Alex Travelli is the business and economics correspondent for The New York Times, based in New Delhi, covering India's economy and South Asia. He explores the region’s diverse economy, reporting on major players and small-scale enterprises alike.
Previously, Alex was an editor and correspondent for The Economist, working in New York, Hong Kong, and New Delhi. He began his career after leaving a doctoral program in philosophy, working with ABC News and freelancing across India and the Persian Gulf.
Raised in suburban Chicago, Alex attended Deep Springs College and Harvard. He is committed to accuracy, fairness, and protecting his sources in his journalism.
Amit Varma is a Mumbai-based writer and podcaster with a career in advertising, television, and journalism since 2001. He has written for major publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and The Observer, and is currently a columnist for the Times of India, Bloomberg Quint, and Cricket Next. He served as managing editor of Cricinfo from 2003 to 2008 and relaunched the online magazine Pragati as chief editor in 2017, where he pioneered podcasting.
Varma is a two-time winner of the Bastiat Prize for Journalism and was named one of Business Week's 50 Most Powerful People in India in 2009. His blog, India Uncut, was among India's most popular blogs, and he hosted a poker column for the Economic Times. He also runs the podcast The Seen and the Unseen, which has over 225,000 downloads monthly. His debut novel, My Friend Sancho, was the best-selling debut novel in India in 2009, with more books forthcoming.
Amitabh Kant is currently serving as India's G20 Sherpa and previously held the position of CEO at NITI Aayog, where he spearheaded significant initiatives like "Make in India," "Startup India," and the "Aspirational Districts Programme." A member of the 1980 IAS batch, Kant began his career in the Kerala cadre, where he made notable contributions such as launching the “God’s Own Country” campaign as Kerala’s Tourism Secretary and later conceptualized the globally acclaimed “Incredible India” campaign. His focus on promoting India as a world-class tourist destination earned him widespread recognition.
Kant’s role extended to industrial policy during his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), where he worked on initiatives like the “Ease of Doing Business.” At NITI Aayog, he chaired Empowered Group 3 for COVID-19 management, spearheaded projects such as Asset Monetization, and championed natural farming practices. His efforts have left a lasting impact on India’s socio-economic landscape, particularly in driving reforms in the startup ecosystem and improving backward districts through the Aspirational Districts Programme.
A prolific author, Amitabh Kant has penned books including Branding India – An Incredible Story , Incredible India 2.0 , and Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise. He continues to play a key role in shaping India’s growth trajectory, both through his current G20 Sherpa role and as a thought leader in governance and policy reforms.
Ananth Krishnan is a Director at The Hindu Group, based in Chennai, India. Previously, he was the China correspondent for The Hindu and the India Today Group. Moving to Beijing in 2009, he reported from China for 12 years, covering its relations with India, foreign policy, domestic politics, civil society, and ethnic minorities. His travels have taken him to all but three of China’s 33 provinces and regions.
He is the author of India's China Challenge: A Journey Through China's Rise and What It Means for India (HarperCollins, 2020) and The Comrades and the Mullahs: China, Afghanistan and the New Asian Geopolitics (HarperCollins, 2022), co-authored with Stanly Johny. His work sheds light on the geopolitical dynamics of the region, including the evolving role of China in global politics.
Anindyo Roy is an Associate Professor Emeritus who taught literature and literary theory at Colby College in Maine until his retirement in 2021. He now lives in Pedong, West Bengal, where he focuses on writing and rural projects.
Roy has published scholarly work on Kipling, Walter Scott, and Virginia Woolf, and his book Civility and Empire explores the cultural norm of “civility” in the colonial Victorian era. His debut novel, The Viceroy’s Artist, is complemented by his current project—a novel set in a fictional mining town in western Orissa.
Outside of writing, Roy works on farming, apiary, and mushroom cultivation in the eastern Himalayan foothills.
Arundhathi Subramaniam, described as "one of the finest poets writing in India today" by The Hindu in 2010, and hailed as "a unique poet of our times... in a league all by herself" by Indian Literature in 2021, has carved out a remarkable space in Indian poetry and prose. With a literary journey spanning fourteen books, her recent works like Wild Women, an anthology of female mystic poetry, and Love Without a Story, a collection of poetry, showcase her versatility and depth.
Subramaniam’s prose, too, delves deeply into the spiritual and personal, as seen in Women Who Wear Only Themselves, a reflection on contemporary women on spiritual journeys. Her contributions to Indian literature have earned her the Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry in 2020 and a spot on the prestigious TS Eliot Prize shortlist in 2015.
Her accolades also include the Mahakavi Kanhaiyalal Sethia Award for Poetry, the Khushwant Singh Poetry Prize, and Italy’s Il Ceppo Prize, among many others. Beyond writing, she has been active as a curator, poetry editor, and performing arts critic, constantly shaping the cultural and literary landscape. Today, she divides her time between Mumbai, Chennai, and New York, blending her poetic vision with the rhythms of these vibrant cities.
Bachi Karkaria is a game changer in India’s journalism, having helped elevate local issues to Page 1 and created path-breaking brands for the Times of India Group. She is also a popular columnist, best-selling author, litfest curator and international media trainer. She was the first Indian board member of the Paris-based World Editors Forum, a Jefferson Fellow at Hawaii’s East-West Center, and a recipient of the Mary Morgan Hewitt Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Karkaria’s books include the critically acclaimed In Hot Blood: The Nanavati Case That Shook India; the bestseller biography of M.S. Oberoi, Dare To Dream; Mills, Molls And Moolah; Behind The Times; Mumbai Masti; The Cake That Walked; and collections of her columns. Her biography of Capt C.P. Krishnan Nair, Capture the Dream, was published in February 2022.
An engineering graduate from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Balaji Vittal has spent 30 years in the corporate world.
He co-authored the National Film Award-winning R.D. Burman: The Man, The Music (2011), 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).
Balaji’s latest book (and his first as a solo author), Pure Evil – The Bad Men of Bollywood, is a delightful walk through the rogues’ gallery of Bollywood villains from 1929 to 2021 featuring villainy in dazzling shades of black and gray. The book’s haul of anecdotes come from interviews with nearly 50 leading actors, film-makers and script writers.
Bhupendra Chaubey is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of TheSquirrels.in, a cutting-edge platform offering sharp political insights and analysis. He previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of India Ahead, and was the Executive Editor at CNN News18.
With earlier stints at NDTV, Bhupendra has emerged as one of the most influential political voices in India today, renowned for his incisive commentary and in-depth coverage of key national issues.
Desmond Nazareth is the visionary founder behind Agave India (est. 2007), India’s pioneering rural-based craft distillery. The distillery is notable for producing India’s first premium small-batch agave spirits, alongside sugarcane and mahua spirits, using indigenous methods and materials. Under the brand name ‘DesmondJi’ (DJ), the products include award-winning Indian spirits and liqueurs that are sold domestically and exported to the USA and Europe. Among his most celebrated creations are the DJ Mahua spirit and liqueur, launched in 2018.
Recognized as a trailblazer in the Indian craft spirits movement, Desmond played a crucial role in formulating India’s 2018 FSSAI alcohol standards, which legalized pot-still alcohol manufacturing. He is also the founder of Mahua to the World, Inc., an initiative aimed at taking India’s heritage mahua-based beverages to global markets, including Duty-Free outlets.
A serial entrepreneur with expertise spanning various fields, Desmond’s academic journey includes degrees in pure and applied sciences (IIT Madras), and film and computer science from Temple University, Philadelphia. After 17 years in the USA, he relocated to India in 2000 and now resides in Goa, where he continues to innovate in the spirits industry.
Devdutt Pattanaik is an author and illustrator known for his exploration of mythology, examining cultural truths revealed through stories, symbols, and rituals. He lectures on the relevance of both Indian and Western myths in modern life and has authored over 50 books, including Dharma Artha Kama Moksha, Shiva to Shankara, and Bahubali. His recent work, Ahimsa, uses the lens of mythology to reflect on the mysterious Harappan civilization, exploring its impact on later Vedic and Tantrik thought.
Devdutt is also known for his TED talk and television shows such as Devlok and Business Sutra , and he regularly contributes columns to reputable newspapers like Times of India and Dainik Bhaskar. Trained as a medical doctor, he spent 15 years in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, but began his study of mythology three decades ago.
Feroze Gujral is an Indian model, media personality, and prominent art patron. Born into a diverse heritage, she gained early recognition in the 1990s as a popular model, working on campaigns like Digjam Suitings. She later transitioned into business and philanthropy, founding the Gujral Foundation, which supports contemporary art and cultural initiatives globally. Her foundation has been instrumental in commissioning and supporting major art projects, including collaborations at the Venice Biennale, Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Additionally, she is the founder of Outset India, a chapter of the global Outset Contemporary Art Fund.
Beyond the arts, Feroze has a history of social initiatives and philanthropy, supporting educational institutions like CEPT University and NIFT, and contributing to numerous causes such as street children and girl child welfare. The Gujral family, historically patrons of various charitable initiatives post-partition, continue to support education, science, and women’s empowerment. Feroze herself has been involved in projects related to malnutrition and safe childbirth, and has worked closely with NGOs like Nanhi Chaun and Save the Children.
In addition to her philanthropic and cultural contributions, Feroze has had a varied career in design, co-founding businesses like Fizzaro, a fine china export company, and serving as Director of Design Plus. She has also been an ambassador for brands such as Burberry and Tod's, and was an advocate for wildlife conservation with the World Wildlife Fund. As a commentator on contemporary culture, she has contributed to leading publications and hosted her own TV show, "Tonight with Feroze."
Gargi Rawat is a senior news anchor and environment reporter with over two decades of experience at NDTV 24X7. Known for her regular appearances on the channel, she has produced several documentaries and environmental programs. Gargi pioneered India's first wildlife news show, Born Wild , and anchored its Hindi counterpart, Safari India , on NDTV India.
She has led key environmental campaigns at NDTV, including The Greenathon, Save Our Tigers , and the Banega Swachh India Campaign , and received acclaim for her award-winning documentary series on the Ganga River.
Her debut novel, Tiger Season , is a work of fiction that addresses themes of tiger conservation and environmental issues.
Ian Cardozo was born in Mumbai on 7 August 1937 and studied at St Xavier’s School and College. He joined the National Defence Academy in July 1954 and was awarded both the Gold Medal for being the best all-round cadet and the Silver Medal for being first in the order of merit. Commissioned into the 5th Gorkha Rifles in 1958, he was the first officer of the Indian Army to be awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry on a patrol on the Sino-Indian Border in 1959.
He subsequently took part in the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971. Wounded at the Battle of Sylhet in East Pakistan, he proved that losing a leg need not come in the way of command of troops by becoming the first war-disabled officer of the Indian Army to command an Infantry battalion and brigade. He subsequently commanded an Infantry division and retired as Chief of Staff of a corps in the North-East.
After retirement, he worked for an NGO taking care of disabled children and was handpicked by the Government of India as chairperson of the Rehabilitation Council of India. He is presently chairperson of the Board of Management of the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies.
His books on military history, short stories and poems on war have been widely acclaimed.
Imtiaz Ali is a prominent Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter, celebrated for his contributions to Hindi cinema. Renowned for his unique storytelling, Ali’s films often delve into the complexities of love and human relationships. His notable works include Jab We Met , Rockstar , Tamasha, and Love Aaj Kal , each blending romance with themes of self-discovery and personal growth.
Ali's ability to craft relatable characters and memorable narratives, combined with his artistic vision, has made him a defining voice in contemporary Indian cinema. He continues to influence and inspire audiences through his innovative storytelling.
Janeita Singh is an author, researcher, columnist, and literary-art critic. Her monograph, FN Souza: The Archetypal Artist, published in 2024, represents the culmination of a 12-year research project. She contributed her critical insights to the film The Father of Indian Modern Art and is an active member of NVC Global Rising, where she administers the Sculpting the Self: Jungian/Archetypal Art Group. In 2021, she hosted the weekly live show Embodying Light and Shadow Dance at Embodiment Unlimited.
Previously, she served as the Art Review Editor for the João Roque Literary Journal and received the JRLJ Non-Fiction Award in 2018. Her byline, “Booked and How,” appeared in the Navhind Times, featuring literary writings for five years. Janeita’s articles have been published in Art India, Indian Literature, and other notable platforms.
She has curated talks on contemporary arts, including Raza Dialogues in collaboration with the Raza Foundation and MOG, and presented her research on FN Souza at the Serendipity Art Festival in 2017-18. She also delivered a talk on FN Souza at the exhibition Souza in the 40s at the Sunaparanta Centre of the Arts. Her contributions as a critic and moderator have been recognized at various festivals, including the Goa Art Literary Festival from 2010 to 2019. Her critical talks on art have taken place at prestigious venues such as Dhoomimal Gallery, Delhi Art Gallery-DAG, TIFA Working Studios, and Fundación Oriente, among others.
Jyoti Malhotra is the Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune Group of Newspapers and has dedicated over 40 years to journalism. Her extensive experience spans print, TV, radio, and online platforms in both English and Hindi. In addition to her editorial role, she is a regular contributor to BBC Radio, sharing her insights and expertise on various topics.
Dr. Kalpana Sankar is a pioneering impactpreneur and nuclear physicist turned social entrepreneur who has significantly reshaped the landscape of social impact over the past three decades. As the Managing Director of Belstar Microfinance Ltd. and co-founder and Chairperson of Hand in Hand India, she has empowered 9.8 million rural women by providing them with sustainable employment opportunities. Her journey exemplifies a steadfast commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and fostering economic growth.
Under Dr. Sankar’s leadership, Hand in Hand has implemented an innovative five-pillar approach, promoting women entrepreneurship, creating models to combat child labor, and uplifting communities across several nations. Her global influence includes collaborations with organizations like IFAD, UNOPS, and UNDP. She has received numerous prestigious awards for her work, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar, Bal Kalyan Puraskar, and the inaugural Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Dr. Sankar’s academic credentials include an Executive MBA from TRIUM, where she was honored with the program’s inaugural scholarship. She is the co-author of Childhood Regained and Microfinance for a Million Smiles. Her upcoming memoir, set to be released in August 2024, will reflect her dedication and resilience, inspiring others to pursue their own paths of social change. Residing in Chennai with her family, Dr. Sankar enjoys connecting with innovative entrepreneurs and out-of-the-box thinkers.
Kanti Bajpai is the Wilmar Professor of Asian Studies and Vice Dean of Research at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. A leading scholar in Indian foreign policy and international security, he has also served as Professor of Politics and International Relations of South Asia at Oxford University (2009-2010) and as Headmaster of The Doon School in India (2003-2009).
Dr. Bajpai has taught at institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, and has held visiting positions at Wesleyan University, the University of Illinois, and the Brookings Institution, among others.
His recent books include How Realist is India’s National Security Policy (2023), India Versus China: Why They Are Not Friends (2021), The Routledge Handbook of China-India Relations (2020), and India, the West, and International Order (2019). For over 25 years, Dr. Bajpai has been a regular columnist for The Times of India and a commentator in the Indian media.
L. Subramaniam, dubbed "The God of Indian Violin" by the Times of India, is a global icon in Indian classical music with over 65 years of performances. He gave his first concert at age 6 and won national acclaim by 16. Subramaniam has collaborated with legends like Yehudi Menuhin, George Harrison, and Ravi Shankar, and pioneered the Global Fusion concept in the 1970s. He has composed for films like Salaam Bombay and Mississippi Masala, and his works have been performed by top orchestras worldwide. He founded the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Manish Tewari is a third-term Member of Parliament representing Chandigarh in the Lok Sabha since June 2024. He previously served as the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and has been involved in significant legislative work, including the Joint Committee on Data Protection and the Multi State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Bill) 2022.
Tewari practices law at the Supreme Court of India and specializes in traditional and new economy laws as an international arbitrator. He was elected from Ludhiana (2009-2014) and Sri Anandpur Sahib (2019-2024) and served as a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C.
He is the Senior National Spokesperson and General Secretary of Foreign Affairs for the Indian National Congress and has authored four books, including the bestseller 10 Flash Points: 20 Years of National Security Situations that Impacted India. Tewari has introduced various bills focused on legal frameworks for intelligence agencies and security issues in emerging domains like cyber and artificial intelligence.
Manraj Grewal Sharma is the resident editor of The Indian Express. Author of a book on Punjab militancy called “Dreams after Darkness”, she has also worked as a consulting editor with development organisations such as United Nations Environment Programme and Asia Pacific Adaptation Forum. She has been a publishing consultant with the Asian Development Bank, Manila, as well, and was the managing editor of “Gender, Technology and Development” , an international peer-reviewed journal published by Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, for five years.
Meeran Chadha Borwankar is a former IPS officer with awards including the President of India Police Medal for Distinguished Services. With expertise in criminal investigation, law, and governance, she holds a PhD in organizational management and an LLB from the University of Pune. A Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow, she writes for national and international journals and serves on academic boards. She is the author of Leaves of Life and Inspector Chougule.
Her latest book, Madam Commissioner, recounts her experiences as a pioneering woman officer in a male-dominated field, aiming to inspire those interested in law enforcement and justice.
M.K. Ranjitsinh, from the royal family of Wankaner, joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1961 and made significant contributions to wildlife conservation. As the collector of Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, he helped save the central Indian barasingha, and played a key role in establishing multiple national parks and sanctuaries. He was the architect of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and helped launch Project Tiger and Project Snow Leopard.
He also served as a senior advisor for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and authored books like A Life with Wildlife and Beyond the Tiger. Ranjitsinh's efforts have earned him prestigious awards such as the Order of the Golden Ark and the Global 500 Roll of Honour from UNEP for his conservation work.
Namita Devidayal is the author of several acclaimed works, including The Music Room, Aftertaste, and The Sixth String of Vilayat Khan. She is a senior journalist at The Times of India in Mumbai and served as co-director of the Times Litfest. Currently, she has completed her fourth book and is in the process of writing a web series
Neha Bhat is a licensed sex and trauma therapist practicing from a unique art-based, spiritually focused, and creative-wellness perspective in both India and the US. Her extensive experience includes working in sexual assault trauma care at global institutions such as the University of Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago, Rush Medical Centre, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Neha employs trauma-focused therapy in a multicultural context and trains therapists to use art in navigating complex issues.
Her debut book, Unashamed, has been recognized as a Psychotherapy Bestseller. Neha began her career in Mumbai’s theatre, art, and film industry, consulting on various films, documentaries, and reality TV shows related to sex and intimacy for platforms including Amazon Prime, Netflix US, and Lionsgate Play.
Nirupama Dutt is a poet, journalist, and translator of many seasons. She writes in both English and Punjabi as well as occasionally in Hindi. Her recent works include the biography of Punjab’s Dalit icon, ‘The Ballad of Bant Singh’ and translation into English of Gulzar’s anthology of poetry, Pluto, published by Harper Collins. She received the Punjabi Akademi Award for her anthology of poems, Ik Nadi Sanwali Jahi (A Stream Somewhat Dark). Her poetry anthologies have also come out in English and Hindi: The Black Woman and Buri Auraton Ki Fehrist Se. Her other books include Stories of the Soil (translation of 41 stories from Punjabi, published by Penguin) Poet of the Revolution (translation of the memoirs and poetry of Lal Singh Dil by Penguin). Books edited by her include Our Voices, an anthology of SAARC poetry, and Half the Sky and Children of the Night, two collections of Pakistani short stories. Her journalistic work is vast and has written thousands of articles, critiques and features over a long career. At present she is writing a Chandigarh novel.
Nirupama Kotru is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) from the 1992 batch. She has held various roles across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune, including positions in the International Taxation wing and the Income Tax Tribunal. Her career includes a notable deputation to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, where she contributed to the award-winning MCA21 portal and helped establish the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. She also served as Director (Films) in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, overseeing media units, film festivals, and film censorship policies. From 2018 to 2021, she was Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, managing national academies and iconic museums. She is currently the Joint Secretary & Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Coal.
Nusrat F. Jafri is an award-winning cinematographer based in Mumbai, with over fifteen years of filmmaking experience. She holds degrees in Mass Communication from New Delhi and has worked as a journalist with The Pioneer and CNBC Awaaz.
A mentee of the first cohort (2021) of South Asia Speaks, Nusrat is featured in Rising Beyond The Ceiling: 100 Stereotype-Shattering Stories of Muslim Women of Uttar Pradesh, India , and is the author of The Land of Dawn.
Prahlad Kakar is a renowned advertising filmmaker and the Founder of Genesis Film Production, one of India’s leading production houses. With a career spanning over four decades, he has been instrumental in shaping Indian advertising, creating iconic campaigns such as Pepsi’s "Yehi hai right choice baby! Aha" and Britannia’s "Ting ting ti ting." Known for his unique storytelling style and humor, he has worked with major brands like PepsiCo, Nestle, and Procter & Gamble. Prahlad’s passion extends beyond advertising. He co-founded Lacadives, India’s pioneering scuba diving school, and ReefWatch Marine Conservation to raise awareness about marine ecosystems. He also founded the Prahlad Kakar School of Branding and Entrepreneurship to mentor young talent.
Prem Shankar Jha (born 22 December 1938) is an Indian economist, journalist, and author with a distinguished career in public service and media. He has held prominent editorial positions at major publications such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and The Economic Times, and currently serves as the managing editor of Financial World. Jha has authored over a dozen books, including Kashmir 1947: Rival Versions of History and Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger: Can China and India Dominate the West?. His notable work, India & China: The Battle Between Soft And Hard Power (2010), analyzes the geopolitical dynamics between India and China.
Born in Darbhanga, Bihar, Jha was educated at prestigious institutions, including The Doon School and Magdalen College, Oxford. He served in the United Nations Development Programme and as an information advisor to the Prime Minister of India. Jha's contributions to journalism and literature have earned him recognition, including the RedInk Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for his incisive writing and analytical insights.
Probal DasGupta is an author, historian, army veteran, and business leader. He served in the Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University, New York. Probal is a Braun-Myers Fellow, Tata Scholar, and RD Sethna Scholar, and currently runs a consulting firm in Mumbai, advising clients on investment and policy risks.
His recent book, Camouflaged: Forgotten Stories from Battlefields, narrates a century of untold stories of Indian soldiers and received favorable reviews in the national media. His bestselling book, Watershed 1967, about India's victory over China, featured on prestigious lists from HT, TOI, and BBC, among others.
Radha Kumar is a specialist on ethnic conflicts, peace, and security, and the former Director General of the Delhi Policy Group. She served as a member of the Government of India’s Group of Interlocutors for Jammu and Kashmir (2010–11) and has been the Director of the Mandela Centre for Peace at Jamia Millia Islamia University. Currently, she is the vice-chair of the board of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and co-chair of the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rahul Singh has been a writer, journalist and editor of Readers Digest, Indian Express, Sunday Observer.
He has penned, among other books, an engaging biography of his father Khushwant Singh, In The Name of the Father, which was launched by Amitabh Bachchan.
He is an advisor to World Literacy Canada, President of Satyagyan Foundation, India, President of the media awards committee at the Population Institute Washington. Rahul studied in about 11 schools as his father was posted all over during his years in the foreign service. It was here, at an Elysee in Paris that he picked up his French. He graduated in History from Kings College, Cambridge.
Rakhshanda Jalil is a translator, writer and literary historian. Her book on the lesser-known monuments of Delhi, Invisible City, continues to be a bestseller. Her recent works include Liking Progress, Loving Change: A Literary History of the Progressive Writers Movement in Urdu, A Rebel and her Cause, translations of The Sea Lies Ahead, Ghaddar and Kaifi Azmi’s poetry, An Uncivil Woman, The Great War: Indian Writings on the First World War, Preeto & Other Stories: The Male Gaze in Urdu and Jallianwala Bagh: Literary Responses in Prose & Poetry. Her latest book is But You Don’t Look Like a Muslim, a collection of 40 essays on religion, culture, literature and identity. She has been awarded the Kaifi Azmi Award for her contribution to Urdu and the First Jawad Memorial Prize for Urdu-Hindi Translation.
Rohin Bhatt is a queer, non-binary lawyer practicing in the Supreme Court of India. Their work encompasses both legal activism and advocacy for queer and human rights, inside and outside the courtroom. Bhatt holds a Master’s degree in Bioethics from Harvard Medical School and a law degree from Gujarat National Law University.
They have been a crucial part of the litigation teams advocating for marriage equality for LGBTQ+ citizens, as well as other significant cases like the challenge to Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, Jallikattu, and the Supreme Court's power to grant divorces under Article 142 of the Constitution.
In addition to their legal career, Bhatt's debut book, "Urban Elite v. Union of India: The Unfulfilled Constitutional Promise of Marriage (In) Equality," will be published by Penguin Random House India in October 2024. Bhatt’s writings have appeared in numerous platforms including The Leaflet, The Wire Science, The Probe, and Live Law, as well as national dailies like The Indian Express, Times of India, and The Hindu.
As a leading voice on queer rights, Bhatt is frequently cited by Indian media outlets such as The Quint, NewsLaundry, and Hindustan Times, as well as international platforms like The Guardian and BBC World Radio Service.
Sarah Jacob is a Journalist with 20 years of experience focusing on Health, Gender, the Environment and International Affairs. Currently a Correspondent with France24, she has previously been Senior Editor and Anchor at New Delhi Television (NDTV), interviewing world leaders, politicians, newsmakers, Nobel Prize winners, economists and business heads on a daily basis
Sarbpreet Singh is a writer, playwright, and podcaster, best known for Kultar's Mime, The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia, The Night of the Restless Spirits, and The Story of the Sikhs. His adaptation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, set in 1990s Punjab, titled Jujhar Cheema, showcases his unique storytelling. Sarbpreet's popular Story of the Sikhs podcast has listeners in 90 countries and has been compared to Ken Burns' documentaries. He is also deeply involved in Sikh sacred music, having founded the Gurmat Sangeet Project.
His latest book, Cauldron, Sword and Victory: The Rise of the Sikhs, explores the tumultuous period of the 18th century when the Sikh Panth emerged as a formidable power amid the declining Mughal Empire and the rise of Ahmad Shah Abdali. Drawing from Braj poetry and historical eyewitness accounts, the book paints a vivid picture of Sikh resistance and resilience during a time of great upheaval.
After 12 years as Editor of Femina which was declared a Superbrand, Sathya Saran chose to be a full-time author, part time teacher and a columnist.
Her books include the acclaimed biographies, Ten Years with Guru Dutt Abrar Alvi’s Journey, Baat Niklegi toh Phir The Life and Music of Jagjit Singh, Sun Mere Bandhu Re The Musical World of SD Burman and Hariprasad Chaurasia Breath of Gold. She also has a book of short stories The Dark Side. Branching out as a translator, she has translated 75 poems by Gulzar Sa’ab for a new book, and Yatindra Mishra’s critical biography , Titled Gulzar Sa’ab Hazaar Rahein Mudh Ke Dekhi. A book on the lyricist Shailendra is also due soon
Saurabh Kirpal studied physics at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, followed by law at the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Law from the University of Cambridge. He worked briefly with the United Nations in Geneva before returning to Delhi, where he practices as a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court.
Saurabh has represented a diverse array of clients, including Anil Ambani and notable figures like Navtej Johar and Ritu Dalmia in significant cases such as the decriminalization of homosexuality in India (Section 377) and same-sex marriage recognition. A self-described 'accidental activist', he serves as the managing trustee of the Naz Foundation Trust, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
He is the editor of Sex and the Supreme Court , an anthology on law, gender, and sexuality, and has authored Fifteen Judgments: Cases That Shaped India’s Financial Landscape and Who Is Equal: The Equality Code of the Constitution.
Sriram is a versatile storyteller passionate about crafting brand narratives across various formats, from concise Instagram reels to extensive volumes of narrative non-fiction. His approach to writing is deeply influenced by his experience as a senior brand manager at a start-up, where he honed his skills in brand communication. In addition to his corporate background, Sriram shares his expertise by teaching storytelling to entrepreneurs as a visiting faculty member, and he also delivers lectures on diverse topics like German grammar and audio engineering.
When he's not immersed in brand storytelling, Sriram enjoys spending quality time with his children. He finds joy in teaching them how to swim, encouraging them to bubble and count as they prepare for their dives into the pool. Based in Bengaluru, he balances his professional pursuits with a fulfilling family life.
Suhasini Haidar is the Diplomatic Editor of The Hindu , one of India’s leading national dailies, where she writes on foreign policy and international affairs. She also hosts the weekly online show WorldView with Suhasini Haidar.
Previously, Suhasini was Foreign Affairs Editor and prime-time anchor for CNN-IBN, and correspondent for CNN International. With over 28 years in journalism, she has reported from conflict zones including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Libya, and Syria.
She has received numerous awards, including the Prem Bhatia Award for Political Reporting and was part of CNN's Columbia-Dupont Award winning team for their tsunami coverage.
Suhasini holds degrees from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, and Boston University. She lives in New Delhi with her husband and two daughters.
Syeda Saiyidain Hameed is a Padma Shri awardee and a noted women's rights activist, educationist, and writer. She served as a member of the Planning Commission, the National Commission for Women, and as Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University until 2015.
Her notable works include A Drop in the Ocean , a memoir chronicling her life’s work in human rights, peace efforts, and social activism. She has also translated and edited the works of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and written on Islam, Sufism, and gender.
In 2000, she led a 'bus of peace' to Lahore, reflecting her commitment to Indo-Pak harmony. Her contributions to human rights, particularly in championing the causes of women and the marginalized, are widely recognized.
Tasneem Zakaria Mehta has been deeply engaged with Indian art and culture since graduating from the Sir J.J. School of Art. She is the Vice Chairman of INTACH and a pioneer in heritage restoration, notably for the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, which earned the UNESCO Award for Restoration. Mehta is also involved with contemporary art and has curated exhibitions at various prestigious venues.
Her latest book, Mumbai: A City through Objects, is a captivating exploration of Mumbai’s history through the museum’s artifacts. This volume, richly illustrated with stunning photographs, delves into how the city’s evolution is mirrored in the objects housed in the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum.
An Indian entrepreneur, educationist, and social worker, he has been honored with the Padma Shri and International Peace Award. He serves as a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab and is the international president of the World Punjabi Organisation, which fosters global social, economic, and cultural connections.
He is dedicated to building a more equitable society through his NGO, Sun Foundation, which offers world-class skill training and vocational programs. His foundation also provides humanitarian services, including healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rehabilitation of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs. His initiatives have been recognized by NSDC and encompass education, women's empowerment, and community outreach.
His leadership extends globally, with roles such as former Honorary Consul General of South Africa, President of ICC Paris-India, and Chair of the BRICS Agri-Business Forum.
Veeranganakumari Solanki, a curator and writer based in India, explores how various creative practices merge to create dialogues in public and private spaces. Her work examines how historical and contemporary thought informs exhibition-making and expands ideas of medium specificity through narration and storytelling. Focusing on South Asian art practices in its global context, Veerangana has been a Brooks International Research Fellow at Tate Modern, a resident at Delfina Foundation, and a Programme Director at Space Studio. She is currently the Programme Director and Curator at The Gujral Foundation and a visual arts curator for the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024. She is also a Co-Director of the SqWLab Foundation and on the advisory committee of the Piramal Photography Gallery at NCPA, Mumbai.
William Dalrymple is an award-winning author, historian, and broadcaster. He is best known for his books White Mughals, The Last Mughal , and Return of a King, all of which have received multiple literary awards. A fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he has held visiting fellowships at prestigious institutions including Princeton and Oxford. William is also the co-founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival and co-host of the popular Empire podcast. He lives with his family on a farm near Delhi.
His latest book, The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, reveals India's crucial role as the heart of the ancient world. Over a millennium and a half, India’s civilization exported art, religion, technology, and more, from the Red Sea to the Pacific. Drawing on decades of research, Dalrymple traces how Indian ideas profoundly influenced the world's culture and technology.
