Ajay Mankotia
Author
Ajay Mankotia is a former Commissioner of Income Tax , and Media company executive.
Speakers 2023
"PILF 2023"
About Ajay Mankotia
Ajay Mankotia is a former Commissioner of Income Tax , and Media company executive. Presently he runs his tax advisory . He is also Independent Director of Jindal Stainless Ltd and MPS Ltd. He has recently written his second book book " Bollywood Odyssey " The book is about music directors, singers and various aspects Hindi film music .These are essentially based on his personal knowledge—stemming from either his meetings with them, or through the association of his mother/uncle ( they were both in the field of music) with them, and his analysis of their music and their songs. It’s a 360-degree tour with a personal element thrown in. The book has received outstanding testimonials from the music world . The book is available on Amazon.
Ajit Menon
Author, Philanthrope, and a unique Nation builder
Ajit has contributed at CXO levels in over five Industries in the last three decades
"PILF 2023"
About Ajit Menon
Ajit Menon – Author, Philanthrope, and a unique Nation builder in his own right, has contributed at CXO levels in over five Industries in the last three decades. He worked in very senior leadership roles both in Operations and the functional departments before deciding that he had had enough of his cushy corporate job and decided to follow his passion – Storytelling. Today, as an author, Ajit Menon is rated in the ‘Top 12 inspiring writers of 2023’. A Philanthrope, Ajit & his family run an NGO called Anugraha Foundation, which funds homes for abandoned and destitute senior citizens.
Ajit Vaman Apte (Dr.)
Historian, Orator, and Author
Dr. Ajit Vaman Apte is an historian.
"PILF 2023"
About Ajit Vaman Apte (Dr.)
Dr. Ajit Vaman Apte is a history enthusiast and has done Ph.D. on the management style of Chhatrapati screen Shivaji Maharaj. He has written 3 books on the same in Marathi. He has delivered more than 400 lectures and conducted more than 300 heritage walks in Pune and surrounding areas. He has been taking part in historical mega drama Jaanata Raja since 1985 and has played the character of Aurangazeb!
Alka Pande (Dr)
Art Historian
Dr Pande is a consultant art advisor and curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Ce…
"PILF 2023"
About Alka Pande (Dr)
Dr Alka Pande is an art historian who taught Art History at Panjab University for more than two decades. She has also taught Art and Aesthetics at the Delhi College of Art, NID and the DJ Academy of Design, Coimbatore. Her major fields of interest are gender identity and sexuality, and traditional arts. Dr Pande, under the aegis of the Charles Wallace India Trust, conducted postdoctoral research in critical art theory at Goldsmiths, University of London. Dr Pande is responsible for setting-up museums: Bihar Museum, Divine Gesture, Udaipur City Palace, Kanha Museum, Singinawa. She is on the advisory of the Bihar Museum. Dr Pande also set up the Bihar Museum Biennale in 2021 and is now the chief curator for the Bihar Museum Biennale 2. Currently, Dr Pande is a consultant art advisor and curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi (India).
Amod K. Kanth
Redt IPS Officer
Amod K. Kanth is a highly decorated IPS officer who has received awards for gallantry and for merit…
"PILF 2023"
About Amod K. Kanth
Amod K. Kanth is a highly decorated IPS officer who has received awards for gallantry and for meritorious and distinguished services. He has been recognised as an ‘outstanding social worker’ and a ‘global hero’ by the US government for combating human trafficking. As the founder and secretary of Prayas JAC Society, he is deeply committed to the rights, welfare and rehabilitation of exploited children and deprived communities across the country.
Amrit Nagpal
Storyteller
She is an Early Years Education expert, a curriculum architect, a parent coach, an educator mentor …
"PILF 2023"
About Amrit Nagpal
‘No matter what you do; always work hard and give your best.’ Amrit takes this advice from her father to heart, as this motivates all her actions. She is a graduate in Human Development from S.N.D.T. University, and a Masters in Education (M.Ed) from James Cook University. She is an Early Years Education expert, a curriculum architect, a parent coach, an educator mentor and a certified storyteller. Recently, she has made significant contributions as a contributor to the book, Early Childhood Development - Universal Perspectives by Global Experts, published by Vitasta Publication. She believes that learning never ends.
Amrita Prasad
Journalist
She has worked across platforms and in publications like Life 365, Sakal Times, and The Times of In…
"PILF 2023"
About Amrita Prasad
Amrita Prasad is a young journalist, who has a career spanning 9 years. She has worked across platforms and in publications like Life 365, Sakal Times, and The Times of India. Currently, she is heading the lifestyle and features section at Pune Times Mirror for both the website and in print edition. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for news, Amrita wants to be the voice for the voiceless. While writing remains her first love, she loves documenting people's stories and her own experiences through pictures and videos.
Arul Danam Horizon
Photo Journalist
Arul Horizon is a photo journalist with the Indian Express..
"PILF 2023"
About Arul Danam Horizon
Arul Danam Horizon (Arul Horizon), started photography during school days and worked in hospitality industry in India and abroad before getting in to serious photojournalism career with the Indian Express 25 years ago. During this journey he was assigned to cover a number of Social, political, cultural, sports and Natural calamities etc. and had an extended coverage on Pandemic.
Arunava Sinha
Translator
Translates Bengali fiction, non-fiction, and poetry from Bangladesh and India into English.
"PILF 2023"
About Arunava Sinha
Arunava Sinha translates Bengali fiction, non-fiction, and poetry from Bangladesh and India into English. He also translates fiction from English into Bengali. Over 80 of his translations have been published so far in India, the UK and the USA. He teaches at Ashoka University, where he is also the co-director of the Ashoka Centre for Translation.
Ashdin Doctor
The Habit Coach™
Ashdin is The Habit Coach™. He firmly believes that an awesome life starts with awesome habits
"PILF 2023"
About Ashdin Doctor
He hosts The Habit Coach™ Podcast on IVM, which is a daily podcast that has over a thousand episodes. It is ranked among the top self-development podcasts in India. It covers a wide variety of topics all designed to help the listener evolve through their daily habits. He works with people from all across the world, helping them with their habits, spreading his message through keynote speeches, workshops and group coaching sessions. Apart from that, he is a director at Ormax Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Ormax Media Pvt. Ltd. and Ormax Evolve Pvt. Ltd. He is also a trustee at the Light of Life Trust, an NGO dedicated to underprivileged children around the world. Ashdin will be donating a percentage of the proceeds from this book to the NGO to promote literacy.
Gajra Kottary
short story writer, novelist, television script writer
Gajra's collection of women centred short stories titled Autumn Blossoms released on November 2nd 2…
"PILF 2023"
About Gajra Kottary
Gajra Kottary is a short story writer, novelist and multiple award-winning television script writer who has written some of the longest-running, and memorable, serials on Indian television, Balika Vadhu, Astitva, Na Umr Ki Seema Ho, among many others. Gajra's collection of women centred short stories titled Autumn Blossoms released on November 2nd 2023 in Mumbai.
Ganesh Natarajan (Dr)
Executive Chairman and Founder of 5F World
He is Executive Chairman and Founder of 5F World, Co-Founder of Lighthouse Communities Foundation, …
"PILF 2023"
About Ganesh Natarajan (Dr)
Dr. Ganesh Natarajan is Executive Chairman and Founder of 5F World, a platform for Digital Start-ups, Skills and Social Ventures in the country. He is also Co-Founder of Lighthouse Communities Foundation, Global Talent Track and Skills Alpha. Ganesh’s corporate career includes twenty-five years leading public listed companies, APTECH and Zensar Technologies. He grew Zensar’s over fifteen times and made it a leader in providing digital transformation solutions for manufacturing, retail and financial services firms. Ganesh is Chairman of the Board of Honeywell Automation India Limited and Lighthouse Communities. He also serves on the Boards of Hinduja Global Solutions, SBI Payments Ltd, Systech Inc USA, Educate Girls and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network, SingaporeDr. Ganesh Natarajan has been Chairman of Industry association NASSCOM and NASSCOM Foundation
Gopinath Chandra Das
Life coach and Motivational speaker
He helps people improve the quality of their lives with teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.
"PILF 2023"
About Gopinath Chandra Das
Gopinath Chandra Das did his B.Tech and M.Tech from IITB. In 2004, he joined ISKCON as a full-time monk. A life coach and motivational speaker, he helps people improve the quality of their lives with teachings from the Bhagavad Gita. With his background in science and technology, he presents the Gita in a scientific light.
Gul Hinduja
Managing Trustee of the IndusInd Foundation
Gul Hinduja, the Managing Trustee of the IndusInd Foundation, is a global businessman hailing from …
"PILF 2023"
About Gul Hinduja
Gul Hinduja, the Managing Trustee of the IndusInd Foundation, is a global businessman hailing from a distinguished business family. His life philosophy is simple yet profound: learn, earn, and share. This ethos is evident in his involvement with various institutions, schools, colleges, and hospitals, and his dedicated service to deserving individuals. His life is a symphony of bonds, knowledge, music, and laughter, and this book is his gift to the world.
Harshil Shah
Expert in Books and Marketing
Vision: To spread Literature and Yoga to the common man
"PILF 2023"
About Harshil Shah
I enjoy being around books and authors and as it is said outside of a dog, books are a man's best friend. - It allows you to live many lives in one and that's what it taught me in my last stint with the Crossword Bookstores for 13 long years. - Apart was part of the several IP's like prestigious Crossword Book Awards, I Want To Be An Author, Make Your Own Bookmark etc. - Creativity and Innovation is the key to success with persistence which have applied in the daily work to make it more interesting and enjoyable. Vision: To spread Literature and Yoga to the common man
Kalyani Sardesai
Journalist, Writer
Kalyani Sardesai is a Pune-based journalist and writer.
"PILF 2023"
About Kalyani Sardesai
Kalyani Sardesai is a Pune-based journalist and writer. Apart from Punyakatha, her other works include Child of My Heart, the first of its kind, comprehensive book on adoption and child rights in the Indian context, the children’s book cum satire: Dog Knows: Golden Words of Canine Wisdom and the recently released Mom-made with Love: Recipes on Life, Business and Enterprise.
Kulpreet Yadav
Author, Actor, Screenwriter and Filmmaker
Kulpreet has authored several books in diverse genres, including espionage, true crime and military…
"PILF 2023"
About Kulpreet Yadav
A product of the Naval Officers' Academy, Kulpreet Yadav has spent two decades as an officer in uniform and has successfully commanded three ships in his career. Since his retirement as Commandant from the Indian Coast Guard in 2014, he has authored several books in diverse genres, including espionage, true crime and military history. Winner of the Best Fiction Author Award for Murder in Paharganj, an espionage novel, at the Gurgaon Literary Festival in 2018, Kulpreet is also an actor, screenwriter and filmmaker. He lives in Mumbai, and his latest book is Brahmaputra (Harper Collins, 2023), which he has co-authored with Vijayendra Prasad, writer of blockbuster films like Bahubaali, RRR, Bajrangi Bhaijaan etc. Kulpreet is also the author of the highly successful book, “The Battle of Rezang La” (Penguin, 2021), based on the 1962 war with China & set in Ladakh.
Manjiri Khandekar
Educationist, Publisher
Manjiri Khandekar is a city-based educationist, publisher and founder of Heritage India
"PILF 2023"
About Manjiri Khandekar
Manjiri Khandekar is a city-based educationist, publisher and founder of Heritage India—an organisation dedicated to the promotion of Indian history, culture, and heritage sites. To that end, Heritage India has published award-winning magazines called Heritage India and Maharashtra Unlimited that have brought out well-researched essays and stories of assorted cultural legacies for culture and history buffs. Apart from organising group heritage tours for both Indian and international tourists, Heritage India brings out coffee table books dedicated to ancient and modern traditions, long-standing legacies, festivals, architecture, and geographical systems. The best-selling coffee table Punyakatha which charts the history of Pune and the Deccan Plateau for over a million years is an endeavour that was four years in the making and represents all that Heritage India stands for is an attempt to educate children on our history .
Manju Jaidka
Professor of English and Creative Writer
Jaidka has published more than 25 books in her entire career including two collections of poems, a …
"PILF 2023"
About Manju Jaidka
Manju Jaidka, a Professor of English and creative writer, Jaidka has published more than 25 books in her entire career including two collections of poems, a play, four novels, and a short story collection. Her recent, ground-breaking Encyclopedia of Indian Writing in English was published recently by Routledge. She is now compiling an Encyclopedia of Diasporic Indian English Writing for Springer.
Mona Verma
Award-winning Author
Mona Verma is an award-winning author of 9 books and over a dozen anthologies which have been the s…
"PILF 2023"
About Mona Verma
Mona Verma is an award-winning author of 9 books and over a dozen anthologies which have been the subject of the thesis for many Research Scholars and ICSE ELT series. Recipient of the Rex Karamveer Award by icongo and United Nations ,she has been listed in the 50 Iconic Authors 2022 Category by Aesthetics International. India Today March 2023 edition has listed her amongst the Top 8 emerging Indian women. In October 2023, her name and writings have found an impressive mention in the prestigious British Routledge Encyclopaedias of Indian Writing in English.
Oshwin Kadhao
Journalist, Videographer and Visual Storyteller.
He is an experienced news & lifestyle photographer with 6+ years of experience and has worked in va…
"PILF 2023"
About Oshwin Kadhao
Oshwin Kadhao is a 23-year -old photojournalist, videographer and visual storyteller. He is an experienced news & lifestyle photographer with 6+ years of experience, and has worked in various industries including print newspaper, online news portals, fashion, product photography etc. He has worked with some of the leading media houses such as Sakal Media Group, The Indian Express and is currently working with Pune Times Mirror. He is also abreast with the latest demands in video content creation and editing them for suitable news platforms including publications’ social media handles and website. He has a special knack for wildlife, extreme sports and travel photography.
Pooja Upganlawar
Speech and Drama Trainer, storyteller, and writer
Founder of ‘The StoryTunes’ is a Speech and Drama Trainer, passionate storyteller, and writer
"PILF 2023"
About Pooja Upganlawar
Pooja Upganlawar, Founder of ‘The StoryTunes’ is a Speech and Drama Trainer, passionate storyteller, and writer. With TESOL certification, she excels as an English language trainer. With over 8 years of teaching Speech and Drama, and a background in corporate roles with giants like Hewlett Packard and Vodafone, Pooja brings in diverse expertise and perspective. She has successfully prepared students for Trinity College London exams and introduced children to the world of stories through her storytelling performances. Her online platform reaches children nationwide, and her ‘Teacher Skill Enhancement Program’ benefits educators. She has held storytelling sessions internationally and is working on reaching out to children abroad with her stories from Indian Mythology. She has authored ‘The Boom Boom Family’ which is being used by many schools to teach the Solar System. She strongly believes in the power of storytelling and how stories shape an individual.
Pranay
Author of 17 books on mysticism and spirituality
Pranay is the bestselling author of 17 books on mysticism and spirituality, including the renowned …
"PILF 2023"
About Pranay
Pranay is the bestselling author of 17 books on mysticism and spirituality, including the renowned series "Spirituality for Leadership & Success" (Fingerprint!). As a speaker, Pranay's acclaimed 'PowerTalks' have been held for various audiences (including the Indian Navy), and at venues such as Antilia. He is currently writing 26 new books.
Priyanka Sinha Jha
Author, Journalist
Priyanka Sinha Jha is an Author, Journalist & Co-Founder of Talkietive
"PILF 2023"
About Priyanka Sinha Jha
Priyanka Sinha Jha is an Author, Journalist & Co-Founder of Talkietive Content Creators-a content development company. Prior to her entrepreneurial stint, Priyanka has been the Head of Bollywood & celebrity-based content in leading media companies such as 9X Media, Network18 and Hotstar. She was also the Editor of Screen (Indian Express), HT Cafe (Hindustan Times) & Society Magazine and the Curator for the Star Screen Awards for 12 years. Priyanka's new book, Folk Tales From Bollywood, published earlier this year is a collection of quirky fictional Bollywood-based short stories. Her first book Supertraits of Superstars, is a motivational self-help book inspired by film celebrities. b) High-res image is attachment C) Priyanka Sinha Jha- Social Media handles:
R A Mashelkar (Dr), FRS
Thought leader in Science & Technology at a global level
Dr. Mashelkar is known for his contributions in polymer science, and his leadership in transforming…
"PILF 2023"
About R A Mashelkar (Dr), FRS
Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar is known for his many pioneering contributions in polymer science, or his leadership in transforming major science and innovation institutions and for his thought leadership at a global level in creating balanced IPR systems as well as inclusive innovation ecosystems especially with the avowed objective of making high technology work for the poor. Top Honours The President of India honored Dr. Mashelkar with three of the highest civilian awards, namely Padmashri (1991), Padmabhushan (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2014). He has received a record of 48 honorary doctorates from universities around the world, from London to Pretoria to Wisconsin to Monash to Delhi.
Radhika Bagdai
Storyteller
When she performs she gives her 100% and try to touch some of those chords and help them heal.
"PILF 2023"
About Radhika Bagdai
A storyteller has the power to IGNITE & ILLUMINATE an emotion, mood or provoke a thought or heal some bad experience. Radhika takes her role as a storyteller very seriously. When she perform she makes sure to give her 100% and try to touch some of those chords and help them heal. If not any of those then at least Entertain them and bring a Smile on their faces. So, If not Ignite or Provoke than Entertain for sure😊She is a BRIDGE which Connects Stories to its Audience, and this bridge is popularly known as Livestoryart by Radhika Bagdai😊
Rajeev Bhargava
Author and Professor
Rajeev Bhargava is the Director of Parekh Institute of Indian Thought.
"PILF 2023"
About Rajeev Bhargava
Rajeev Bhargava, educated in Delhi and Oxford, is currently an Honorary Fellow at the Centre of the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi and Director of its Parekh Institute of Indian Thought. He was also the Centre's Director (2007-2014). He has been a Peofessor at the University of Delhi and Jawahar Lal University and has lectured, taught and held visiting professorships at several international universities, including Oxford, Harvard, Columbia, Berlin and Paris. Bhargava's work on Individualism and Secularism is internationally acclaimed. His publications include Individualism in Social Science (1992), What is Political Theory and Why Do We Need It? (2010), and The Promise of India’s Secular Democracy (2010). His edited works include Secularism and Its Critics (1998) and Politics and Ethics of the Indian Constitution (2008), and Politics, Ethics and the Self: Re-reading Hind Swaraj. (2022).
Roshmila Bhattacharya
Indian journalist, author and editor
In a career spanning over three decades, has worked with four leading publishing houses
"PILF 2023"
About Roshmila Bhattacharya
Roshmila Bhattacharya, in a career spanning over three decades, has worked with four leading publishing houses—The Times of India, Asian Age Hindustan Times and Indian Express—besides contributing to The Telegraph, National Herald, Deccan Herald, Free Press Journal and Rediff.Com. In July 2018, Penguin released Bad Man, the memoir of Gulshan Grover. In December 2020, Rupa Books published Matinee Men: A Journey Through Bollywood, Om Books has just launched her third book, Spooked!, 36 true stories of Bollywood’s paranormal encounters. Last year, Tere Chhalaava, a crime anthology for which she has written four stories, aired on Hungama Play and MX Player.
Salil Desai
Author
Salil Desai is the author of the much-acclaimed Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series.
"PILF 2023"
About Salil Desai
Salil Desai is the author of the much-acclaimed Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series, that includes - The Kid Killer (2023), Murder Milestone (2020), 3 and a Half Murders (2017), The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen (2015) and Killing Ashish Karve (2014). The books are currently being adapted into a web series by Jio Studios. Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season is based on 'Murder Milestone'. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'. His other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018).
Sanjeev Sanyal
Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
Sanjeev Sanyal is EAC-PM. He was the Principal Economic Adviser to the Finance Minister for five ye…
"PILF 2023"
About Sanjeev Sanyal
Sanjeev Sanyal is currently a Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). He was the Principal Economic Adviser to the Finance Minister for five years till February 2022 and the Co-Chair of the G20’s Framework Working Group. Prior to joining the government, he spent over two decades in financial markets and was Global Strategist and Managing Director at Deutsche Bank. An alumni of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, Mr. Sanyal later attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship in 2007 for his work on urban dynamics. In 2010 he was named as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos. Mr. Sanyal is the author of a number of best-selling books including Revolutionaries, Land of the Seven Rivers, The Ocean of Churn, India in the Age of Ideas, and the Indian Renaissance. He has also published over two hundred articles and columns in leading national and international publications.
Satyarth Nayak
Author and Screenwriter
His new book, Mahagatha, is an epic collection of 100 greatest mythological tales from the Puranas …
"PILF 2023"
About Satyarth Nayak
Satyarth Nayak is an author and screenwriter based in Mumbai. His new book, Mahagatha, published by HarperCollins, is an epic collection of 100 greatest mythological tales from the Puranas of Hinduism. Described by Anand Neelakantan as ‘a must-have in your home library,’ Mahagatha has become a National Bestseller. Satyarth’s biography, Sridevi – The Eternal Screen Goddess, published by Penguin in 2019 met with high acclaim. He is currently scripting a web-series and a Bollywood sci-fi film and writing Shabana Azmi’s biography.
Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri
Editor, Critic and Columnist
In 2017, he was named Editor of the Year by the apex publishing body, Publishing Next.
"PILF 2023"
About Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri
Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri is an editor, critic and columnist. In 2017, he was named Editor of the Year by the apex publishing body, Publishing Next. He is a film and music buff and has written for Anupama Chopra’s online magazine Film Companion, has been a consultant, writer and editor for the film website Cinemaazi.com, and writes regularly on books, films and music for a number of platforms, including The Telegraph, and has over 300 bylines. He is also a published author, with two books to his credit: Whims – A Book of Poems (published by Writers Workshop) and Icons from Bollywood (published by Penguin/Puffin). At present he is editor in chief at Om Books International.
Shatrujeet Nath
Author and writer for Movies and Web Shows
Shatrujeet Nath is the creator of the runaway national bestselling series Vikramaditya Veergatha.
"PILF 2023"
About Shatrujeet Nath
Shatrujeet Nath is the creator of the runaway national bestselling series Vikramaditya Veergatha, and the upcoming 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.
Shilpa Mehta
Educator, Author and Storyteller
She has authored academic books for children
"PILF 2023"
About Shilpa Mehta
Shilpa Mehta is an educator, author and a storyteller. She has authored academic books for children. Her woven tales both in Hindi and English have found their way in various anthologies both in print and E magazines and through her YouTube channel @shilpastoryrack She follows her passion for storytelling as she believes that stories have the power to change the world by helping people find their voice. She is an avid reader, a music buff and also dabbles in painting.
Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan
Voice-over artist, Poet, Editor, and Author
Shobha is an award-winning voice-over artist, poet, editor, and author of a dozen works of fiction …
"PILF 2023"
About Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan
She is also a former non-profit development professional who spent two decades as an advocate and fundraiser for persons with disabilities. She won the 68th National Film Awards for Best Narration Voiceover for the film Rhapsody of Rains-Monsoons of Kerala, in 2022. Shobha has published children’s books in India and the United States, including the award-winning Indi-Alphabet (Mango and Marigold), Prince with a Paintbrush: The Story of Raja Ravi Varma (Westland), It’s Time to Rhyme (Aleph) and Parvati the Elephant’s Very Important Day (HarperCollins). Her first book for adults, Good Innings (Penguin), is being translated into Malayalam. Shobha’s love of words and stories began in childhood with storytelling sessions and wordplay with her siblings. When she is not travelling in search of stories
Sidharth Jain
Producer in the Indian Entertainment Industry
He founded The Story Ink in 2018, which is now India's Largest Book to Screen Adaptation Company
"PILF 2023"
About Sidharth Jain
Sidharth has been working as a Producer in the Indian Entertainment Industry for more than 15 years. He founded The Story Ink in 2018, which is now India's Largest Book to Screen Adaptation Company, having set up 200+ books across 50+ Production Houses. Story Ink represents 250+ Authors and exclusively controls the screen rights of more than 500 books. Story Ink has recently launched a new talent division that mentors and represents new and upcoming screenwriters. In 2022 Sidharth founded a film and series production company - House of Talkies, which made its debut with the critically acclaimed series - TRIAL BY FIRE on Netflix which was released in January 2023. Currently, House of Talkies has 3 series and 2 films in production for release in 2024. Sidharth's last (2015-17) corporate stint was at Hotstar.com. In the past Sidharth Founded (2008-14) India's first script-factory - iRock Films, where he worked with 75+ writers and developed more than 35 scripts and 100+ stories, over 5 years. Before that, he has worked as a producer in Los Angeles and ran a dotcom company. He is an avid collector, whose collection includes typewriters, bobbleheads, books, memorabilia and shoes!
Sohini Roychowdhury
Choreographer, Author, Speaker
Internationally renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, author and professor of Natyashastra
"PILF 2023"
About Sohini Roychowdhury
Sohini Roychowdhury, internationally renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, author, speaker, producer, and professor of Natyashastra, is the founder of Sohinimoksha World Dance & Communications in Madrid, Berlin, Kolkata & New York, and Sohinimoksha Artes de La India in Spain. A visiting professor of dance at 17 Universities across the globe, Sohini is a winner of multiple awards across the globe. ‘The Dance of Kali’ (Shubhi Publications, 2023), her latest book, co-authored with Rishi Dasgupta, is about the divine feminine, and was globally launched at the 2023 Bloomsbury Festival, London. Her previous publications, ‘Dancing with The Gods’ (Roli Books, 2020) and ‘Indian Stage Stories’ (Shubhi Publications, 2022) were launched at UK Parliament House of Commons, and the Jaipur Lit Fests of 2022 and ’23. A social activist, Sohini devotes significant time towards the upliftment of marginalized children through her art.
Sriram Karri
Author, Journalist, and Orator
His first novel, "Autobiography of a Mad Nation", was long-listed for the MAN Asian Literary prize.
"PILF 2023"
About Sriram Karri
His first novel, "Autobiography of a Mad Nation", was long-listed for the MAN Asian Literary prize. He works as the Resident Editor of Deccan Chronicle. He has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC, HuffingtonPost, Economic Times, Scroll, FirstPost, The Wire, Asia Times, Khaleej Times, among others. He also worked for several tech corporations and institutions, including Infosys, TCS, Satyam Computers, Indian School of Business, et al. As moderator, he has anchored conversations with Amitav Ghosh, Shashi Tharoor, Sudha Narayana Murthy, Subramanian Swamy, Jairam Ramesh, Vishwanathan Anand, Karan Thapar, Sanjaya Baru, N. Ram, among others.
Sushil Borde
Heads the Anjani Mashelkar Foundation
Sushil Borde also heads innovation at Reliance. Sushil has also led Mumbai Indians, a cricket franc…
"PILF 2023"
About Sushil Borde
Sushil Borde heads the Anjani Mashelkar Foundation, established by Dr R A Mashelkar. The foundation accelerates disruptive, high-tech, ultra-affordable innovations for transformative impact. Sushil Borde also heads innovation at Reliance. Sushil has also led Mumbai Indians, a cricket franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was also part of the founding teams of Reliance Foundation and Jio Institute (Reliance’s University in India) Sushil has been the President of the Fab Foundation of MIT, Boston. Sushil also led the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy for South Africa.
Tanushree Podder
Travel Writer and Novelist
She has written many nonfiction books before moving to fiction and has published 18 novels
"PILF 2023"
About Tanushree Podder
Tanushree is a well-known travel writer and novelist. She enjoys writing in various genres. This has led to her writing in historical, military, crime, and paranormal genres for adults and children. She has written many nonfiction books before moving to fiction and has published 18 novels. Among her books are bestsellers like Nurjahan’s Daughter, Boots Belts Berets, On the Double, An Invitation to Die, Spooky Stories, and Ambapali. Three of her books, Boots Belts Berets, A Closetful of Skeletons, and The Girls in Green, are being adapted into web series. Tanushree has been on the board of juries for several prestigious awards. She has also conducted several workshops on writing and leadership, both for children and adults.
Tejas Modak
Graphic Novelist, Artist and Screenwriter.
Tejas Modak is a graphic novelist, artist and noted Marathi screenwriter.
"PILF 2023"
About Tejas Modak
Tejas Modak is a graphic novelist, artist and noted Marathi screenwriter. His work includes the fun book Private Eye Anonymous, and Marathi films Rajwade & Sons,1Gulab Jam and Pondicherry to name a few.
Uday S. Kulkarni (Dr)
Surgeon, Alumni of AFMC Pune
Served in the Indian Navy for 16 yrs. Voluntary retirement in rank of Surgeon Commander.
"PILF 2023"
About Uday S. Kulkarni (Dr)
Surgeon, Alumni of AFMC Pune, Served in the Indian Navy for 16 yrs. Voluntary retirement in rank of Surgeon Commander. Has written seven books in English on 18th Century Indian history, centering on the Marathas. Fellows Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Awarded Shivsmruti puraskar of 2022 and Abasaheb Muzumdar award of 2022. Inducted in Hall of Fame at AFMC Pune in 2023.
Vaibhav Purandare
Writer and Independent Historian
Vaibhav Purandare is a writer and independent historian. He has so far authored five bestselling no…
"PILF 2023"
About Vaibhav Purandare
Vaibhav Purandare is a writer and independent historian. He has so far authored five bestselling non-fiction books. His latest book, Shivaji: India’s Great Warrior King, published by Juggernaut Books, examines a singular figure in the early modern history of India. His other books are Hitler And India: The Untold Story of His Hatred For The Country And Its People, Savarkar: The True Story of the Father of Hindutva, Bal Thackeray and the Rise of the Shiv Sena, and Sachin Tendulkar: A Definitive Biography. He works as a senior editor with The Times of India.
Vandana Saxena Poria
An OBE and top 100 UK-India influencer
She is known as the ‘Human Alarm Clock’, due to her disruptive thinking which ignites people
"PILF 2023"
About Vandana Saxena Poria
Vandana Saxena Poria, the co-author of 'Let Me Hijack Your Mind: Restart Your Life with Freedom', is an OBE and top 100 UK-India influencer. She is known as the ‘Human Alarm Clock’, due to her disruptive thinking which ignites people. She has extensive experience in translating academic and industry texts into digestible stories and training exercises for corporates globally. Vandana spent three years collaborating with Alyque on this book prior to his death.
Vishwas Patil
Acclaimed Marathi Writer
Vishwas Patil is one of the most acclaimed Marathi writers today. He has written iconic novels like…
"PILF 2023"
About Vishwas Patil
He has written iconic novels like Ranangan, Chandramukhi, Pangira, Zadazadati, Panipat and Sambhaji. He received the Nath Madhav Award and the Bhartiya Bhasha Parishad Award for Panipat; the Priyadarshini National Award, the Vikhe Patil Award and the Sahitya Akademi Award for Zhadazdati; and the Gadkari Award for Mahanayak.
Vivek Sood
Senior Counsel in the Supreme Court of India.
Vivek Sood is well known Senior Counsel in the Supreme Court of India.
"PILF 2023"
About Vivek Sood
Vivel Sood is a Senior Counsel in the Supreme Court of India, he s well known for his expertise in diverse branches of law, including constitutional, commercial, technology and criminal laws. He has written extensively on cybercrime, electronic evidence, immunity to internet intermediaries, electronic contracts, taxation of internet entities, intellectual property rights in the virtual world, arbitration, insolvency law and constitutional issues with respect to the right to privacy.
Vrushali Barbare
Child Development Consultant
Vrushali Barbare is a child development consultant and founder of Enlit Kids.
"PILF 2023"
About Vrushali Barbare
Vrushali Barbare is a child development consultant and founder of Enlit Kids which endeavors to provide a 360 degrees solution for child development and education by empowering schools with meaningful educational resources. Through her signature reading program ‘The Reading Pandits’, she has made a difference in many young lives, .Vrushali’s contribution has recently been recognized by Women Leaders Forum with an award for Best Director- Excellence in Local Community Engagement.
Yatindra Mishra
Hindi Poet, Music and Cinema Scholar
He has four collections of Hindi poetry, several well received books on Indian Classical Music & C…
"PILF 2023"
About Yatindra Mishra
Yatindra Mishra is a celebrated Hindi Poet, Music and Cinema Scholar. He has four collections of Hindi poetry, several well received books on Indian Classical Music & Cinema, including 'Girija' (Based on Girija Devi), 'Devpriya' (Dialogue with Sonal Mansingh), 'Sur Ki Baradari' (Life & Times of Ustad Bismillah Khan) and 'Akhtari' (Life & Music of Begum Akhtar). Edited gazetteer of Faizabad titled 'Shahernama Faizabad' and authored cultural history of Ayodhya titled 'Ayodhya : Parampara, Sanskriti, Virasat. His book 'Lata : Sur-Gatha' won total of Six Awards in 2017 including the prestigious 64th National Film Award for Best Writing on Cinema (Swarna Kamal) and MAMI Mumbai Film Festival Award for Best Writing on Cinema. Served as Jury Chairman for 69th National Film Awards- 2021 for best writing on Cinema. His latest book 'Gulzar : Hazaar Rahen Mud Ke Dekhin' is based on the Life and works of Filmmaker Gulzar.
Yuvraj Malik
Director at National Book Trust, India
Shri Yuvraj Malik joined National Book Trust, India on deputation from the Indian Army.
"PILF 2023"
About Yuvraj Malik
hri Yuvraj Malik, is the Director of National Book Trust, India (under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India). Shri Yuvraj Malik joined National Book Trust, India on deputation from the Indian Army. Shri Malik has served with Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Raj Bhawan Jammu & Kashmir, United Nation Missions in Africa and several operational areas in administrative and operational assignments. He has also been the Chairman of Commission for Scientific & Technical Technology (CSTT) (under the Ministry of Education, Government of India).
