’s book, The Struggle and the Promise: Restoring India’s Potential, was published by HarperCollins in 2022. He is also co-author of, From Followers to Leaders: Managing Technology and Innovation in newly industrializing countries, published by Routledge in 2002. Naushad is the Co-Chairman of Forbes Marshall, India's leading Process and Energy Efficiency company. He is Chairman, Ananta Aspen Centre, and Centre for Technology, Innovation and Economic Research (CTIER). Naushad was an occasional Lecturer and Consulting Professor at Stanford University from 1987 to 2004. He has received his Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Degrees from Stanford. Naushad is on the Board of several educational institutions and public companies. Naushad has long been an active member of CII and was President of CII for 2016
Pandit Vidyasagar (Dr.)
Writer
Dr Pandit Vidyasagar has to his credit 100 research papers, 18 books, about 1000 articles, hundreds of talks and 50 educational films.
"PILF 2022"
About Pandit Vidyasagar (Dr.)
Dr Pandit Vidyasagar is a former professor and head of physics SP Pune University and Vice Chancellor of SRTM university, Nanded. He is an acclaimed educationist, researcher, administrator and a prolific writer. He has to his credit 100 research papers, 18 books, about 1000 articles, hundreds of talks and 50 educational films. He has won prestigious awards and recognitions at state, national and international level.
Pradeep Dixit
Filmmaker
Pradeep Dixit, is in Screen Play Writing (1972), has 35 years experience of working as a writer, producer and director.
"PILF 2022"
About Pradeep Dixit
Pradeep Dixit, a graduate from the Film & TV Institute of India, Pune, in Screen Play Writing (1972), has 35 years experience of working as a writer, producer and director. He has 45 projects completed, which include short films, telefilms and TV serials and written over 250 scripts. Many of his films have won him 7Awards which includes,National, International and Professional awards. The recent ones are, in 2010, 2nd Best Marathi musical Drama writing Award of Rs.10,000/-by Natya Sampada and FTII Golden Jubilee Research Fellowship Award of Rs.50.000/-. He has worked as a script consultant with the Educational Technology project at IIT Bombay. He is visiting faculty at many Mass Communication institutes and was a member of the Syllabus Committee for designing Communication courses for Pune University. He has conducted and participated in many Media Workshops such as Sayhadri School of Krishnamurthy Foundation, SNDT, Symbiosis, I.S.B.M., M.I.T. and has conducted film workshops for school children on behalf of CFSI. He was working as a External Faculty at FTII, Pune. Prior to shifting to academics, he has served many prestigious TV channels and production houses as Director, creative head and was script writer with Mumbai Doordarshan and S.I.T.E. Project. He is a director of a NGO (registered under Public Trust No.E/4471,Pune with ATG certificate) , called ‘Communication Support Foundation’ which is working in the areas of Media awareness and Media training and creating awareness about noise Pollution. He has conducted 5 ‘Calligraphy Happening’ events and workshops for promoting social causes, which includes themes like, Traffic issues, National Integration, and Golden Jubilee of FTII. He is Ex Director of Indira School of Communications, Pune, and was Advisor to ISC. Recently,he has completed his 2nd 'Crowd Funded Documentary film,'Veena- The Chords of my Life',of which Veteran Actor Vikram Gokhale was a 'Brand Ambassador'.
Pramod Chaudhari (Dr.)
Executive Chairman of Praj Industries Ltd.
Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, is Executive Chairman of Praj Industries Ltd.
"PILF 2022"
About Pramod Chaudhari (Dr.)
Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, is Executive Chairman of Praj Industries Ltd. Praj Group is global provider of end-to-end Technology and Engineering solutions for Bio-Energy, Bio-Chemical and Bio-Pharma industry, with strong backing of world-class state-of-the-art R&D Centre called, Praj Matrix.
R. Raj Rao
Author
R. Raj Rao is the author of over 20 books of fiction, poetry, plays and critical nonfiction.
"PILF 2022"
About R. Raj Rao
R. Raj Rao is the author of over 20 books of fiction, poetry, plays and critical nonfiction. He is former professor and head of the English department at Pune University, and is currently visiting professor at Symbiosis College, Pune, and Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar.
Rajessh M Iyer
Author
Rajessh M Iyer is an author
"PILF 2022"
About Rajessh M Iyer
Rajessh M Iyer is the author of 'Nanha Natkhat’, 'Valiant Warriors’, 'Evading the Shadows’, 'Hari and Friends—A Holi Adventure’, 'Spinner of the Twisted Tale’, 'Karmic Souls’, 'Mind Whisperer’, ‘Uncle Pai’ and ‘Jabberwockiers'. He has also worked with media houses like Magna, Macmillan and Amar Chitra Katha. Two of his books will be on screen in the near future. For more about him, please check www.rajesshmiyer.com.
Randhir Khare
Poet
Recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Randhir Khare has published ten volumes of poetry.
"PILF 2022"
About Randhir Khare
Recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Randhir Khare has published ten volumes of poetry, has led three poetry-music bands and inspired artists and photographers. He has collaborated with A. R. Rahman who has set his poems to music. He is also a well-known novelist, essayist, playwright and artist.
Ratnakar Shetty (Prof.)
Author
Prof. Ratnakar Shetty has authored seven books including biographies on Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
"PILF 2022"
About Ratnakar Shetty (Prof.)
From being elected joint secretary of the BCCI in 2003 after serving on different committees of the Board since the late 1990s, to being appointed the Board's first chief administrative officer in 2006 and later as its general manager (Administration and Game Development), Prof. Ratnakar Shetty served Indian cricket in multiple capacities for over two decades. He joined Wilson College in South Mumbai as a lecturer in Chemistry after completing his MSc from the same institution, in 1975. This was before he entered cricket administration. He also served the Mumbai Cricket Association with distinction for nearly three decades. Prof. Shetty lives in Mumbai with his daughter Rachna. Devendra Prabhudesai was manager, Media Relations and Corporate Affairs, at the BCCI from 2008 to 2015. He has authored seven books including biographies on Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
Reena Pereira
Human Resources and Communications Professional.
Reena Pereira is a Human Resources and Communications Professional, has written Autobiographies and Memoirs.
"PILF 2022"
About Reena Pereira
Reena Pereira is a Human Resources and Communications Professional. She has held senior leadership positions in leading Multinationals with an active role in Diversity and Inclusion. She currently contributes to the Women’s Commission on key issues that uplift the girl child and empower women. Reena is an active contributor in the field of Literature with Autobiographies and Memoirs being her penchant.
Richa Tilokani
Writer
Richa Tilokani is a marketing, communication and advertising professional who loves writing books and poems.
"PILF 2022"
About Richa Tilokani
Richa Tilokani holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from SP Jain Institute of Marketing & Research, Mumbai. She is a marketing, communication and advertising professional who loves writing books and poems. Her debut book The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita- Timeless Wisdom for the Modern Age was published in 2021. It was nominated for Best debut in the non-fiction category at the Pragati Vichar Literary Festival 2022.
Roxanne Davur
Animal Welfare Activist
Roxanne Davur has founded and runs the Probably Paradise Shelter. The shelter is home to over 500 animals who are old or disabled.
"PILF 2022"
About Roxanne Davur
Roxanne Davur is a 70-year-old senior citizen who is an ardent animal lover. She founded and runs the Probably Paradise Shelter, located in Karjat, Maharashtra. The shelter is home to over 500 animals who are old or disabled and cannot survive on the streets. Roxanne is also a Master Trainer in Animal Welfare.
Ruby Gupta(Dr.)
Author
Dr Ruby Gupta is best-selling author of nine books.
"PILF 2022"
About Ruby Gupta(Dr.)
Best-selling author of nine books, Dr Ruby Gupta has been honoured at the International Agatha Christie Festival, England. Currently working as Professor and HOD at the Indian Military Academy, she is a double gold medallist in English literature, an awardee of the GSE (USA) by Rotary International and the recipient of the Pratibha Samman Award (journalism).
Rujuta Diwekar
Nutritionists
Rujuta Diwekar's books have sold more than 1.5 million copies and continue to define the discourse on food and exercise.
"PILF 2022"
About Rujuta Diwekar
Amongst the most followed nutritionists globally and India's leading public health advocate, Rujuta Diwekar is a vocal champion of using common sense and uncomplicating the act of eating right. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies and continue to define the discourse on food and exercise. She emphasizes on a blend of traditional food wisdom and modern nutrition science for a healthy body and mind, best reflected through the mantra – Eat local, think global.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
Sanyasi
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati was ordained into the tradition of sanyas.
"PILF 2022"
About Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
American-born Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, PhD, moved to India in 1996. A graduate of Stanford University, she was ordained by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president of one of the largest interfaith institutions in India, into the tradition of sanyas and lives at the Parmarth Niketan ashram in Rishikesh, where she leads a variety of humanitarian projects, teaches meditation, gives spiritual discourses, and counsels individuals and families.
Salil Desai
Author
Salil Desai is the author of the Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series.
"PILF 2022"
About Salil Desai
Salil Desai is the author of the much-acclaimed Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series, that include the titles - Murder Milestone (2020), 3 and a Half Murders (2017), The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen (2015) and Killing Ashish Karve (2014). The series is currently being adapted into a web series by Jio Studios. Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season is based on 'Murder Milestone' and is due for release in January 2023. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'. His 5th Inspector Saralkar novel will also be released in early 2023. Salil’s other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018).
Salini Vineeth
Author
Salini Vineeth is a fiction and freelance writer She has self-published four books and contributed to several anthologies.
"PILF 2022"
About Salini Vineeth
Salini Vineeth is a fiction and freelance writer based in Bangalore. She quit her engineering job in 2018 to pursue writing full-time. She has self-published four books and contributed to several anthologies. Her short stories have appeared in The Bangalore Review, The Bombay Review, and Kitaab, among others. Her debut novel is due to release in 2023.
Sandeep Bhanudas Tapkir
Writer and Researcher
Sandeep Bhanudas Tapkir is a history scholar, researcher of forts, and an orator on Shivaji Maharaj.
"PILF 2022"
About Sandeep Bhanudas Tapkir
Sandeep Bhanudas Tapkir is a history scholar, researcher of forts, and an orator on Shivaji Maharaj. He has published multiple books on Shivaji Maharaj and forts in Maharashtra. He has received many important awards including the ‘Late. Ninadrao Bedekar Smruti Puraskar’ by Shree Shivaji Raigad Smarak Mandal. Currently, he is working as the Assistant Editor at Vishwakarma Publications.
Sanjay Salunkhe
Writer
Sanjay Salunkhe is a professional graphic designer, and is author, social worker and activist.
"PILF 2022"
About Sanjay Salunkhe
Sanjay Salunkhe is a professional graphic designer, and trainer with years of experience. He has worked with prestigious industries like Kirloskar Brothers Ltd, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management etc professionally. More than 500 of his trained students are working across the globe. Also, he is an author, social worker and activist.
Seemantini Noolkar
Blogger and Author
Seemantini Noolkar is an Advocate and Notary by profession, Blogger, an award winning author and nature writer.
"PILF 2022"
About Seemantini Noolkar
Seemantini Noolkar is an Advocate and Notary by profession, Blogger, an award winning author and nature writer. She works on anti-ragging committees, Committees for Prevention of sexual harassment in Institutions and as legal advisor for other such organisations. She conducts awareness lectures and workshops in schools, colleges etc.
Sharmistha Mohanty
Author
Sharmistha Mohanty is the author of three works of prose, Book One, New Life, and Five Movements in Praise, and a book of poems.
"PILF 2022"
About Sharmistha Mohanty
Sharmistha Mohanty is the author of three works of prose, Book One,New Life, and Five Movements in Praise, and a book of poems, The Gods Came Afterwards. Her most recent work is Extinctions, a book of prose poems that appeared in August, 2022. She is the founder-editor of the online literature journal Almost Island.
Shatrujeet Nath
Author
SHATRUJEET NATH is the creator of the runaway national bestselling series Vikramaditya Veergatha and the mythology series Warlord of Ayodhya.
"PILF 2022"
About Shatrujeet Nath
SHATRUJEET NATH is the creator of the runaway national bestselling series Vikramaditya Veergatha and the alternative mythology series Warlord of Ayodhya. Described as “a new face to Indian mythology” by DNA, Shatrujeet writes for movies and web shows as well.
Shraddha Sahi
Author
Shraddha Sahi is a bestselling author of six books.
"PILF 2022"
About Shraddha Sahi
A bestselling author of six books, Shraddha Sahi is an ophthalmologist who juggles her professional demands and passion for writing with her new label of Tennis mom. The Pune based author is attracted to stories about strong, funny & kickass women. Her self-deprecating humour will stay with you long after you’ve read her books.
Shrayana Bhattacharya
Author and Economist
Shrayana Bhattacharya is an economist.
"PILF 2022"
About Shrayana Bhattacharya
Shrayana Bhattacharya is an economist trained at Delhi University and the Harvard Kennedy School. Since 2006, she has worked on research projects with the Institute of Social Studies Trust, SEWA and Centre for Policy Research. Her first book of non-fiction Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh : India's Lonely Young Women and the Search for Intimacy and Independence was published by HarperCollins India in November 2021 and by Liberty Books in Pakistan in August 2022. Shrayana recently won the Times of India JK Paper AutHer Prize for Best Non-Fiction Author for 2022 and the SKOCH Economic Forum Prize for Literature. She has also been shortlisted for the Tata TitLive Prize for Best Non-Fiction Debut 2022. The book has also been longlisted for the Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Prize 2022.
Stephen Alter
Author
Stephen Alter is the author of more than twenty books of fiction and non-fiction. He is also the founding director of the Mussoorie Mountain Festival.
"PILF 2022"
About Stephen Alter
Stephen Alter is the author of more than twenty books of fiction and non-fiction. Wild Himalaya: A Natural History of the Greatest Mountain Range on Earth, his most recent work of non-fiction, received the 2020 Banff Mountain Book Award in the Mountain Environment and Natural History category. His memoir, Becoming a Mountain: Himalayan Journeys in Search of the Sacred and the Sublime, received the Kekoo Naoroji Award for Himalayan Literature. In the Jungles of the Night: A Novel about Jim Corbett was shortlisted for the DSC South Asian Literature Award. Alter has taught at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, where he was director of the writing program for seven years. Following this, he was writer-in-residence at MIT for ten years. Among the honours he has received are fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Fulbright Program, the East West Centre in Hawaii, and the Banff Centre for Mountain Culture. He is also the founding director of the Mussoorie Mountain Festival.
Sudha Murty
Author and Philanthropist
She lives by the belief that the generosity of a few is hope for a million.
"PILF 2022"
About Sudha Murty
She has penned several bestselling books across genres—from children’s books to short stories and novels, from technical books to travelogues. Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over 30 lakh copies around the country. Recipient of nine honorary doctorates, Sudha Murty has also been awarded with the Rajyotsava Award from the Government of Karnataka, the Padma Shri from the Government of India, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award, the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature, the Attimabbe Award from the Government of Karnataka for excellence in Kannada literature and the Lifetime Achievement by Crossword Book Awards. She lives by the belief that the generosity of a few is hope for a million. Her writings are replete with values of compassion and kindness, in keeping with our culture and heritage. With simple and accessible language, she hopes her stories continue to inspire and entertain the readers. Her love for Kannada stems from her early years of studying in a Kannada-medium school. Her strong ties with the language led her to establish more than 60,000 libraries in the region. She strongly believes in creating awareness about social issues and has extensively travelled the world giving a voice and raising awareness to various causes. During her twenty-four-year long tenure as the founder and chairperson of Infosys Foundation, she has handled sixteen national disasters.
Suhail Mathur
Author
Suhail Mathur is an award winning and bestselling author of the historical-mythological fiction and the mythological-fantasy.
"PILF 2022"
About Suhail Mathur
Suhail Mathur is an award winning and bestselling author of the historical-mythological fiction, THE BHAIRAV PUTRAS and the mythological-fantasy, THE HUNT FOR RAMA’S BOW, a TedX speaker, and is one of the country’s premier literary agents via his agency, THE BOOK BAKERS, through which he has successfully sold more than 900 books. An alumnus of Delhi Public School, NOIDA and National Law University, Delhi, Suhail, a lit fest regular and the festival director of the largest & longest online Literature Festival; The Book Bakers Online Literature Festival, has also worked as an English cricket commentator for Star Sports & Airtel’s mobile app. His name has also been listed as one of the ‘Top 51 Indian Writers To Follow’ by EBooks India and called…
Surendranath
Writer
Surendranath (Suri to all) he is a playwright and a theatre director in Kannada.
"PILF 2022"
About Surendranath
Surendranath (Suri to all) was born in a village near Mudubidari in South Kanara District in Karnataka. He was brought up in Davangere, in Karnataka and had his education there. He is a graduate of the National School of Drama, and a writer, a playwright and a theatre director in Kannada. Surendranath (Suri to all) is among the successful and prolific playwrights and directors of modern Indian theatre and a well-known name in Kannada theatre for over three decades. He has adapted many classics of world theatre from Ibsen to Shakespeare, Brecht, Frisch, Chekov, setting them in contemporary Karnataka to great success. He has published three short story collections, two novels and eight plays in Kannada. For more than a decade he was the programming head of ET…
Susmita Mukherjee
Author and Actor
Susmita Mukherjee is an actor, author and artepreneur. She has played several memorable roles on the big and small screen, as well as on stage.
"PILF 2022"
About Susmita Mukherjee
Susmita Mukherjee is an actor, author and artrepreneur. She has played several memorable roles on the big and small screen, as well as on stage. She has written three books and will deliver her fourth 'book baby' soon. She runs a non-profit - Rudraani Kalagram for promoting local art in Madhya Pradesh.
Tanushree Podder
Author
A hundred travel tales, 16 novels, and a bagful of dreams – that’s Tanushree Podder.
"PILF 2022"
About Tanushree Podder
A hundred travel tales, 16 novels, and a bagful of dreams – that’s Tanushree Podder. An adventurous soul, she has dabbled in multiple genres like historical, military, crime, romance, and paranormal. Three of her books, Boots Belts Berets, A Closetful of Skeletons, and The Girls in Green, are soon to be adapted into web series. Tanushree is an intrepid traveler, a chocoholic, and a voracious reader.
Tuhin Sinha
Author
Tuhin is acknowledged among the most prolific Indian writers with a maverick knack to experiment with new genres.
"PILF 2022"
About Tuhin Sinha
He is acknowledged among the most prolific Indian writers with a maverick knack to experiment with new genres. Tuhin’s recent releases include a geopolitical thriller, Mission Shengzhan and the first two books of his trilogy around India’s unsung subaltern heroes- The Legend Of Birsa Munda and The Great Tribal Warriors Of Bharat. Tuhin’s books traverse a wide range of genres and include sociopolitical thrillers and romantic sagas. He has written extensively on political issues through his articles in India Today, Firstpost and The Print among others. He is a prominent voice of the BJP in national media ‘
Umaima
Author
Umaima is an Instructional Designer contributing to the education and social sector in India. She is a UNAOC Youth Delegate.
"PILF 2022"
About Umaima
Umaima is an Instructional Designer contributing to the education and social sector in India. She is a UNAOC Youth Delegate, Arts for Good Fellow and a Gandhi Fellow. Currently as aSenior Manager - Training and Curriculum at Slam Out Loud, she is leading the design efforts to develop key Socio-emotional and 21st-century skills through arts-based opportunities for children from disadvantaged communities. She's passionate about leveraging arts for climate action and designed, 'All Here' a digital game prototype to creatively address climate change with UNESCO. With the Ministry of Rural Development, her own start-up, and the Gandhi Fellowship she has developed resources and programs on skilling, sustainability and education in tribal and under-served communities in India.
Vasudev Murthy
Author
VASUDEV MURTHY writes in multiple genres and draws inspiration from the violin, yoga and animal rights.
"PILF 2022"
About Vasudev Murthy
VASUDEV MURTHY writes in multiple genres—classical music, management, crime and humour—and his work has been translated into Japanese, Portuguese, Hindi and Kannada. He lives in Bangalore and draws inspiration from the violin, yoga and animal rights.
Vikram Sampath (Dr.)
Author
Dr. Vikram Sampath is the author of eight acclaimed books and various awards.
"PILF 2022"
About Vikram Sampath (Dr.)
Bangalore based historian, Dr. Vikram Sampath is the author of eight acclaimed books: Splendours of Royal Mysore: the Untold Story of the Wodeyars; "My Name Is Gauhar Jaan: The Life and Times of a Musician", "Voice of the Veena: S Balachander, A Biography", "Women of the Records", "Indian Classical Music and the Gramophone: 1900-1930" and "Bravehearts of Bharat." His two-volume biography---"Savarkar: Echoes from a Forgotten Past" and "Savarkar: A Contested Legacy" went on to become National Best Sellers and were acclaimed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Dr. Sampath was recently conferred the honour of being elected as a Fellow of UK's prestigious Royal Historical Society. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi's first Yuva Puraskar in English literature and the ARSC International Award for Excellence in Historical research in New York for his book on Gauhar Jaan. The book has also been adapted to theatre as a play "Gauhar" by Lillette Dubey and is being adapted to a Bollywood film by Ashutosh Gowariker. Dr. Sampath was among the 4 writers and artists to be selected as a Writer-in-Residence at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in 2015. He has a Doctorate in history & music from the University of Queensland, Australia and was a Senior Research Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi. He is also an Aspen Global Leadership Fellow and an Eisenhower Global Fellow 2021. An Engineer/mathematician from BITS-Pilani and an MBA in Finance from S. P. Jain, Mumbai, Dr. Sampath is also a trained Carnatic vocalist. He has established the Archive of Indian Music, India's first digital sound archive for vintage recordings, is the Founder-Director of the Bangalore Literature Festival, Indic Thoughts Festival and ‘ARTH-‐ A Culture Fest’.
Yamini Dand Shah (Dr.)
Researcher and Writer
Dr. Yamini Dand Shah researches in the area of gender and sexuality studies /writers of South Asia and Canada.
"PILF 2022"
About Yamini Dand Shah (Dr.)
Dr. Yamini Dand Shah researches in the area of gender and sexuality studies and socio-economically marginalized communities/writers of South Asia and Canada alongside her research on the Indian Education System, Aesthetics, Culture, and Arts Management. Public discourse is very close to her heart and strives to work in this sphere through the academia and literary/publishing sector. She ably co-curated the Literature segment Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in 2019 and is on their Core Team. She was a member of the Advisory Council, at the Board of Studies of Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai. She has been invited as a research scholar to Concordia University, Canada (2016), and as a writer-in-residence at the University of Tuebingen, Germany (2023). She has received the President’s award by Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam. She has presented her research papers at several national and international conferences and has many published papers to her credit. Yamini’s poems have been published in various anthologies, magazines, and journals. Her recent book is a research poetry collection called, ‘Abstract Oralism’ published by Paperwall. She is a visiting faculty at the University of Mumbai and editorial advisor and is working on building a literary theory.
