Aaku Srivastava

His passion for diving deep into the socio-political fabric of states of India prevailed made him a widely discerned face at various news channels as Expert Panellist, impartial and balanced conferment of his opinion being at the core. Currently in Delhi with eminent group Punjab Kesri/Navodaya Times, is author to four books. The recent one ‘Sensex of Regional Parties’ (English ) and 'Sensex Kshetriya dalon ka ' (Hindi) being acclaimed best sellers in recent times. Currently ‘ Uttar udarikaran ke aandolan ’ is under print. Having accomplished so much in life, is paying back to society through his ‘Boond’ Foundation.

Aanchal Malhotra

Aanchal Malhotra is an oral historian and author of the acclaimed non-fiction books ‘Remnants of A Separation’ and ‘In the Language of Remembering’, which explore the enduring impact of the 1947 Partition. Her novel ‘The Book of Everlasting Things’ was listed among NPR’s Best Books of 2022. Malhotra has received the Council for Museum Anthropology Book Award and has been shortlisted for the British Academy Book Prize and Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar. She co-founded the Museum of Material Memory.

Abbas Raza Nayyar

Prof. Abbas Raza Nayyar  is Professor and Head, Department of Urdu, University of Lucknow. 

A first-class academic and a lecturer, he has authored 32 books and over 75 research articles in reputed national and international journals. His recent acclaimed work is a book on Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. 

He has received major honours including Yash Bharti Samman (2016), Bhasha Samman (2016), International Risai Adab Award (2014), Urdu Anjuman Award Berlin (2016), and Allama Iqbal International Award (2016).

Abhishek Shukla

Abhishek Shukla is one of the most promising Urdu poets of the contemporary generation. He has travelled to Dubai, Pakistan, Bahrain and Qatar reciting his soulful poetry. His book "Harf-e-awara" published by Rajkamal Prakashan has also got enthusiastic welcome in contemporary poetry circle of India.Abhishek teaches Urdu language and is also an avid scholar of "Arooz". Undoubtedly,he is one of the truest successors of the rich composite culture and legacy of Lucknow. Many senior Urdu poets have showered immense love and blessings on him. Apart from his signature style poetry, this multi-faceted man enjoys popularity for his quick wit and amusing sense of humour as well.

Abhishek Shukla

Abhishek Shukla is one of the most promising Urdu poets of the contemporary generation. He has travelled to Dubai, Pakistan, Bahrain and Qatar reciting his soulful poetry. His book "Harf-e-awara" published by Rajkamal Prakashan has also got enthusiastic welcome in contemporary poetry circle of India.Abhishek teaches Urdu language and is also an avid scholar of "Arooz". Undoubtedly,he is one of the truest successors of the rich composite culture and legacy of Lucknow. Many senior Urdu poets have showered immense love and blessings on him. Apart from his signature style poetry, this multi-faceted man enjoys popularity for his quick wit and amusing sense of humour as well.

Abhishek Shukla

Abhishek Shukla is one of the most promising Urdu poets of the contemporary generation. He has travelled to Dubai, Pakistan, Bahrain and Qatar reciting his soulful poetry. His book "Harf-e-awara" published by Rajkamal Prakashan has also got enthusiastic welcome in contemporary poetry circle of India.Abhishek teaches Urdu language and is also an avid scholar of "Arooz". Undoubtedly,he is one of the truest successors of the rich composite culture and legacy of Lucknow. Many senior Urdu poets have showered immense love and blessings on him. Apart from his signature style poetry, this multi-faceted man enjoys popularity for his quick wit and amusing sense of humour as well.

Ajay Jain

Having graduated from IIT Kanpur in 1984, Ajay Jain started the pioneering journey of a first-generation entrepreneur by founding Microlit to design world - class import-substitute scientific instruments. Today, under his guidance, Microlit operates in more than 65 countries and has received prestigious honours, including recognition by CII as one of India’s top 5 Most Innovative Companies; and Design and Innovation Awards from Germany and Japan.

Apart from Business success, Jain is an ardent lover of poetry, literature and music. Two decades ago, he established Lucknow Nawabs, a group dedicated to retaining and appreciating cultural heritage. Lucknow Nawabs has hosted numerous great personalities such as Pankaj Udhas, Kavita Seth, Gulzar Saheb, Wasim Barelvi, Javed Akhtar and Manna Dey, among others.

Ajay Jain

After graduating from IIT Kanpur in 1984, Ajay Jain— a visionary first-generation entrepreneur—founded Microlit, with the mission of creating world-class import-substitute scientific instruments. Under his dynamic leadership, Microlit has not only established a global presence across 65+ countries, but has also earned prestigious accolades, including recognition by CII as one of the Top 5 Most Innovative Companies in India, along with Design & Innovation Awards from Japan and Germany.

Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Ajay Jain is a passionate connoisseur of poetry, literature, and music—art forms that remain integral to his life. To celebrate and preserve this cultural heritage, he founded “Lucknow Nawabs” two decades ago, an organization dedicated to bringing music, literature, and legendary artists to the city of Lucknow. Over the years, the stage of Lucknow Nawabs has been graced by stalwarts such as Pankaj Udhas, Kavita Seth, Gulzar Saheb, Wasim Bareilvy, Javed Akhtar, and Manna Dey, among many others.

A rare blend of entrepreneurial brilliance and artistic devotion, Ajay Jain continues to inspire both the worlds of innovation and culture alike.

Ajay Jain

Ajay Jain, a first-generation entrepreneur and IIT-Kanpur alumnus, exemplifies innovation and creativity. His journey began in 2004, performing alongside renowned artist Pankaj Udhas, and since then, he has enriched Lucknow’s cultural scene by producing over 50 stage shows featuring esteemed artists. Inspired by icons like Gulzar and Javed Akhtar, Jain masterfully combines traditional themes with modern sentiments. His dedication to promoting art and culture has positioned him as a key player in Lucknow’s cultural revival, providing a platform for talented artists and delivering memorable experiences. Jain also serves as Co-Producer of AZ360 Productions, whose debut short film ‘Leela’ garnered nominations at prestigious film festivals, including the recent MAMI festival in Mumbai. Their upcoming feature film, ‘Dad Was a Good Man,’ is set for release in January 2025. Through his work, he celebrates creativity and preserves its essence in today’s world.

Akhilesh

Akhilesh is the editor of the Hindi periodical Tadbhav. He has also edited ten volumes of Ek Kahani Ek Kitab and Eleven volumes of Kahaniyan Rishton Ki as well as Das Bemisal Prem Kahaniyan.

Born in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh in 1960, Akhilesh is an MA in Hindi Literature from Allahabad University. He is the author of several short story anthologies, including Aadmi Nahin Tootataa,Mukti,Shapgrast and Andhera, as well as the novels Anweshan and Nirvasan. His stories have been adapted for the stage and into movies by Doordarshan, and feature films. He is also a dialogue and screenplay writer. Many of his works have been translated into several languages. He has also written books of non-fiction work, Vah Jo Yathartha Tha and Aks.

Akshat Gupta

Akshat Gupta

Akshat Gupta is a best-selling author and highest-viewed storyteller on the internet in Bharat with five acclaimed books to his name. Gupta is also a poet, screenwriter and lyricist, seamlessly weaving stories across mediums. His debut Mythological and Sci-fi novel The Hidden Hindu trilogy has sold over one million copies. He is known for speaking passionately about Indian history, the philosophy of Satyalogy and the timeless mysteries that shape our culture, he has become one of the most powerful literary voices of our time.

Ali Khan Mahmudabad

Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad teaches political science and history at Ashoka University in India. In particular, he focuses on matters of religious identity, democracy, culture, literature and politics of both South Asia and the Middle East. Prof Khan’s first book was Poetry of Belonging: Muslim imaginings of India 1850-1950. It was on the formation of Muslim political identity in North India and presented a history of the public space of poetry (the mushā‘irah) and a genealogy of the idea of homeland (watan) over this period. He has published a translation of Khan Mahboob Tarzi’s Urdu novel Aghaaze Sahar with Penguin Books under the title The Break of Dawn in 2021. Prof Khan published a collection of his Urdu essays entitled Sada-e Dil in 2022. He conducts research in a number of languages in including Arabic, Persian and Urdu. Prof Khan has consistently written for newspapers and magazines in English and Urdu and has occasionally appeared on television and radio, as he believes that a wider public engagement is important in order to spread ideas beyond the academy.

Alka Pande

Alka Pande is one of India’s leading authors, art historians and curators. Her prominent books include 108 Portraits of Indian Culture and Heritage and Body Sutra. Currently, she serves as a consultant art advisor and curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Her honours include the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters 2006, the Australia-India Council Special Award 2009, and the Amrita Sher-Gil Samman 2015. Recently, she received the Culture Champion Award (Global) and the CIMA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for her contribution to Indian art.

Amit Sinha

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Amitabh Singh Baghel

Amitabh Singh Baghel weaves together his passions for literature, photography and cultural advocacy. He is the founder and Chairperson of Lekhni Foundation, dedicated to nurturing diverse literary and cultural initiatives that promote creative expression and community engagement. He founded Aaghaz Poetry Movement in 2019, where he has been presenting and appreciating Urdu poetry for a global audience. As a published and exhibited photographer, Amitabh’s visual storytelling complements his literary pursuits. He has signed a contract with Rajkamal Publications for his book on Noon Meem Rashid’s poetry and has authored articles on gender and cinema, which have been published in international publications like Springer. As the Founding Festival Director of Koshala Literature Festival, he has nurtured a vibrant literary community since 2022.

Amitabh Singh Baghel

Amitabh Singh Baghel is the founder of The Talk Series and co-founder of Koshala Literature Festival. He is a globally published social researcher and an exhibited photographer. He founded Aaghaz Poetry Movement to take the beauty and essence of Urdu poetry across the globe through curated poetry appreciation sessions. Recently, he was invited by the Government of Telangana to perform and was felicitated at Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad.

Amy Singh

Amy Singh is a poet, writer and performer from Chandigarh. Her work explores love, resistance and the intersections of personal and collective history. Her debut poetry collection Singing Over Bones released in April 2025.

For over a decade, she has performed at literary festivals, public protests and storytelling spaces, using language as both refuge and rebellion. Her poem ‘Daak: To Lahore with Love’ sparked a cross-border letter-writing movement, urging people to reach across the India–Pakistan divide through the simple act of letter-writing. She has performed at the Bangalore Literature Festival, Chandigarh Literature Festival, Dehradun Literature Festival and the Faiz Festival in Lahore among others.

Her work has been featured in Vogue, BBC, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, The Tribune, Quint, and TEDx. She leads writing workshops and speaks on poetry’s role in healing, activism and identity.

Anamika

Anamika is a Hindi poet, novelist, professor, and translator. Poems from her award-winning collections, Anushtup, Khurduri Hatheliyan, Doob-Dhan, Tokri Mein Digant, and Paani ko Sab Yaad Tha, are taught at various universities. She has extensively translated works by Rilke, Neruda, Doris Lessing, Octavio Paz, and fellow women poets. Her doctoral thesis is on John Donne, and her major English publications include Transplanting British Poetry in Indian Classrooms, Donne Criticism Down the Ages, Post-War Women Poets: Treatment of Love and Death, Feminist Poetics: Where Kingfishers Catch Fire, Translating Racial Memory, and Weaving a Nation: Proto-Feminist Writing in Hindi and Urdu. Her novel Aienasaaz reimagines Amir Khusro in a modern context. Her latest book, Aapai Aapan Paar, is a collection of love poems. She received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2020 for Tokri Mein Digant.

Anand Neelakantan

Anand Neelakantan is an Indian Author, Columnist, Screenwriter, And Public Speaker. He is known for writing mythological fictions and has authored eleven books in English and one in Malayalam.  Anand Neelakantan wrote the official prequel series trilogy for the Bahubali film series titled Bahubali: Before the Beginning, it is a three-book series which acts as a prequel to the films. He has also written screenpalys for popular television series including Siya Ke Ram, Chakravarthy Ashoka, Mahabali Hanuman, Adaalar, Sarfarosh for Netflix and Swaraj for DD National.

Anchal Awasthi

Anchal Awasthi is a storyteller, strategist and creator. She reminds us that even in a world chasing clicks the stories that endure are the ones that stay. For more than sixteen years she has proved that stories do not simply inform but also educate. From the bustle of newsrooms to the flow of online media, Awasthi has shaped narratives that reach people and remain with them.

Awasthi continues to be a voice that keeps storytelling alive in all its evolving forms.

Anil Rastogi

A veteran actor with decades of experience in theatre and television, Dr. Anil Rastogi is a pillar of Lucknow’s creative community. His versatile performances and contributions to stagecraft have earned him widespread respect. Beyond acting, he mentors young artists, sharing his knowledge of theatre, cinema, and storytelling, and continues to shape the city’s artistic landscape with his vision and guidance. 

Anindita Ghose

Anindita Ghose is an author, editor, communications consultant and former journalist based in Bombay. Her debut novel The Illuminated was published by Harper Collins in India and by Bloomsbury internationally. BBC Radio 4 said it ‘gives voice to a new generation’.

Ghose was formerly the Editor of Mint Lounge and the Features Director of Vogue India. Most recently, she led strategic communications for a global social impact advisory. She has a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Mumbai and a master’s degree in arts journalism from Columbia University. 

Her new book The Only City is a landmark anthology of short stories on Bombay that she has conceived, commissioned and edited, and it also features a short story by her.

Anjula Bedi

Anjula Bedi is a writer, editor, actor and translator with a Postgraduate degree in English Literature from Delhi University. She is a partner, editor and writer at Eminence Designs Pvt Ltd, a publishing company based in Mumbai, where she has edited over 30 books on art and heritage. Anjula’s fascination with oral history and social environments led her to write corporate biographies, including Bridges of Friendship, The Intrepid Entrepreneur, and Purushottam- Transforming Lives. She co-founded Mumbai’s Surnai Theatre and Folk Arts Foundation with Ila Arun. A traveller at heart, Anjula has also contributed to travel histories for renowned publications.

Ankur Saxena

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Anubhav Sinha

Anubhav Sinha is an Indian film Director, Producer, and Writer known for his work in the Hindi film industry. He was born on June 22, 1965, in Allahabad, India. Sinha began his career in the entertainment industry with TV shows like ‘Sea Hawks’ and then a spate of music videos in the late 90s.

“Tum Bin” (2001) his first feature set him at the horizon of new talents. “Dus” (2005) and “Ra.One”(2011) were his foray in to big blockbuster genre. However, it was in a series of socio-political films “Mulk” (2018), “Article 15” (2019), “Thappad” (2020) followed by “Anek”, (2022) and “Bheed” (2023) that he found his voice and expression with. His latest project “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” (2024) universally lauded by the critics and a runaway hit with the audience, recounted a seminal event in India’s political history, further solidifying his voice in meaningful storytelling.”

Anubhav Tyagi

Anubhav Tyagi is a cultural strategist with expertise in festival programming, brand communication, and artiste management. With a long tenure at Teamwork Arts Pvt. Ltd., he worked on the Jaipur Literature Festival and its global editions under the mentorship of Sanjoy Roy, Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple. He has curated events like Words on Water in Madurah Perth, Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards, The Wellness Carnival and more. Tyagi also collaborates with YPO, FindYourFit, Brij Hotels, HCL Concerts and Royal Enfield. Passionate about arts and culture, he specialises in arts marketing and creating impactful cultural experiences.

An avid reader, he continues to shape dynamic literary and artistic landscapes.

Anuj Mishra

A celebrated Kathak guru and tabla vadak, Pandit Anuj Mishra embodies the grace and rhythm of Awadh’s classical traditions. Trained in the pure Lucknow gharana of Kathak, his work reflects the intricate blend of movement, music, and storytelling that the art form represents. Having performed and taught across India and abroad, Pandit Mishra continues to nurture young talent and carry forward the city’s dance and music legacy and the legacy of Birju Maharaj

Anuja Chandramouli

Anuja Chandramouli is a bestselling author, writer and new-age Indian classicist. She has published 12 books across the mythology, historical fiction and fantasy genres. She followed up her highly acclaimed debut novel, Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince, which was named as one of the top five sellers in the Indian writing category for the year 2012 by Amazon India, with Kamadeva: The God of Desire, Shakti: The Divine Feminine, Yama’s Lieutenant and its sequel, Yama’s Lieutenant and the Stone Witch. Her articles, short stories and book reviews appear in various publications like The New Indian Express, The Hindu, Scroll.in and Femina. Some of Anuja’s other books are Kartikeya: The Destroyer’s Son, Prithviraj Chauhan: The Emperor of Hearts, Padmavati: The Burning Queen, Ganga: The Constant Goddess and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq: Tale of a Tyrant. Her book Mohini: The Enchantress was the winner of the JK Papers and Times of India Popular Choice AutHer award for the year 2021. Her books are also available as audiobooks and have been translated into Hindi. Abhimanyu: Son of Arjuna is her latest book and has been shortlisted for the Atta Galatta–Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize. An accomplished TEDx speaker and storyteller, Chandramouli regularly conducts workshops on creative writing, mythology and empowerment in schools and colleges across the country. Her ‘Mahabharata and Ramayana with Anuja’ storytelling series is now available on YouTube and Spotify. She is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. 

Aparimaya Shyam Das

Aparimaya Shyam Das was born into a respected Kanyakubj Brahmana family, where spirituality and Bhakti were central to life. His spiritual journey began with his grandmother’s prayer for a son and a Bhagavata Katha, marking his birth on Trayodashi. Raised in a devout family, he began worshipping Lord Hanuman at the age of five. After completing his education in Etawah, Gwalior, and Kanpur, he worked in Delhi before marrying Achintya Rupani Dasi in 2007. In 2006, he joined ISKCON, where he came under the guidance of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. By 2008, he decided to dedicate his life to Lord Krishna’s service. Despite early struggles, his devotion led to Harinam initiation in 2011 and Brahmin initiation in 2013. Returning to Etawah, he established a thriving spiritual community and ISKCON temple, conducting weekly discourses and organising major events like the Jagannath Rath Yatra. In 2015, he moved to Lucknow to serve as ISKCON President, where he initiated several successful programmes and festivals, further spreading spiritual awareness.

Aqeel Shamsi

Aqeel Shamsi is one of Lucknow’s most well-known patangbaaz, a man who finds poetry in the sky. For him, every kite is a canvas of color, and every flight a friendly duel of pride and precision. Deeply connected with the city’s roof tops and festive skies, he has been promoting the art of patangbaazi for over two decades. Aqeel believes that flying a kite is not just about victory — it’s about rhythm, patience, and passion. His participation brings the vibrant charm of Lucknow’s air back to life

Archana Shukla

Archana is an accomplished theatre artist and director who has been a driving force in Lucknow’s performing arts scene. Her productions are known for their seamless integration of literature, emotion, and socially relevant narratives. Archana’s work not only entertains but also sparks dialogue, inspiring audiences to reflect on contemporary issues while appreciating the richness of artistic expression. has worked inmany films tanu weds manu, ishaq zaade, gulaabo sitabo, and the verypopulasr serial waah waah kya baat hai

Arif Mohammad Khan

Arif Mohammad Khan has been the serving Governor of Kerala since September 2019. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Kanpur in 1980, then from Bahraich in 1984 and 1998. Also, he has discharged various ministerial responsibilities during his illustrious political career, starting with Union Deputy Minister, Information & Broadcasting in 1982-83 to Union Cabinet Minister, Energy & Civil Aviation in 1989-90.  An alumnus of Jamia Millia School, Delhi, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh and the Shia College, Lucknow, Khan started his political career as a student leader.  He is also an enthusiastic writer and a long-time supporter of reforms within the Muslim community, credited with authoring “Text and Context: Quran and Contemporary Challenges,” an acclaimed bestseller published by Rupa & Co in 2010.

Arsh Ali

Arsh Ali ‘Chandel’ is the 'Youngest Archaeologist and Egyptologist of India'. Born in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) and educated in the cities of Allahabad, Lucknow, Delhi and Oxford; since the age of fifteen, Arsh has worked at several archaeological explorations and excavations in India and abroad. Proficient in over twenty languages and scripts- both ancient and modern- Ali’s interests range from the nuances of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics (Middle Egyptian) to Sanskrit and from Latin of Horace’s time to Arabic and Persian. Ali is a life-member of the Indian Archaeological Society (New Delhi) and the Egypt Exploration Society (London). From discovering traces of Early Buddhism in Egypt, as proselytized by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in Egypt in 2017 to Experimental studies into Egyptian mummification and culinary techniques, and from reconstructing the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya since the time of Ashoka to acting as Cultural Representative to the Middle East and North Africa during the G20 in 2022-23. 

Arsh is also a student of Law, with interest in comparative family laws of marriage and divorce, the Jurisprudential aspects of ancient Sanskrit legal texts, and Constitutional Law. He leads the ‘House of Kosam’, an initiative to revive and promote aged-old traditional craftsmanship, while encouraging social and rural empowerment using sustainability alternatives, based in the erstwhile estates at Kaushambhi. 

Ashutosh Dixit

Ashutosh Dixit is the heart behind the famous Heri Paan a name that instantly brings a smile to every Lucknawi. Known for his meticulously crafted paans, each leaf he folds carries generations of tradition. But beyond flavor, Ashutosh tells stories — about his father’s shop, about evenings of poetry, and about the people who find comfort in his creations. Through his artistry, he reminds everyone that in Lucknow, even a paan is poetry — to be tasted, shared, and remembered

Ashutosh Shukla

Ashutosh Shukla, State Editor at Dainik Jagran, Uttar Pradesh, is a seasoned journalist and accomplished author. His notable works include ‘Dekhi Tumhari Kashi’, ‘Syahi Ke Ujale’, ‘Krishna Calling-Travelogue of a Teenager’ (also translated into English), and ‘Tumhari Jai’. Ashutosh has also contributed significantly to translation, bringing to readers works like ‘Architecture of Imambaras’, ‘Architecture of Lucknow’, and the ‘BBC Handbook of Journalism’.

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.

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.

Ashwitha Jayakumar

Ashwitha Jayakumar is a writer, editor and publisher. Her publications include over a dozen works for readers of all ages, including The Book of Emperors: An Illustrated History of the Mughals (Penguin India) and Incredible Indians: 75 People Who Shaped Modern India (HarperCollins). She's the co-founder of Indian Summer Press, a brand new independent publisher of comics based in New Delhi, India. 

Ashwitha holds an MSc in Literature and Society: 1688–1900 from the University of Edinburgh and an MA in Medieval Studies from the University of Leeds.

Asma hussain

Asma Hussain is a Fashion Designer with a difference. She is a Social Activist, Educationist, Curator, Revivalist, Promoter, Writer and a Designer. She started working to promote the Handicrafts, Handloom, Art & Culture of Awadh (Uttar Pradesh) in 1992.

She trained artisans free of cost, learning about their problems and hardships on the way, facing a lot of challenges as there was no organized fashion or handicraft industry. She tried to resolve the problems of the artisans in the area of health, education, awareness and exposure to the world. Thus began the journey of not just designing clothes and a life of glamour, but designing lives, of those who were left to fend for themselves in poverty and illiteracy. She recognised the talent and hidden treasures of their nimble fingers.

She has been covered by FTV, Star World, Discovery Travel & Living, BBC, Zee, ETV, NDTV, Sahara TV, etc. She is renowned for reviving traditional crafts of Awadh & has won several prestigious awards.

Asma Hussain

Asma Hussain is a renowned Indian fashion designer celebrated for preserving and promoting the traditional crafts of Awadh, including chikankari, zardozi, and mukaish work. A descendant of the royal family of Awadh, she blends heritage artistry with contemporary design. She founded the Asma Hussain Institute of Fashion Technology to provide professional training in fashion and handicrafts, and leads the NGO YUWA to support artisan livelihoods. Through her label, the Asma Hussain Fashion House, she champions handcrafted textiles and empowers local craftspeople, making her a prominent voice in India’s cultural and fashion landscape.

Atma Prakash Mishra

Atma Prakash Mishra, with over 35 years of experience in TV and radio, is the youngest national commentator for Prasar Bharati. He has provided live commentary on over 200 national and international events, including Republic Day, Independence Day, the Kumbh Mela in Prayag, Nashik, Ujjain, and Haridwar, as well as the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra and Janmashtami in Mathura. Mishra directed popular Doordarshan serials like ‘Awam Ki Awaaz,’ ‘Once More,’ and ‘Vigyan Se Dhyan Ki Or.’ He has staged over 200 events for top dignitaries and collaborated with BBC, ABU, and the EU.

Azhar Iqbal

Azhar Iqbal is one of the well-known contemporary Urdu poets whose refined poetic utterance have made him one of the most recognizable young names in today's mushaira circuit. Known for his contemplative, multilayered ghazals and nazms, he represents that generation of poets who straddle traditional Urdu sensibilities and modern themes in a way that speaks to both traditional audiences and younger listeners with equal power.

Iqbal’s poetry often speaks of human emotions, social awareness, philosophical contemplation and insight into the quiet beauty of day-to-day existence. What makes him different is the simplicity of his diction and depth of meaning so that his verses touch the heart of a reader instantly while inviting deeper interpretation.

Chandra Shekhar Varma

Chandra Shekhar Varma is a Behavioural Scientist and a Motivational Speaker by profession and a Writer by passion. He has inherited literature from his illustrious Grandfather Padma Bhushan Shri Bhagwati Charan Varma who is an icon of Hindi literature and also from his father Shri Dhirendra Varma who is also a well known Hindi Author. His debut book ‘Corners of a Straight line’ (English novel) was published by Rupa. His second book Chaudah left Chaudah Right, published by Rajkamal, is a collection of stories in Hindi. His Urdu ghazals are published on Rekhta.

A Post Graduate In Management and Psychology from Lucknow University, Chandra Shekhar did his schooling from Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow and has worked with major corporate houses like BCCL and Reliance. At present, Chandra Shekhar Varma works as the Head of PR and Communication department of Amity University Lucknow Campus. He lives in Lucknow with his family.

Chandra Shekhar Varma

Chandra Shekhar Varma is a behavioural scientist and motivational speaker by profession, and a Hindi poet by passion. He has inherited literature from his illustrious grandfather, Padma Bhushan Shri Bhagwati Charan Varma, and also from his father, Shri Dhirendra Varma, who is a well-known Hindi author.

Chandra Shekhar Varma

Chandra Shekhar Varma is a behavioural scientist and a motivational speaker by profession and a writer by passion. He has inherited literature from his illustrious Grandfather Padma Bhushan Shri Bhagwati Charan Varma who is an icon of Hindi literature and also from his father Shri Dhirendra Varma who is also a well known Hindi Author. His debut book ‘Corners of a Straight line’ (English novel) was published by Rupa. His second book Chaudah left Chaudah Right, published by Rajkamal, is a collection of stories in Hindi. His Urdu ghazals are published on Rekhta. Chandra Shekhar defines himself in this couplet.Prem hai Hindi, Shaan hai Urdu, Angrezi majboori hai,Wo Zubaan apnaa leta hun hun jab jo jahan Zaroori haiA post graduate in management and psychology from Lucknow University , Chandra Shekhar did his schooling from Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow and has worked with major Corporate houses like BCCL and Reliance. He lives in Lucknow with his family.

Chandra Shekhar Varma

Chandta Shekhar Varma is a renowned motivational speaker and an author. He has inherited literature from his illustrious Grandfather Padma Bhushan Shri Bhagwati Charan Varma and also his father Shri Dhirendra Varma. Chandra Shekhar has this unique distinction of having command over Hindi, English and Urdu His best seller novel Corners of a Straight line published by Rupa was in English, incidentally this book was launched by none othet than Javed Akhtar. 

His collection of stories Chaudah Left Chaudah Right published by Rajkamal is in Hindi. This story collection was included in the top ten books of 2023 by Sahitya Aaj tak. His collection of Urdu ghazals ‘Ghat Rahi hai Roz meri Chehargi’ has been published by Vani Prakashan recently, his Urdu literature can be found on Rekhta. He writes a regular column for The Times of India called Gen Zen. Chandra Shekhar Varma is a known name in the literary circles and has been invited to Chandigarh Literary festival, Hyderabad Literary Festival, The Great literature tour,. Metaphor and Koshal literary festival and nainital literary festival,. He has hosted many literary and cultural shows across the country. He has been awarded on many occasions by the Government of UP and many other organisations. His performances as a poet have been appreciated in many cities.

Chugge Khan

Chugge Khan has his roots in the golden sand dunes of Barmer and Jaisalmer and is one of the most powerful voices of the ancient Manganiyar musical lineage where every song is a living archive of the desert. A master of instruments such as the morchang, khartal and bhappang, his music reflects the spiritual depth, melodic nuance and rhythmic brilliance that characterise Rajasthani folk. From devotional qawwalis to Sufi, Punjabi and fusion, Khan’s artistry flows effortlessly across genres shaped by a lifetime of dedication that began at the age of four.

From performances across continents including France, Japan, Australia and South Africa to global stages such as Womex, Barbican, Commonwealth Games and RIFF, Khan has become a cultural ambassador of Rajasthan’s musical heritage. His collaborations with artistes such as A R Rahman and Shiv Mani further reflect the range of his craft.

Deepa Agarwal

Author, Poet and Translator, Deepa Agarwal writes for both children and adults and has over 60 books published. A frequent contributor to magazines and journals in India and abroad, she has edited and compiled several anthologies. Gender equality, social injustice and the environment are some of the main themes in her writing.

She received the N.C.E.R.T. National Award for Children’s Literature for Ashok’s New Friends, Caravan to Tibet was on the IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) Honour List 2008, Journey to the Forbidden City on the Parag Honour List 2020 and shortlisted for the Neev Book Award while her poetry collection Forgotten Kaleidoscopes was shortlisted for the PVLF Best Poetry Award. Her work has been translated into several Indian and foreign languages. The Begum (Penguin Random House India), Blessed (Hachette India), Kashmir!Kashmir! (Scholastic India) and Forgotten Kaleidoscopes (Authorspress) are among her latest titles.

Deepak Balani

Deepak Balani, a retired banker, did his early schooling from St. Francis’ College in Lucknow. He is a singer, composer, and a poet. He has been closely associated with theatre in Kanpur & Nainital. Deepak is a green activist, passionately supporting environmental causes. Additionally, as an engaged social worker, he actively contributes to community service initiatives.

Devanshi Seth

Devanshi Seth was a journalist with the Times of India for 13 years and has headed Lucknow Times, Kanpur Time, Banaras Times, Allahabad Times and Patna Times during her stint with the newspaper. An alumna of Loreto Convent and La Martiniere Girls College, Lucknow, Devanshi graduated from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi in 2001 with an Honors degree in English literature. She has a diploma in PR and Media Studies from Lucknow University, and is a post graduate in English. Devanshi quit her job as Editor of Lucknow Times, and found inspiration in her hometown, Lucknow for her next venture -- Now Lucknow, which is an online guide to the city. Why Now Lucknow? Devanshi has lived in this city all her life, and loves it. She's proud of the place the city has bookmarked in history, but it's the changing face of Lucknow that excites her right now. Now Lucknow was born out of that excitement at what Lucknow is culturally and what it has the potential to become. The portal is an attempt to push tourism in the area, while giving an impetus to local businesses. In 2020, Devanshi was featured in the FLO Compendium of 100 Successful Women Entrepreneurs in MSME, supported by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. She was recently invited to moderate a session at Timeless Ayodhya: Literature and Arts Festival 2025 on “Taste, Textile & Tales”. In March this year, Devanshi received the Ajaya Women Achiever’s Award instituted by the Samajwadi Party. She currently plays an active role in the FICCI Ladies Organisation Lucknow chapter, as the Vice Chairperson for the year 2025-26

Devapriya Roy

Devapriya Roy is the author of three novels, ‘The Vague Woman’s Handbook’, ‘The Weight Loss Club’ and, most recently, ‘Friends from College’, which was serialised in ‘The Telegraph’ for 42 weeks. In 2018, she published ‘Indira’, a graphic biography of Mrs Gandhi, created with artist Priya Kuriyan. Roy is best-known for the travel-memoir ‘The Heat and Dust Project: The Broke Couple’s Guide to Bharat’, co-written with partner Saurav Jha, the story of an eccentric journey around India on the princely budget of 500 rupees a day for bed and board, which debuted at no.1 on the ‘Hindustan Times’-A.C. Nielsen list.

Devashish Mishra

Devashish is a multifaceted artist and film enthusiast whose work explores the intersection of heritage and modern storytelling. His creative projects often examine how traditional narratives can coexist with contemporary media. Through his insights and storytelling expertise, Devashish offers audiences a deeper understanding of cinema and theatre in Lucknow, making him a compelling voice in the city’s evolving creative ecosystem

Devdutt Pattanaik

Devika Rangachari

Devika Rangachari is an acclaimed writer and historian. Her debut non-fiction work for adults, ‘The Mauryas,’ was published by Simon & Schuster India. For young adults, she has penned ‘Queen of Ice’—now part of the Penguin Classics series and optioned for a film—alongside ‘Queen of Earth’ and ‘Queen of Fire.

Diksha Bisla

Diksha Bisla is a journalist at ‘WION: World is One’. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Miranda House and a Master’s degree in Literature with a special focus on violence and memory studies from Delhi University. Passionate about art, literature, and culture, Bisla applies her expertise across multiple verticals in her role at ‘WION’.

Dr Nishi Pandey

Dr Nishi Pandey, Professor of Eminence at the Department of English and Modern European Languages, University of Lucknow, is renowned for her transformative role in academics and administration. Known as “the iron lady” in the academic and social community of Uttar Pradesh, she has served the University for over 40 years, breaking barriers as the first woman to hold key positions, including Dean of Student Welfare and Chief Proctor. A change maker, she revitalised campus life and restored order in 2006. Awarded the Saraswati Samman and Rani Lakshmi Bai Bravery Award, she continues to inspire women through her leadership, ethics and advocacy for education and empowerment.

Dr. Nishi Pandey

Professor Nishi Pandey is the President, Alliance Francaise de Lucknow, Fulbright Scholar and Professor of Eminence in Contemporary World Literatures, Cultural Studies and  Gender Studies.

A renowned educationist, social activist and cultural thinker, Prof Pandey is renowned for her tireless dedication to empowering vulnerable communities, particularly girls and women, through education and social activism. 

A promoter of literature, theatre, film and performing arts, she has been instrumental in enhancing the cultural and intellectual profile of Lucknow. Through her visionary initiatives, she continues to bridge academia and society. Promoting creativity, diversity and positive change.

Dr. Nishi Pandey

Professor Nishi Pandey is a noted educationist, a social activist and an invaluable part of some prominent institutions working to uplift the marginalized and underprivileged sections of concurrent society, specially the girl child and women. Deeply interested in literature, theatre, films and all forms f performing arts, Nishi has made innumerable contributions to the intellectual and cultural life of Lucknow.  She has travelled to the University of Oxford, the London University and the University of Louisville, USA,teaching, working collaboratively, delivering lectures, studying and attending conferences and seminars. Also, she has worked with the faculty of certain institutions of great prominence, namely the University of Berkeley, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Maryland, Philadelphia, etc.

Dr. Nishi Pandey

Professor Nishi Pandey is a noted educationist and social activist, playing a crucial role in several prominent institutions dedicated to uplifting marginalised and underprivileged sections of society, particularly focusing on empowering the girl child and women. Her passion for literature, theatre, films, and performing arts has led to numerous contributions to Lucknow's intellectual and cultural vitality.With a global perspective, Professor Pandey has travelled to esteemed institutions such as the University of Oxford, London University, and the University of Louisville, USA. Her engagements include teaching, collaborative work, delivering lectures, and participating in conferences and seminars. She has also collaborated with renowned faculty at institutions of great prominence, including the University of Berkeley, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Maryland, and Philadelphia.At present, Professor Nishi Pandey holds the position of Anushandhan Pramukh at the Bharatiya Sikshan Mandal (Avadh Prant) and is a Professor of eminence at the Department of English and Modern European Languages, University of Lucknow.

Dr. Ravi Bhatt

Dr Ravi Bhatt, an internationally acclaimed historian and columnist, has dedicated over 45 years to the study of Awadh’s rich history. Awarded an honorary D.Litt by Integral University, he is recognised for his pioneering work, with more than 500 papers and lectures globally. His book ‘The Life and Times of the Nawabs of Lucknow’ is a bestseller and widely quoted by scholars. Dr Bhatt has led heritage walks for G-20, SAARC, and various international delegations, and has been featured in prominent media like ‘The New York Times,’ ‘Zee,’ and ‘CNN/IBN7.’ He continues to contribute to historical research and heritage preservation through his publications and lectures.

Duvvuri Subba Rao

Duvvuri Subba Rao, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, previously served as Finance Secretary of India and Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. Post-governorship, he has been a Visiting Fellow at the National University of Singapore and the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently Visiting Faculty at Yale School of Management. His acclaimed book, ‘Who Moved My Interest Rate’, offers insights into central banking in a globalized economy. His latest work, ‘Just a Mercenary’ ,reflects on his life and career.

Eric Chopra

Eric Chopra, founder of ‘itihāsology’, is a writer, speaker, curator and podcaster. His expertise spans art history, aesthetics, monuments, emotions and sexuality. He co-hosts the ‘For Old Times’ Sake’ and ‘Jaipur Bytes’ podcasts, and curates experiences at museums and festivals, celebrating heritage and the arts.

Farhat Ehsas

Farhat Ehsas is one of the most prominent post-modern Urdu poets in India. Though steeped in the classical Persian and Urdu poetic tradition, he has over the years mastered a poetic idiom which while drawing freely from the classical aesthetics is able to express the yearnings, pains and sufferings and also joys of the common man living amidst the devastations created by the political decadence, economic exploitation and social chaos, and the moral and spiritual hollowness.

Ehsas's poetry attempts to achieve the rare combination of the simplicity of poetic expression and the intricacies of experience. While taking blind nights into the uncharted spaces of imagination and experience he never loses touch with the ground, where he really belongs. The Sahitya Akademi has published a selection of his poetry entitled Main Rona Chaahta Hoon (2003). Another collection has been published titled as 'Shayari Nahin Hai Yeh' (2011). A new book of his poem titled as 'Ye Jism Ka Tasawwuf will soon be published.

Farhat Ehsas

Farhat Ehsas is one of the utmost contemporary post-modern Urdu shayars in India. Though a specialist in traditional Persian and Urdu poetic tradition, over a period of time he has mastered a poetic idiom which while drawing freely from the classical aesthetics is able to express the pangs, sorrows and miseries and also blisses of the common man living amidst the devastations created by the governmental excesses, financial corruption and societal anarchy, and ethical and psychic void. He has been an editor for the literary magazine of the most prestigious Urdu daily in north India, the Qaumi Aawaz, New Delhi, for quite a few years. Moreover, for over 15 years he has been contributing commentaries on current affairs to All India Radio and also the Urdu Service of BBC. He has been associated with two internationally reputed research journals in English and Urdu published by the Zakir Hussain Institute of Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi. At present, he is associated with Rekhta.org, the website for Urdu sher-o-shayari and Literature. He has also earned reputation as a script writer for several documentaries and TV serials. He was a script-writer for Bazm-e-Sukhan, a poetry based programme and fiction series Ek Nazar Kee Tamanna for the UTN, Zee TV. He has also written dialogues for a feature film Wanted No 1 in addition to writing scripts of several serials for All India Radio.

Gaurav Prakash

Gaurav Prakash is a third-generation entrepreneur from the Universal Booksellers family, which has served the city for over 80 years. He is the State Chairperson for MSME Growth at CIMSME Uttar Pradesh and served as Co-Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 2018-2020. As a former Chairperson of the Young Business Leaders Forum in Uttar Pradesh and Founder Chairperson of Young Indians with the Confederation of Indian Industries, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to Lucknow. Passionate about the social, economic and industrial development of Uttar Pradesh, he is a true Lucknow boy at heart.

Gaurav Prakash

Gaurav Prakash is a third-generation Business Entrepreneur whose roots are deeply embedded in the legacy of Universal Booksellers in Lucknow. Born in New Delhi and raised in Lucknow, he serves as the State Chairperson (MSME Growth) at CIMSME UP. Former Co-Chairman at Ph.D. Chamber of Commerce and Industry UP (2018-2020), he's also been Chairperson of the Young Business Leaders Forum and Founder Chairperson of Young Indians in CII UP. Recognised as a Youth Icon, Gaurav is dedicated to fostering social, economic, and industrial progress in Uttar Pradesh, with a special commitment to Lucknow's development.

Gaurav Prakash

Gaurav Prakash is a third-generation entrepreneur from the Universal Booksellers family, which has served the city for over 80 years. He is the State Chairperson for MSME Growth at CIMSME Uttar Pradesh and served as Co-Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 2018-2020. As a former Chairperson of the Young Business Leaders Forum in Uttar Pradesh and Founder Chairperson of Young Indians with the Confederation of Indian Industries, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to Lucknow. Passionate about the social, economic and industrial development of Uttar Pradesh, he is a true Lucknow boy at heart.

Ghazala Wahab

Ghazala Wahab is the author of Born a Muslim: Some Truths About Islam in India which won the Tata Literature Live! Book of the Year (Non-fiction, 2021) and the Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Festival Book of the Year (Non-fiction, 2021) and Dragon on Our Doorstep: Managing China through Military Power (with Pravin Sawhney). She is the editor of FORCE, a magazine on national security and defence. She has edited The Peacemakersawarded , a collection of essays profiling individuals who ensured peace and stability in their communities during times of severe communal tension and violence

Gopal Sinha

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Gulliermo Rodriguez

Guillermo Rodríguez is the Founding Director of Casa de la India, the pioneering Indian cultural centre in Spain which has become the model for India's cultural diplomacy abroad. He is a multi-disciplinary scholar, author, translator, and cultural manager and has to his credit 25 publications (essays and books) published internationally on Indian English literature, Indian aesthetics, Bhakti literature, Indian performing arts traditions and literary criticism. In 2012 he was awarded the Friendship Award by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for his contribution to Indo-Spanish cultural relations. His publications include When Mirrors are Windows: A View of A.K. Ramanujan`s Poetics (Oxford University Press, 2016), a landmark book on the Indian poet, scholar and translator. He is also the co-editor, with Krishna Ramanujan, of Journeys:A Poet’s Diary. A.K. Ramanujan (Penguin, 2019) and Soma. Poems by A.K. Ramanujan (Penguin, 2023).

Gurcharan Das

Gurcharan Das is a renowned author, commentator, and public intellectual. He is the author of two best sellers, India Unbound and The Difficulty of Being Good, which are volumes one and two of a trilogy on life’s goals. His latest book, Kama: A Riddle of Desire is the third. His other literary works include a novel, A Fine Family, a collection of plays for the theatre, Three Plays, and a book of essays, The Elephant Paradigm. India Grows at Night was on the FT’s best books for 2013. He is general editor for Penguin’s multi-volume ‘Story of Indian Business.’ He graduated in philosophy from Harvard University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa for ‘high attainments in liberal scholarship.’ He was CEO, Procter & Gamble India before he became a full time writer. He writes a regular column for many Indian newspapers, including The Times of India and occasional pieces for The Financial Times and Foreign Affairs and New York Times.

Harshita Gupta

Harshita Gupta is a dynamic and multi talented artist who began her journey as a radio personality and has since become a prominent comedy content producer across all major social media platforms. In 2023, Harshita’s remarkable influence in the digital world earned her a coveted spot on Forbes India‘s List of Top 100 Digital Stars. Her stories on platforms like ‘Tape a Tale’ have touched the hearts of millions, showcasing her exceptional storytelling prowess. ‘Unloved: The Art of Moving On’ is her debut book.

Himanshu Bajpai

Himanshu Bajpai is a leading Qissago of the country. He has performed more than 300 shows in several countries viz. Singapore, UAE, Turkey, etc. Moreover, he has been honoured by the Hon'ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind for storytelling. Himanshu and Pragya’s Qissagoi on Rani Durgavati was appreciated by PM Modi in Mann ki Baat. Shri Rajnath Singh applauded him for the same. He was invited by the prestigious Harvard University to performin the Harvard Worldwide Week.

He has been a part of Netflix show “Sacred Games Season 2”. His book “Qissa Qissa Lucknowa” published by Rajkamal Prakashan has been a bestseller and he won Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2021 for it. He has a PhD on the historic Naval Kishore Press in Lucknow from Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Wardha. He writes a lot on the society and culture of Lucknow.

Himanshu Bajpai

Himanshu Bajpai is a leading Qissago of the country. He has performed more than 300 shows in several countries viz. Singapore, UAE, Turkey, etc. Moreover, he has been honoured by the Hon'ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind for storytelling. Himanshu and Pragya’s Qissagoi on Rani Durgavati was appreciated by PM Modi in Mann ki Baat. Shri Rajnath Singh applauded him for the same. He was invited by the prestigious Harvard University to performin the Harvard Worldwide Week.He has been a part of Netflix show “Sacred Games Season 2”. His book “Qissa Qissa Lucknowa” published by Rajkamal Prakashan has been a bestseller and he won Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2021 for it. He has a PhD on the historic Naval Kishore Press in Lucknow from Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Wardha. He writes a lot on the society and culture of Lucknow.

Hina Rizvi Haider

Hina Rizvi Haider hails from Lucknow where she was born and raised. Her husband is a judge in Bihar so she now resides there. She is a postgraduate in Political Science.Hina has had a passion for poetry since childhood and has been writing ever since. She has received several awards and has participated in TV, radio and various mushairas.Her famous nazms Binte Hawwa, Ibne Aadam and Lucknow earned her wide recognition.

Hindol Sengupta

Hindol Sengupta is a multiple award-winning historian and the author of 12 books. He trained as a filmmaker at the Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, and pursued studies in history, international relations, and business as a Chevening Scholar at Oxford, as well as a Knight-Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University. He holds a doctorate in international relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy. Additionally, he is recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Currently, he serves as a professor of international relations at the Jindal School of International Affairs at O. P. Jindal Global University. He is also a co-founder of the book publishing house ‘Grin’ and the global affairs digital publication, ‘Global Order’.

Hindol Sengupta

Hindol Sengupta is a multiple award winning author of 10 books. He has been a Knight-Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, a Chevening Scholar at Oxford, and has a doctorate in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy. He is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

Ila Arun

Ila Arun is a multifaceted talent, renowned as a folk singer, actor, writer-playwright, music composer, lyricist, folk dancer and theatre producer-director.

Ira Mukhoty

Ira Mukhoty is a best-selling author of narrative history. Her notable works include ‘Akbar: The Great Mughal’, ‘Song of Draupadi: A Novel’, ‘Daughters of the Sun’, and ‘Heroines’. Her latest book, ‘The Lion and the Lily’, explores the rise and fall of Awadh amid the global Franco-British wars. Mukhoty crafts rigorously researched narratives that remain accessible to all readers.

Ishita Basu

Ishita Basu is an alumnus of La Martiniere Girls' College and Isabella Thoburn College with over two decades of experience as an educator. Passionate about stagecraft, Ishita has organised numerous workshops on Theatre Art and Public Speaking. Her initiatives have earned her several accolades such as the Gandhi Corner Award, Marjorie DimmitScholarship, and Isabella Thoburn Award.

Jaideep Karnik

When Jaideep Karnik started "Udhghosh Prayas," a Hindi daily he managed with a bunch of his friends, he was still a university student. The brief but enjoyable stint in journalism, however, awakened within him a lifelong passion for writing and literature.

Eventually, Karnik experimented with Corporate Communication and Marketing, before moving on to become a full-time writer. He has been active as a public speaker, a literature enthusiast and a journalist since.

As the Chief Editor of the Network 18-run IBN Live, IBN Khabar, and Pradesh 18, as well as an Editor for the online Hindi journal Webdunia, Karnik has contributed his editorial expertise to a variety of publications and news platforms. He currently serves as the Editor of Amar Ujala's online publication.

Jaya Tiwari

Singer, songwriter, and the founder of Meri Zindagi Band, Mrs. Jaya Tiwari is among the most powerful contemporary voices of Lucknow. Through her music, she bridges classic influence with modern storytelling creating songs that are both personal and political. Her band is known for promoting women’s empowerment, equality, and self-expression through soulful compositions. Jaya has performed across India, inspiring countless young artists to use music as a means of change.  

Jayant Krishna

Jayant Krishna has led key initiatives of Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission as CEO and ED & COO of National Skill Development Corporation. He was the first Indian to be appointed as the Group CEO of UK India Business Council. Jayant also set up the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology as its Founding CEO. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington, DC. He was with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in key roles such as Director (Life Sciences & Healthcare), Regional Director (UK & Ireland), Global Capability Centre Head and Global Relationship Manager for one of TCS’ top 5 accounts. Jayant studied at the University of Leeds as a British Chevening Scholar. He is also on the Boards of several companies & institutions. He received the prestigious Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award for Innovation in Governance, 2016.

Krishna is passionate about cultural heritage and was the Founder Chairman of Lucknow Literature Carnival that had emerged amongst India’s top 5 lit-fests during his presidency. He has been on the Governing Council of INTACH and led several heritage conservation initiatives. As Member-Core Group, Lucknow Connect, Jayant was deeply involved in the heritage rejuvenation of Hazratganj. He launched a School Outreach Initiative to explain the importance of cultural heritage to children. As a Core Group member of Rumi Foundation, he has been actively involved in festivals like Wajid Ali Shah Festival and Jahan-e-Khusrao. He is also on the Advisory Board of Itihaas to arouse the interest of school children and youth in cultural heritage. Jayant’s resolve is to work towards Lucknow’s declaration as UNESCO’s World Heritage City.

Jayant Krishna

Jayant Krishna has played a pivotal role in the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission as CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Notably, he was the first Indian to become Group CEO of the UK India Business Council. Recently, he established the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology in New Delhi. With over 30 years of diverse experience, primarily with the Tata Group, he has held key positions at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and has been involved in significant economic reforms in India.

Krishna is deeply passionate about art and culture. He serves on the Governing Council of INTACH and is the UP State Convenor, promoting heritage conservation. He founded the Lucknow Expressions Society and was the Chairman of the Lucknow Literature Carnival, enhancing cultural engagement. Additionally, he has initiated various programs to uplift artisans and promote Lucknow’s rich heritage, aspiring to achieve UNESCO World Heritage City status for his hometown.

Jayant Krishna

Jayant Krishna is the CEO of Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology, based out of New Delhi and a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington DC. Jayant had previously served in leadership roles in Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission at National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), including Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer.

He was the first Indian to be appointed as the Group CEO of UK India Business Council (UKIBC). He has been the Executive Director, Public Policy at WF, a leading Silicon Velley non-profit; and worked on economic reforms that trigger job creation in India. Most of his diverse experience of over 36 years, spanning government, industry, and consulting, was with the Tata Group in key roles at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), including Director, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Regional Director.

Jigyasa Mishra

Jigyasa Mishra is an artist, illustrator and award-winning multimedia journalist whose work has been published globally. She is known for her extensive reporting on gender across north India. Her investigation into women resisting sand mafias earned three national awards, recognition she credits to the mentorship of Magsaysay awardee P. Sainath.Jigyasa has carried out in-depth investigations into illegal sex determination centres, female foeticide, bonded labour, witch-hunting and a range of hidden injustices across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kashmir and Uttarakhand. She tells these stories through words, paintings, photographs and films, often reporting on the ground during her third trimester and early motherhood.

John Zubrzycki

John Zubrzycki is the author of six books on India, most recently ‘Dethroned: Patel, Menon and the Integration of Princely India’ His list of earlier books include, ‘The Shortest History of India, and The House of Jaipur: The Inside Story of India’s Most Glamorous Royal Family’ and ‘The Last Nizam.’ He has worked in India as a diplomat and foreign correspondent and has a PhD in Indian history.

Jyotsna Mohan

Jyotsna Mohan is a senior journalist and writer with nearly 30 years in television, print, and digital media. A former Senior Editor and Senior Anchor at NDTV, her debut book, Stoned, Shamed, Depressed, was an exposé on urban teenagers and the silent crisis shaped by digital addiction. Based on the family newspaper, her latest book, Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper, which she co-authored with her journalist father, dives into the legacy of fearless journalism. She is a columnist for publications in India and abroad and hosts the podcast ‘Table Talk with Jo.’ Jyotsna is the recipient of the Sanatan Puraskar, 2025 for Literature.

Kasturika Mishra

Kasturika Mishra, a poet and a trained singer, has authored three books of poetry in English Hindi & Urdu (Nagri script). She has served for twenty years as a senior cataloguing librarian at the US Embassy in New Delhi. Kasturika actively engages in cultural critique, offering insightful reviews on dance, music, and theatre.

Kena Shree

Kena Shree is an HR, Storyteller as well as an Author. She has conducted numerous sessions reaching over one lakh participants, including prestigious B-schools such as IIM Lucknow and IIM Shillong. She is an artist with All India Radio. As an author, she writes stories, poetry, and HR/OB narratives. She is a columnist at Huffington Post, Times of India web besides writing for Cox & Kings, Hindustan Times, and runs a personal blog which has 1.4 lakh plus views. She is a co-contributor to books published by Times Group, Readomania while her debut novel is a work-in-progress.

Koral Dasgupta

Koral Dasgupta is an accomplished author, TEDx speaker and narrative strategist with over 20 years of experience. With nine published books, including the acclaimed five-part Sati series, she blends myth, leadership, ecology and philosophy to reshape gender perceptions with creative depth and cultural resonance. Other than India, her books have been shelved in the libraries of global universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Wales, Chicago and others. Ahalya – first book of the Sati Series, was recommended for the 2023 Sahitya Akademi Prize Honour List. Dasgupta’s books have also received nominations for prestigious awards, including Sahitya Akademi Award, Sushila Devi Award, Auther Awards.

Lokesh

Dynamic, energetic, and deeply connected to their roots,  Lokesh represent the vibrant folk culture of Awadh. His performances blend traditional instruments, regional rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics that celebrate everyday life and emotions. From village gatherings to cultural festivals, they have brought the sound of rural Uttar Pradesh to wider stages. Together, they remind audiences that folk music is not just entertainment it’s the living heartbeat of our heritage, passed from one generation to the next through melody and memory

Madhavi Kuckreja

Madhavi Kuckreja is a heritage evangelist and an activist working to empower marginalized women in the remotest areas of Uttar Pradesh. She has created venues that enable collaboration among women, be it upper caste women or those who are less fortunate, making it easier to identify issues that plague the fairer gender and facilitating collective action to solve them. In 2004, Madhavi was nominated to the Ashoka Fellowship.

Malavika Banerjee

Malavika Banerjee is the director of the Kolkata Literary Meet, the city’s annual tryst with literature and the arts. She also runs literature festivals in Ranchi and Bhubneswar. Malavika is also passionate about the handloom traditions of India and is a partner at Byloom, one of Kolkata’s foremost handloom destinations. Malavika is also director Gameplan, one of India’s oldest sports marketing companies

Malavika Rajkotia

Malavika Rajkotia, a distinguished legal expert in Family and Matrimonial Law since 1985, founded Rajkotia Associates. She has played a pivotal role in complex divorce and property disputes, and as Amicus Curiae, she champions women’s rights and civil liberties. An accomplished author, her works include ‘Unpartitioned Time: A Daughter’s Story’ and ‘Intimacy Undone’. Malavika also lectures on family law and gender sensitization, enriching legal discourse with her profound insights.

Malini Awasthi

Malini Awasthi is an Indian singer best known for singing folk songs predominantly in Hindi and Awadhi dialects. Semi-classical forms of music such as Sohar, Banna, Holi, Kajri, Jhoola, Vivaah, Nirgun, and Chaiti are her few other genres of singing. The government of Uttar Pradesh honoured her with the Yash Bharti award in 2006 for her exceptional contribution to classical music. She was honoured by the government of India in 2016 with the 'Padma Shri', which is the fourth-highest civilian award in India. She is a regular performer at the famous classical music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau.

Malini Awasthi

Malini Awasthi is an Indian folk singer. Her genre of singing is Hindi and Awadhi languages. She also sings in semi-classical forms of songs such as Kajri and Thumri. In 2006, she was conferred with the Yash Bharti award by the Uttar Pradesh Government. In 2016, she was honoured with the fourth-highest civilian award ‘Padma Shri’ by the government of India.

Manish Gupta

Representing the 95+ Years of legacy Mr. Manish Gupta, Shri Gokul Prasad Halwai beautifully bridges the gap between classic and contemporary. With a modern outlook and inter national recognition, it has carried Lucknow’s flavors to global palates. Yet, at its heart lies the same devotion to purity, quality, and craftsmanship that defines the city’s heritage. Shri Gokul Prasad Halwai is proof that tradition, when embraced with innovation, can thrive across time and taste

Manish Shukla

Manish Shukla born in 1971, is a poet of national and international repute. He was born in Sitapur, India. Manish Shukla is a Post Graduate from the University of Lucknow, India in Anthropology. He is a Civil Service Officer in state of Uttar Pradesh, India and presently holds the post of Joint Chief Electoral Officer. He has worked as Director, Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan, Lucknow, U.P.

Manish is regularly participating in all Indian and international mushaera for last 20 years. His poetry recitations are being aired regularly from All India Radio and different television channels.

Manish Shukla

Manish Shukla, a nationally and internationally acclaimed poet. Born in Sitapur in 1971, he did his Post Graduation in Anthropology from the University of Lucknow. He is a Civil Service Officer in Uttar Pradesh and is presently working as Joint Chief Electoral Officer. He has also worked as Director, Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan, Lucknow.

A powerful voice at major mushairas all over India and abroad, Manish Shukla has been mesmerizing his audiences for over two decades with his impact-making and evocative poetry. His recitations are regularly broadcast on All India Radio and various television channels, further establishing him as one of the most respected contemporary voices in Hindi and Urdu poetry

today.

Manish Tewari

Manish Tewari is a Member of Parliament Representing the Sri Anandpur Sahib Constituency in Punjab in the House of the People - Lok Sabha. He also serves on the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Finance and the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Defense. He served on the Joint Committee of Parliament that conceptualised the Law on Data Protection. Manish Tewari practices Law at the Supreme Court of India, and served as Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

He was Elected as a Member of Parliament from Ludhiana for 2009-2014. He was a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC from 2017-19 He currently is the Senior National Spokesperson of Indian National Congress (INC) and Secretary General of the Foreign Affairs Department of All India Congress Committee.

Manjari Chaturvedi

Manjari Chaturvedi has led the revival and preservation of Khanqahi Qawwali for over 25 years. Founder of The Qawwali Project (2011), she has created a globally acclaimed movement celebrating forgotten musical legends and documenting traditional art academically. Her pioneering work, including The Courtesan Project (2009) and Sufi Kathak (1998), merges art and scholarship to reclaim the legacy of Qawwals and tawaifs—artists long overlooked in cultural history. Through books, films, lectures, and performances, Manjari chronicles their roles in India’s artistic and spiritual traditions, while her other projects—The Jugni Project, The Rumi Project, and The Royal Gharana Series—continue reinventing classical art forms.

Maroof Culeman

Maroof is a content creator with a deep passion for documenting cultures, people and art forms that are gradually fading into obscurity. In a world where trends change by the minute and fast-paced content dominates, he believes there is still space for stories that connect us to our roots. His work is centred on preserving the nuances of life, traditions and the vanishing elements that have shaped who we are as a civilisation. Through his content, Maroof invites his audience to unwind, slow down and reconnect with the nostalgia of the past. His work can be found on Instagram, where he shares stories of people, artists and cultures that deserve to be remembered.

Maroof Culmen

Maroof Umar, known as Maroof Culmen, is a passionate content creator specializing in the documentation and storytelling of heritage art and culture, with a focus on Lucknow and its surrounding areas. His work seamlessly blends traditional narratives with modern contexts, aiming to make heritage stories more appealing to younger audiences. Maroof is dedicated to bringing the rich, cultural heritage of India to life, engaging viewers with compelling content that bridges the past and present.

Maroof Culmen

Maroof Culmen is a content creator deeply passionate about documenting cultures, people and art forms that are slowly fading into obscurity. In a world where trends change by the minute and fast-paced content dominates, he believes there is still room for stories that connect us to our roots. His work focuses on preserving the nuances of life, the traditions and the disappearing elements that shaped who we are as a civilisation. Through his content, he invites audiences to unwind, slow down and reconnect with the nostalgia of the past. His work can be found on Instagram, where he shares stories of people, artists and cultures that deserve to be remembered.

Meera Ali

Meera Ali, trained in architecture and alternate building technology before moving to Kotwara after her marriage to filmmaker Muzaffar Ali. Working closely with rural communities, she founded the non-profit Dwar Pe Rozi, reviving traditional crafts and empowering thousands of women across several villages. In 1990, she co-created the couture label House of Kotwara, showcasing Indian craft globally. As a production and costume designer, she has worked on films, television, operas and Sufi festivals, and later produced feature films and craft documentaries. Her passion for culture and cuisine led to her book debut book, Dining with the Nawabs (2017)  most recently she co-edited the book on Umrao Jaan brought out to celebrate its re-release as a 4 K featured film in 2025.

Mehak Jamal

Mehak Jamal is a filmmaker and author. She was born and raised in Srinagar, Kashmir, and has always wanted to tell stories from her homeland.  Mehak is a 2022 South Asia Speaks Fellow, awarded to outstanding emerging writers from the region. Her film Bad Egg premiered at the 19th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart and won the Audience Award. It went on to screen at and win awards at multiple film festivals all over the world including Melbourne, Madrid, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Kerala, Bangalore and Dharamshala.

Monia Aljalis

Monia Aljalis is a Franco-Tunisian writer, poet, performer and literature teacher whose work explores themes of identity, transmission, and spiritual dissonance in contemporary life. Her debut novel, L’Extase (Seuil, 2024), follows Leyla, a young woman drifting through Paris, caught between inherited beliefs and modern desire.

She is the founder of Le Bœuf Monstre, a Paris-based artistic collective dedicated to cross-disciplinary experimentation, and Toile Noire, an experimental music duo. Her work has been awarded the Prix Amic by the Académie Française.

Mr. Anurag Gupta

...

Muzaffar Ali

Muzaffar Ali is an Indian filmmaker, artist, composer and designer. He belongs to the royal family of Kotwara.

Beginning his career in advertising, he played a role in the incipient days of Air India before moving on to a successful career as a filmmaker in Bollywood. His works include movies such as Umrao Jaan and Gaman, and several documentaries and short films. He has launched his own couture line, ‘Kotwara’, and is involved in several initiatives that celebrate art, foster the traditional handicrafts of Awadh and promote Sufism.

He received the Padma Shri in 2005 and the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award in 2014.

Muzaffar Ali

Muzaffar Ali is a versatile and multi-faceted Filmmaker, Fashion Designer, Poet, Artist, Revivalist and Social Worker. After working in advertising, he turned to movies, producing, directing and acting in films like Jaanisaar, Anjuman, Aagaman, Umrao Jaan and Gaman, which went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Director in 1981. He was also conferred with the coveted Padma Shri for his contributions to art in 2005. Later, he became a fashion designer and co-created a fashion label.

Muzaffar Ali

Muzaffar Ali is a versatile and multi-faceted Filmmaker, Fashion Designer, Poet, Artist, Revivalist and Social Worker. After working in advertising, he turned to movies, producing, directing and acting in films like Jaanisaar, Anjuman, Aagaman, Umrao Jaan and Gaman, which went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Director in 1981. He was also conferred with the coveted Padma Shri for his contributions to art in 2005. Later, he became a fashion designer and co-created a fashion label.

Muzaffar Ali

Parallel to cinema, Ali has pursued painting with equal passion, exhibiting widely starting from Calcutta (1968), to Paris (1991)and Delhi (2023–24) with several exhibitions in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad in between. 

He also founded the annual Jahan-e-Khusrau World Sufi music festival, which completed its 25th year in 2025, and the Wajid Ali Shah Festival in Lucknow, under the aegis of the Rumi Foundation, where he serves as Chairman & Executive Director. 

Honoured with the Padma Shri (2005) and the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award (2014), he remains a rare artist bridging film, art, and culture.

Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah

A revivalist promoting Lucknow’s culture and heritage, Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah has been a member of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural heritage since 1978. By and large, considered a connoisseur of traditional Awadhi cuisine, Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah is also an advisor to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Lucknow, and was awarded the coveted Yash Bharti by the Uttar Pradesh government in 2016

Nawab Masood Abdullah

Masood Abdullah, fondly known as Nawab Sahab, is the embodiment of Lucknow’s timeless tehzeeb. Soft spoken, witty and deeply rooted in culture, he is a passionate speaker and cultural figure who has spent years reviving and narrating the lost traditions of nawabi life. His presence brings humour, storytelling and charm to every gathering. With his deep love for language, etiquette and heritage, he portrays Lucknow not simply as a city but as a living personality full of grace and grandeur.

Neena Verma

Neena Verma writes from that tender space where grief and grace coexist, where resilience is not resistance but rebirth. A poet, author and leadership coach, her words and wisdom flow through ‘Grief. Growth. Grace’ and her forthcoming ‘RISE: The Deep Resilience Way’ where each page is a silent act of bravery. 

At Koshala Literature Festival 2025, we celebrate her journey; a journey which serves as a reminder that even in loss, meaning can be found, and every ending holds the promise to rise into light.

Neetu Singh

Professor and Head, Department of Anthropology, Vidyant Hindu P.G. College, University of Lucknow. She had been adviser for opening up new gallery and research centre on ‘Awadhi Culture, Language and Architecture’ in Folk Art Museum, Lucknow. She did her D.Phil from the University of Allahabad. She currently pursuing D.Litt from the Sambalpur University and awarded post-doctoral fellowship from ICSSR for carrying a research in naxal area.

She has been associated with various national/international academic bodies and been through several countries across world to present her extensive research work. Through her academic journey which is about 20 years, she has been in the panel of examiners for- M.P. PSC, U.P. PSC. She was selected in U.P. PSC in 2001 and 2002 but chose to be in academic line. She has convened several conferences, have authored couple of books. Many of her research papers are published in Scopus indexed journals and UGC-CARE listed journals. She has completed five research projects fully funded by department of culture. Currently working on in U.P. Govt’s prestigious project ‘Global Encyclopaedia of Ramayana’.

Neha Dixit

Neha Dixit is an independent journalist and author based in New Delhi. She has covered politics, gender, and social justice for almost 20 years. She has won over a dozen journalism awards including the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists among others. Her debut book, 'The Many Lives of Syeda X' published by Juggernaut Books looks at the last 30 years of India through the eyes of a working-class, migrant Muslim woman in Delhi. 

Nilay Agarwal

Founder of the Vishalakshi Foundation, Nilay Agarwal is among Lucknow’s most promising young leaders working in education and community welfare. His organization focuses on uplifting underprivileged children through education, nutrition, and mentorship. Nilay’s youthful energy and clear vision have made him a voice for compassionate change in the city. His belief in collective action and inclusive growth continues to inspire a generation to serve with purpose.

Nilotpal Mrinal

Nilotpal Mrinal is a renowned and celebrated Hindi author and poet. As a strong influencer, he has become an icon among the youth. He has already established himself among millions of Hindi readers and literary intellectuals with his best-selling novels ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Aughad.’ Both novels are among the most popular Hindi novels of this decade. Nilotpal was honoured with India’s prestigious ‘Sahitya Akademi Award’ in 2016.

Nimisha

Dynamic, energetic, and deeply connected to their roots, Nimisha represent the vibrant folk culture of Awadh. Her performances blend traditional instruments, regional rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics that celebrate everyday life and emotions. From village gatherings to cultural festivals, she has brought the sound of rural Uttar Pradesh to wider stages. Together, they remind audiences that folk music is not just entertainment it’s the living heartbeat of our heritage, passed from one generation to the next through melody and memory

Nishant Upadhyay

Nishant Upadhyay is a conservation architect from Lucknow, trained at KU Leuven, Belgium as a recipient of the Erasmus Mundus EXPERT scholarship. He is a TEDx Speaker & a member of ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes and Cultural Tourism and has been a consultant to UNESCO New Delhi, Dhaka and Jakarta offices on cultural heritage matters. Upadhyay is the founder of DHARATAL, an Indo European design & research atelier with focus on local communities, their heritage, cultural landscapes and climate action.

Nishtha Gautam

Nishtha Gautam is an Indian academic, author and journalist who specializes in gender, conflict and policy issues. She is an Assistant Professor of English literature at a college affiliated with the University of Delhi and also works as an Adjunct Professor at O.P. Jindal Global University. She has recently translated Anamika celebrated book Trin Dhari Ot into English titled Sita’s Veil.

Nitin Sukhija

Nitin Sukhija is the Creative Director of BFC Content and a storyteller who seamlessly works across multiple mediums. With 27 years of experience spanning news television, films and documentaries, he brings depth and versatility to his craft. An alumnus of The Doon School and Delhi University, he has written a short novel and a ten-part audiobook and currently hosts the YouTube podcast Basic Funde Clear. Nitin also integrates theatre and media techniques into education and training, using mythological and folk tales to engage modern audiences. A seasoned traveller, he draws inspiration from his journeys across India and beyond to enrich his storytelling.

Nusrat Jafri

Award-winning cinematographer Nusrat Jafri is the author of ‘This Land We Call Home’, which explores her family’s century-long history through the lenses of caste, identity and politics—factors that have shaped modern India. Her filmography includes titles such as ‘Kuchh Bheege Alfaz’, ‘Pilibhit’, ‘Sujata’, and ‘Chacha Vidhayak Hain Hummare’.

Pankaj Bhadouria

Pankaj Bhadouria The very first MasterChef from India, entrepreneur, Brand Ambassador, TEDx speaker, author of the first official MasterChef Cookbook, Barbie- I am a Chef and Chicken from my Kitchen and host of several popular TV shows including Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka, Kifayati Kitchen,3 Course with Pankaj, Just Like That and many more.

Pawan Kumar

Pawan Kumar is senior IAS officer, is an accomplished and awarded writer of prose and poetry. His two collections of ghazals, Vaasta (2012) and Aahatein (2017), have been published. His first Hindi novel Main Hanuman was released recently. He has also edited two compilations of Urdu poetry, Dastak and Charag Palakon Par.

Prabha Srivastava

Dr Prabha Srivastava, a doctor by profession, is a renowned name in the field of Ghazal singing and also a disciple of Ghazal Maestro Talat Aziz.She is a gifted and expressive singer with experience and expertise in delivering songs with grace and artistry. Her engaging stage demeanour, wide vocal range and excellent dynamics in various genre captures the attention of the audiences. She has been passionately reviving Ghazals through dedicated concerts, preserving their allure for a new generation with unwavering commitment. She has done concerts for Literature Fests and Government Organisations, Colleges and Corporates.

Prabhat Ranjan

Prabhat Ranjan is a renowned fiction writer, translator and editor, acclaimed for his book ‘Kothagoi’, the first Hindi work exploring the history of the tawaif tradition. He has authored two short story collections, ‘Janaki Pul’ and ‘Bolero Class’, and has translated over 30 notable works, including Anne Frank’s Diary, Mohsin Hamid’s ‘Moth Smoke’, and Khushwant Singh’s ‘Khushwantnama’. His contributions have earned him several accolades, including the Sahara Samay Katha Samman and the Premchand Samman. In 2014, he received the ABP News Best Blogger Award for his blog ‘Janki Pul’ and the Krishna Baldev Vaid Fellowship in 2013. His book ‘Kothagoi’ won the inaugural Dwarika Prasad Agrawal Bhaskar Yuva Puraskar at the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2016. His recent novel ‘Kissagram’ has been widely praised. Prabhat teaches at Zakir Husain Delhi College and moderates the popular literary website jankipul.com

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma has performed several shows in different parts of the country. 'Qissa Jhansi ki Rani ka' was her premier Qissagoi along with Himanshu Bajpai. A series of this Qissa was organised by UP Police - 112 Emergency Services in different districts of Uttar Pradesh under the Mission Shakti Abhiyan. Her Dastangoi on Rani Durgavati, Tulsidas and Ganga is widely popular and loved by the people. Himanshu and Pragya's Qissagoi on Rani Durgavati has been appreciated by PM Modi. She has a PhD in Economics on the issue of Groundwater Sustainability in India’s Agriculture Sector. She is presently working with National Green Tribunal and has keen interest in working on environmental issues. She has published multiple research papers and book chapters on different aspects related to environment.

Pratyaksha

Pratyaksha writes both in English and Hindi and has published eleven books from major publishers like Harper, Juggernaut, Rajkamal, Aadhar, Bynge and Gyanpeeth. Her books have won critical acclaim and love from readers as well as senior writers. She has won a number of awards, among them the Indo Norwegian Award, Sonbhadra Katha Samman, Hans Katha Samman, Krishna Baldev Vaid Fellowship and has also been a resident of Sangam House.

She also paints and is passionately into music when she gets time after working five and sometimes six days a week as Chief General Manager at Powergrid Corporation of India ltd. She lives currently in Gurgaon. She shares her home with her husband, two wonderful grown up children, a cockatoo and a darling dog.

Prayaag Akbar

Prayaag Akbar is the author of the novels ‘Mother India’ and ‘Leila’. ‘Leila’ garnered the Crossword Jury Prize and the Tata Literature First Book Award and it has been translated into Hindi, Marathi and Turkish. The novel also served as the inspiration for a widely acclaimed Netflix series. In addition to his writing, Akbar teaches creative writing at Krea University.

Preety Chaudhary

Over the years, poems, articles and reviews by Preety Chaudhary have been a regular feature in numerous significant Hindi publications and magazines like the Hindustan, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala and the Jansandesh Times.

Her first short story, Reshmi Lal Gamcha was published in one of the most reputable Hindi magazines, Tadbhav. Later, in October 2022, the magazine went on to feature another story by Preety.

In 2005, she was awarded the coveted Harikrishna Dwivedi Writer’s Award, followed by the Sahitya Award in 2016.

Preety is also the author of Deh Dhare ko Dand, a Hindi novel revolving around women-centric issues.

Recently, a research paper by her was published in the London-based Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance.

Also, in 2018, Preety was nominated for a Lok Sabha fellowship, wherein she diagnosed the role of elects in the development of Indian foreign policy.

Priyanka Pradhan

Priyanka Pradhan is a Dubai-based journalist with experience of 13 years in television, print and electronic media, across India and the UAE. Specializing in Business and Lifestyle genres, she reported for CNBC Network 18 (Storyboard) and Economic Times Now (Brand Equity) as correspondent and assistant producer in Mumbai.

She is the recipient of the ‘Ruskin Bond Promising Writer Award 2019’ at the Dehradun Literature Festival held in October 2019, which was awarded on the basis of the unpublished manuscript for ‘Tales from the Himalayas’ by Mr. Ruskin Bond. She is also runner-up for the Montegrappa Writing Prize 2020 at the Emirates Literature Festival 2020 for a short story called, ‘Postcard’, which is part of the book, ‘Tales from the Himalayas’.

Purushottam Agrawal

Purushottam Agrawal, an eminent historian of ideas and literature, has recently been honored with the Sahitya Akademi’s ‘Bhasha Samman’ for his significant contributions to the study of classical and medieval literature. His works, ‘Akath Kahani Prem Ki: Kabir ki Kavita aur Un ka Samay’ and ‘Kabir, Kabir: The Life and Work of Early Modern Poet-Philosopher,’ are considered path-breaking studies of Kabir and his times. His ‘Padmavat: An Epic Love Story’ (2018) is a poignant commentary (with some translations) on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem.

Before serving as a member of the UPSC from 2007 to 2013, he was the chairperson of the Centre of Indian Languages at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and a visiting professor at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Cambridge University (UK), and at El Colegio de México.

Agrawal hosted a unique show on books called ‘Kitab’ on Rajya Sabha TV. One of the most celebrated among the numerous talks he has delivered is the Gandhi Peace Foundation lecture, ‘Majbooti ka Naam Mahatma Gandhi’ (2005), which sheds new light on the issues of violence and power. He is currently working on a book about the ‘Mahabharat.’

Pushpesh Pant

Pushpesh Pant, a former JNU faculty on International Relations, prominent food critic and historian, was conferred the coveted Padma Shri for his contributions to literature and education in 2016. He has also been a columnist for several major publications, including Forbes, The Times of India, and The Tribune. Also, an author with over a dozen books to his name, Professor Pant's "India: The Cookbook", was nominated "One of the Best Cookbooks of the Year" by The New York Times in 2011. Over the years, Professor Pant has contributed vital insights about India's culinary heritage on a variety of platforms, including television; his most recent appearance being in Raja, Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyaan, a critically acclaimed television series on Indian cuisine.

Radha Kumar

Radha Kumar is a former Director-General of the Delhi Policy Group, where she served from 2010 to 2016, specializing in peace and security in South Asia. She chaired the United Nations University Council from 2016 to 2021 and is currently Vice-Chair of the SIPRI Board. From 2005 to 2010, she directed the Mandela Centre for Peace at Jamia Millia Islamia University and was a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York from 1999 to 2003. Her latest book is ‘The Republic Relearnt: Renewing Indian Democracy, 1947-2024’ (Penguin Vintage, 2024).

Rahul Singh

..

Raj Smriti

Raj Smriti, an inspiring force in the realms of culture and education, is the visionary founder of FolkTales Incorporation and the FolkTales Foundation. Her literary journey includes evocative works like ‘Travel to Naimisharanya,’ ‘40 Lessons from the Ramayana,’ and ‘Inspiring Souls of Awadh,’ each a testament to her deep connection with heritage. A passionate educationist, Raj holds a Doctorate in Alternative Medicines, an MSc in Workforce Education & Development, and an MBA in Human Resource Management. With a vibrant presence on social media through “The Raj Smriti Show” and “Temple Tales,” she continues to engage and inspire. Smriti also plays a pivotal role as an editor, nurturing emerging voices in literature.

She is an alum of Pennsylvania State University, Harvard Summer School and recipient of UP Gaurav Samman, UP Rajkiya Sahitya Award and UP Artist Association Award amongst the many.

Rajit Kapur

Rajit made his debut on stage in 1978. His theatre credits include Love Letters, Class of 84, a solo performance of Girish Karnad's Flowers, A Walk in the Woods, Siddhus of Upper Juhu, Twelve Angry Jurors, A Few Good Men and Mosambi Narangi.

He has donned the Director's hat for many plays including The Glass Menagerie, Mahua and Naqqaash (Hindi). He is also a Co-founder of Rage Productions, which has produced some of the finest English plays in the country.

His television breakthrough came with a role in the teleserial - "Ghar Jamai" in 1986. Rajit has recently played the title role of Sardar Patel on Doordarshan in a series called Sardar - The Game Changer. His critically acclaimed short films include Kalakaar, Cola, Fitrat, Birha and Shaam Hi To Hai.

His popularity soared with Basu Chatterjee's Byomkesh Bakshi in 1991-92.Rajit’s silver screen debut was in Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda, directed by Shyam Benegal in 1993. His 80 other film credits include Ghulam, Guzaarish, Raazi, Uri, Bypass Road, Maja Maa and The Threshold. His web series: Mithiya 1 & 2, Rocket Boys, Pharma.

His performance as Mahatma Gandhi in Shyam Benegal’s The Making of the Mahatma fetched him the National Award for Best Actor in 1995. His other awards include the Kerala State Award for Best Actor in 1998 for his Malayalam film debut Agnisakshi and the Best Actor award in 2010 at the Imagine India Film Festival, Spain for Do Paise Ki Dhoop Chaar Aane Ki Baarish. 

Rakesh Chandra

Professor Rakesh Chandra, former Head of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Lucknow, has held leadership roles including Director of the Institute for Women’s Studies and Dean of Student Welfare. A recipient of UGC and ICPR scholarships, he has contributed significantly to gender and education programs, collaborating with UNICEF, UNDP, and DFID. He has co-authored reports on gender empowerment and developed the Gender Development Index under the Centre of Excellence scheme. With expertise in philosophical logic, epistemology, and feminism, he has authored a book, published numerous articles, and led workshops. He supports Dalit education, Panchayati Raj, and organizations like SEWA and MAHILA SAMAKHYA.

Rakhi Kishore

Through her initiative Jeev Basera, Rakhi Kishore works for animal welfare and the coexistence of humans and street animals. What began as a personal effort to feed strays has evolved into a compassionate organization providing shelter, food, and medical care to hundreds of animals. Rakhi’s journey reflects empathy in action — turning kindness into structure and love into legacy. Her efforts remind us that social change is not only about humans but about harmony with all living beings

Rakhshanda Jalil

Rakhshanda Jalil is a multi-award-winning Translator, Writer, and Literary Historian. She has published over 25 books and written over 50 academic papers and essays. Some of her books include: Liking Progress, Loving Change: A Literary History of the Progressive Writers Movement in Urdu (OUP, 2014); a biography of Urdu feminist writer Dr Rashid Jahan: A Rebel and her Cause (Women Unlimited, 2014); a translation of The Sea Lies Ahead, Intizar Husain's seminal novel on Karachi (Harper Collins, 2015) and Krishan Chandar's partition novel Ghaddar (Westland, 2017), among others. She runs an organization called Hindustani Awaaz, devoted to the popularization of Hindi-Urdu literature and culture.

Rana Safvi

Rana Safvi is a historian and author dedicated to India’s cultural heritage and legacy. She has written ten books, including ‘Tales from the Quran and Hadith’, ‘The Delhi Trilogy’ and ‘In Search of The Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India’. She also translates significant texts like ‘Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s Asar-us-Sanadid’. A regular contributor to national publications, she participates in conferences on history and food. Her blog ‘ranasafvi.com’ offers rich cultural insights, and she contributed to the best-selling anthology ‘Desi Delicacies’, focusing on Awadh cuisine.

Ranjana Dwivedi

An academic and musician par excellence, Dr. Ranjana Dwivedi has been associated with Bhatkhande Music Institute for years, shaping generations of students through her teaching and research. Known for her command over classical raagas and her gentle yet powerful pedagogy, she represents the intellectual and emotional depth of Lucknow’s musical lineage. Her work combines theory with performance, ensuring that music is not just heard but deeply understood. Through her, Bhatkhande’s traditions continue to find a new voice in every era

Ranu Uniyal Pant

Ranu Uniyal is Former Professor and Head, Department of English, University of Lucknow.   She was a Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Hull, UK.  An author/ editor of several books, her articles and book reviews have been published widely.  Her poetry has appeared in Cordite Poetry , Mascara Literary Review, TEXT Special issue (Australia), Jaggery, Medulla Review, Sketch Book, Setu, Twenty 20, Whispers (USA), Littlewood Press (UK), Bengal Lights (Bangla Desh), Asia Literary Review, Cha (Hongkong), Turning Pages (Germany), Words and Worlds (Austria), Ethos literary journal, The Enchanting Verses Literary Review, Dhauli Review, Muse India, Kavya Bharati, Femina, Manushi, Indian Literature, Madras Courier and several anthologies both in India and abroad.  She has published four poetry collections:  Across the Divide (2006), December Poems (2012) and The Day We Went Strawberry Picking in Scarborough (2018) was translated in Spanish El dia que fuimos a coger fresas en Scarborough by Traduccion de Carmen Escobedo de Tapia in (2020).  Her latest collection of poems This Could be A Love Poem For You was published in ( 2025) by Red River.   First set of Hindi Poems Saeeda Ke Ghar was published in 2021.  She co-edited essays Reading Gandhi: Perspectives in the 21st Century (2022), Mahatma Gandhi: Essays on Life and Literature (2023), Understanding Disability: Interdisciplinary Critical Approaches (Springer 2023).  She has read her poems at international literature festivals and conferences in Almora, Aligarh, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Chemnitz, Calicut, Coimbatore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kanpur, Lancaster, Lucknow, Madrid, Meerut, Tashkent, and Udaipur.  She was on a Writer’s residency in 2019 at Uzbekistan.  Her poems have been translated into German, Hindi, Oriya, Malayalam, Marathi, Spanish, Urdu, and Uzbek languages.  She is a founding member of PYSSUM, a day care centre for people with special needs in Lucknow and also Chief editor of  Pyssum Literaria

Ratan Mani Lal

Ratan Mani Lal is a prominent columnist and TV commentator. He has been an active journalist for over 46 years and has worked as Editor in The Times of India, Hindustan Times and The Bhaskar Group. He also headed the Jaipuria Institute of Mass Communication for several years. He learnt the basics under the legendary M. Chalapathi Rau and S.N. Ghosh. His expertise now includes media academics and content management across platforms.

Ravi Bhatt

Ravi Bhatt is an internationally acclaimed historian working on the history of Awadh, India. He had been the visiting faculty at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, American Institute of Indian Studies and University of Lucknow. His research findings are widely quoted all over the world.

His mastery of narrating interesting incidents of legendary Nawabs of Lucknow and their lifestyle in a short, crisp and lucid style has raised the expectations of general readers. As a result, he has written a complete and comprehensive book, The Life and Times of The Nawabs of Lucknow, covering all aspects of Nawabi Lucknow, like royal romances, courtesans, court intrigues, life in harems, royal hunting parties, superstitions, typical language, literature, cuisines, rites and rituals and the impact these things have had on the people.

Reena Puri

Reena I. Puri is the Executive Editor of Amar Chitra Katha, and the author of this story. Her special interests lie in story-telling, team-building and communicating with children. Her vision is to see more stories about environmentalists, sportspersons and social changemakers making it to the pages of Amar Chitra Katha.

Richa S. Mukherjee

Richa S. Mukherjee is a Ted X speaker, an award-winning writer, ex-journalist and ex-advertising professional. She is the author of four novels, of which three are headed for screen adaptations. She is a blogger and travel writer and contributes to several platforms such as Womensweb, Momspresson and SheThePeopleTv. She is a Sheroes Champ and a Blogchatter and Kool Kanya mentor. She has authored e-singles, anthologies and audio books. She is a fitness enthusiast and learns Kathak along with her daughter who is a talented young tabla player. Her Books: I Didn’t Expect To Be Expecting , Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd , Excess Baggage , The Curse of Kuldhara: Book 2 in the Kanpur Khoofiya series are all published by HarperCollins.

Ritesh Ranjan Sahai

Ritesh Ranjan Sahay, rooted in the cultural richness of Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and shaped by the artistic spirit of Lucknow, embodies a fusion of two distinctive worlds — a desi soul infused with the essence of Awadh. A poet, lyricist, copywriter, screenwriter, actor and storyteller, he began his creative journey with All India Radio Lucknow in 1997, writing and hosting for nearly a decade. In 1999, he founded his music band Talaash, known for its original earthy compositions. His narration commentary, voiced by Gulzar for Jo Chaho Ujiyaar (Times Music, 2010), received wide appreciation. His writing is simple yet evocative and deeply visual, evident in his poetry, lyrics and his debut feature film Agar Magar Kintu Lekin Parantu (2025). His immersive readings of timeless texts such as Gulzar’s Ravi Paar and Premchand’s Eidgaah invite audiences into the luminous world of Hindustani literature. Based in Mumbai, he continues to write and perform across mediums

Rohit Gandhi

Rohit Gandhi is an Indian Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker. He was the Editor-in-Chief of World is One News (WION) and DNA India. His documentary on Afghanistan won an Emmy Award in the editing category. He has spent 3 decades in first being a frontline journalist covering war zones and then managing newsrooms and innovating technologies to make the life of journalists safe.

He works on reducing global conflict by using journalism, and good communication plays a positive role. Rohit is an award winning journalist with some of the highest honours like the Edward R. Murrow, DuPont Award, Golden Cine Eagle, Healiner Award, Webby Award, multiple Emmy nominations for investigative journalism, just to name a few. He uses AI for helping organization's look at open intelligence.

Rupali Chandra

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Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Safir Anand

Safir Anand is a noted attorney with over 25 years of industry experience. Recognised internationally by the global media for his contributions, such as the Financial Times, Business World India, and Forbes, Safir’s expertise lies in IP law. Apart from his legal role, Safir has authored two books, “India Unboxed” and “Chrysalis,” with the latter enjoying a launch at the Jaipur Literature Festival.Safir Anand is a noted attorney with over 25 years of industry experience. Recognised internationally by the global media for his contributions, such as the Financial Times, Business World India, and Forbes, Safir’s expertise lies in IP law. Apart from his legal role, Safir has authored two books, “India Unboxed” and “Chrysalis,” with the latter enjoying a launch at the Jaipur Literature Festival.

Sagnik Sen

Sagnik Sen is a renowned Indian singer, globally acclaimed for his soulful renditions of Hemant Kumar’s classics and Rabindrasangeet. Born on 18th November 1986 in Kolkata, he was introduced to music at an early age by his parents, who emphasized artistic training as a vital part of life. Over the years, Sagnik has emerged as one of the most celebrated voices in Indian music, earning recognition for preserving and reinterpreting the timeless legacy of Bengal’s musical traditions.

He has performed extensively across India and abroad, enchanting audiences with his evocative voice and emotive style. His concerts often pay homage to the golden era of Indian music while simultaneously highlighting the rich depth of Rabindranath Tagore’s compositions. Apart from live performances, he has also lent his voice to various albums and recordings, further solidifying his reputation as a torchbearer of Bengal’s cultural and musical heritage.

Sandeep Yadav

Sandeep is a highly respected figure in Lucknow’s theatre and short-film circuit. He has dedicated his career to promoting meaningful cinema and theatre rooted in realism. His work often highlights the everyday struggles, joys, and resilience of Lucknowites, offering audiences an authentic portrayal of the city’s life. Through both acting and direction, Sandeep continues to nurture and inspire emerging artists in the local creative community. 

Sanjay Mishra

Sanjay Mishra, a distinguished Indian actor, has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry with his versatile and captivating performances. Born on October 6, 1963, in Darbhanga, Bihar, Mishra embarked on his acting journey with notable theatre productions before transitioning to the silver screen, and building a cinematic career spanning over three decades.With a penchant for portraying both comedic and dramatic characters, Mishra has left a lasting imprint on both mainstream and parallel cinema. His nuanced acting has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him prestigious awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for “All the Best” (2009) and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Ankhon Dekhi” (2013).

Sanjay Singh

A Journalist of over 33 years, Sanjay Singh is a Senior Defence Expert and a PIB-accredited professional. His expertise has been honed through various roles, including serving as the Political Editor for News11, a Special Correspondent for Rashtriya Sahara, and holding the position of Bureau Chief for Sahara Samay (Hindi Weekly). Since 2005, Sanjay has been a trusted name in the field of defence, offering insightful perspectives on matters concerning national security and foreign policy. A prolific author, he has penned eight books in Hindi, covering a diverse range of topics such as military operations (“IAF Strike, 0328 Hours,” “Air Strike @ Balakot”), national security (“Raksha Tantra”), and political dynamics (“Tryst with Politicians,” “Janatantra Ki Maya”). Sanjay Singh’s contributions to journalism and literature reflect his deep understanding and commitment to illuminating critical aspects of contemporary India.

Sanjeev Sanyal

Sanjeev Sanyal, a Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, was the Principal Economic Adviser to the Finance Minister until February 2022. He co-chaired the G20’s Framework Working Group and spent over two decades in financial markets, notably as Global Strategist and Managing Director at Deutsche Bank. An alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce and a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, he received the Eisenhower Fellowship in 2007 and was named a ‘Young Global Leader’ by the World Economic Forum in 2010. Sanyal is a best-selling author of several books, including ‘Revolutionaries’, ‘Land of the Seven Rivers’, ‘The Ocean of Churn’, ‘India in the Age of Ideas’, and ‘The Indian Renaissance’. He has published over two hundred articles in leading publications.

Santosh Valmiki

Born in a very poor scavenger family. Mother cleaned the utensils and worked in different house and so brought us up. For better upbringing admitted in the school with the help of government scholarship and the mother's struggle studied. To help mother did sweeping on the road and collected dirt from gutters. Thereafter did High school and Intermediate with second division as pavement dweller and worked as hawker. In the mean time interest in writing. Stories and poems for children had beer published in the weekly magazine of "Swatantra Bharat", "Navjeevan and "Amrit Prabhat" Stories and poems have been broadcast and telecas from AIR and Doordarshan.

Graduated from Lucknow University and then Indian institute of Mass Communication New Delhi in the year 1989 as the best trainee in Hindi Journalism Diploma Course Awarded "Indian Institute of Mass Communication Awarded* by Union Minister K R Narayan research by bureau of parliamentary Studies and training. Lok Sabha Secretary New Delhi practical training in Hindi news unit of Navbharat times New Delhi and All India Radio in the workshop of trainee Journalist based on parliamentary procedure held by 28 April 1989 to 28 April 1989.

Sathya Saran

Sathya Saran is best known for her long association with Femina, which she edited for 12 years, Sathya Saran is also the author of a diverse variety of books. Sathya latest books include a biography of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia and Ritu Nanda. Currently Consulting Editor with Penguin Random House, Sathya also teaches fashion journalism at NIFT Mumbai, Kangra and Srinagar.She has been a stage actor with Veenapani Chawla. Passionate about writing she conceptualised and held the first of its kind Writers Conclave titled  The Spaces between Words the unfestival sponsored by JSW at Kaladham near Hampi. In partnership with The Hindu.Sathya has written a TV serial titled ‘Kashmakash’, writes columns in The New Indian Express and Outlook.com. Sathya is currently translating a literary biography of Gulzar and has almost completed writing another film biography.

Saumya Khandelwal

Saumya Khandelwal is an acclaimed photojournalist whose work appears in TIME, National Geographic, The New York Times and leading publications across the world. The recipient of the Getty Images Instagram Grant and the Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award 2025, her visual storytelling probes deeply and sensitively into gender, society, and the environment.

Her images continue to influence discussions about justice, identity, and human resiliency around the world. They have been included in TIME's Top 10 Photos of 2021 and National Geographic's 100 Best Photos of the Century.

A promising session that brings the world into focus with clarity, compassion and an unflinching eye.

Saurabh Chandra

Saurabh is a passionate digital storyteller with an eye for detail and a love for discovering the city’s hidden gems. Through Things2do.inLucknow, he showcases the city’s lifestyle, street food, local events, and unique experiences that often go unnoticed. His work not only guides tourists but also helps locals reconnect with the soul of Lucknow, highlighting places, people, and moments that define its vibrant culture. 

Saurabh Dwivedi

Saurabh Kirpal

Saurabh Kirpal is an Indian lawyer, author, and senior advocate at the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court. He studied physics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and law at Oxford and Cambridge. He briefly worked with the UN in Geneva before returning to Delhi. Kirpal has represented clients like Anil Ambani and argued for the decriminalization of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. He is the managing trustee of the Naz Foundation Trust, the editor of ‘Sex and the Supreme Court’, an anthology addressing 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’.

Saurav Jha

Saurav Jha, a geoeconomics expert, has worked as an energy economist and consultant to FICCI’s International Division. His first book, ‘The Upside Down Book of Nuclear Power’, is utilized by the Department of Atomic Energy for nuclear awareness. He co-authored the best-selling ‘The Heat and Dust Project’ with Devapriya Roy and wrote ‘Negotiating the New Normal: How India Must Grow in a Pandemic-Ridden World’. He is currently the Director of Delhi Defence Review, a think tank on technology, warfare and ideas.

Shailja Kejriwal

Shailja Kejriwal is a celebrated storyteller and producer known for her innovative content that challenges societal norms. Her work with major organizations like Star TV and Zee includes introducing Star Bestsellers, launching Zee Zindagi and reviving Indian theatre through Zee Theatre. She co-produced films such as ‘Qarib Qarib Single’ and ‘Madaari’, fostering cultural connections through powerful narratives.

Shailvee Sharda

Shailvee Sharda is a journalist with over 21 years of experience, specialising in Uttar Pradesh—India’s culturally, socially and politically significant state. Her expertise lies in quality writing, content creation and ideation, with a focus on health, culture, public policy and politics. As Assistant Editor at ‘The Times of India,’ Lucknow, since 2004, she has produced over 300 in-depth stories and 1,500 by-lines, earning accolades for her work across diverse subjects including archaeology, history and urban development. She began her career at ‘The Pioneer’ in 2003, honing her skills in reporting on culture, wildlife and theatre.

Shailvee Sharda

Shailvee Sharda is a journalist with over 21 years of experience, specialising in Uttar Pradesh—India’s culturally, socially and politically significant state. Her expertise lies in quality writing, content creation and ideation, with a focus on health, culture, public policy and politics. As Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Lucknow, since 2004, she has produced over 300 in-depth stories and 1,500 by-lines, earning accolades for her work across diverse subjects including archaeology, history and urban development. She began her career at ‘The Pioneer’ in 2003, honing her skills in reporting on culture, wildlife and theatre.

Shantanu Gupta

Shantanu Gupta is the founder of The Ramayana School, an Indian Author, TEDx Speaker and Political Analyst. He is a published author with renowned publications like Sage, Bloomsbury, Garuda, Prabhat and Rupa Publications. He is the biographer of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with his book titled ‘The Monk Who Became Chief Minister’ – the Biography of Yogi Adityanath listed as the ‘Most memorable Non-Fiction Books of 2017’ by Amazon India.

Shantanu wrote a sequel to this book with the title – ‘The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh’. His another Book – ‘BJP – Past, Present & Future’ is now available in four Indian languages. Shantanu has an engineering degree from GB Pant University (India), Management education from XLRI, Jamshedpur (India) and did his Masters in Policy and Politics from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex (United Kingdom).

Sharad Bindal

Known for his bestselling mythological fiction, “Clash of Singularity,” Sharad Bindal is a seasoned columnist offering invaluable insights on financial strategies and an entrepreneur leading a wealth management company for the last eighteen years. Inherently, finance and mythology are diametrically opposite preoccupations. However, Sharad’s upbringing and long-standing fondness for Vedic scriptures help him enjoy both with identical elan. His critical reasoning and the ability to connect the dots empower him to give shape to remarkable stories and, consequently, realise his penchant for delivering brilliant fiction.Presently, Sharad is busy promoting “Dawn of Duality: The Beginning of an End,” a compelling continuation of the narrative introduced in “Clash of Singularity.”

Sharad Bindal

A pioneer in the wealth management space, an entrepreneur, a publisher, the author of two bestselling novels, Clash of Singularity and Dawn of Duality, a mythologist and columnist, Sharad Bindal is a man of many callings. He is also a sought-after public speaker, having made notable appearances at literary festivals and on national television platforms such as India TV, delivering talks on Indian mythology and ancient scriptures. Additionally, his personal YouTube show ‘Meemansa’ explores themes of mythology and Vedic thought, reflecting his belief that meaningful stories should be both accessible and impactful.

Shariq Kaifi

one of the most well-known contemporary voices in Urdu poetry: Sharia Kaifi, also known as Syed Sharia Hussain.

He was born on June 1, 1961, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where he did his B.Sc. and M.A. in Urdu. Being the son of renowned poet Kaifi Wijdani (Syed Rafaaqat Hussain), he inherits a rich poetic legacy that continues to shape his creative journey.

His first collection of ghazals, "Aam Sa Rad-e-Amal"

(1989), was followed by "Yahan Tak Roshni Aati Kahan Thi" in 2008 and a well-appreciated collection of nazms titled

"Apne Tamaashe Ka Ticket" in 2010.

Shariq Kaifi's poetry, whether it is ghazal or nazm, is unique in its tone, thought, and narration. His nazms are said to be written with a "fourth eye" to give an insight into social realities with remarkable clarity and depth. His work echoes a contemporary sensibility: clean, unadorned, and free from stylistic excess, yet layered with profound meaning.

Shenaz Treasury

Shenaz Treasury, India’s original MTV VJ and star of films like ‘Ishq Vishk’ and ‘Delhi Belly’, has become a prominent travel vlogger. She has expanded her career by writing, producing and hosting ‘Culture Shock’ for ‘Discovery Travel Channel’ in the US and selling a screenplay to Yash Raj.

In the US, Treasury appeared in ‘One Life to Live’, ‘The Nightly Show’, and the Oscar-nominated ‘The Big Sick’. Back in India, she dominates the travel vlogging scene. Her debut book, ‘All He Left Me Was a Recipe’, delves into relationship dramas and is set for a web series adaptation.

Shobhaa De

Shobhaa De, voted by Reader's Digest as one of India's Most Trusted People and by Daily News and Analysis as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in India is a bestselling author and a popular social commentator. Her works, both fiction and non-fiction, have been featured in comparative literature courses at universities in India and abroad. Her writing has been translated into French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish, among other languages.

Shubhra Gupta

Shubhra Gupta is a senior columnist and acclaimed film critic for The Indian Express, with over 30 years of experience in her popular weekly review column. A key figure in Indian film criticism, she regularly attends global film festivals and has served on both national and international juries. Gupta curates the highly regarded Indian Express Film Club in Delhi and Mumbai and has been a member of the Central Board of Film Certification. She received the prestigious 2012 Ramnath Goenka Award for excellence in journalism. Gupta is also the author of two books: ‘50 Films That Changed Bollywood 1995-2015’ and ‘Irrfan: A Life In Movies,’ a heartfelt tribute to the late actor.

Somya Singh

Somya Singh is a Delhi-based lawyer with a diverse background in Philosophy, Mass Media and Law. She began her career as a TV and Radio correspondent but sought to carve her own niche. After earning her law degree from Delhi University’s Faculty of Law, she founded Avant-Garde Corporate Communications in February 2017. Her firm offers due diligence and compliance services, complemented by her expertise in Bankruptcy, Corporate, Business and Consumer Law. Somya also provides financial consultancy and startup mentorship, and she holds a certification in Prevention of Sexual Harassment. An active practitioner, she takes on pro bono cases and conducts seminars on legal topics available on YouTube.

Srajal Gupta

Carrying forward a legacy that began in 1825, Srajal Gupta represents the historic Madhurima Sweets, a brand that has become synonymous with purity, perfection, and festive joy. Under his modern leadership, Madhurima continues to uphold its heritage while innovating with contemporary flavours and presentation. Whether it’s their traditional laddoos, exotic mithais, or fusion desserts, Madhurima remains a true reflection of Lucknow’s evolving yet rooted culture

Suhel Seth

Suhel Seth is the Managing Partner of Counselage India Private Limited, which is a branding and marketing consultancy firm. He advises Chairpersons and CEOs across the globe.He is the mentor to many start-ups across the world.He is an author of three national best-sellers; a prolific actor both on stage and screen having acted in 167 plays and 8 films as also a well-known television commentator. He has over 4.7 million followers on Twitter. He regularly addresses Institutes of Management across the world as also Chambers of Commerce and business.Suhel is the Chairman of the Branding Committee of India’s foremost business chamber CII for the year 2023-24 and is also a member of the CII National Council.

Sujoy Banerjee

Sujoy Banerjee’s musical journey began in his college days. As an aspiring musician, he captured attention with his powerful vocals and soulful performances. Featured in the Rock Street Journal magazine and having performed at major events like the Philips Livewire Show in Mumbai and the Bhopal Mahotsav, Banerjee seemed destined for a bright future in music. 

Choosing passion over popularity, he left behind a promising music career to dedicate himself to forests and wildlife. In 1996, he topped the Indian Forest Service Examination conducted by the UPSC in his very first attempt, emerging as the All-India first rank holder. Since then, he has earned numerous awards and widespread recognition for his work in conservation. A TEDx speaker and one of only 35 global changemakers selected under the British Chevening Scholarship Programme of the UK Government, Banerjee continues to inspire with his dedication and vision.

Music, however, never left his side. A gifted performer who can play the guitar and mouth organ at once, he writes and composes songs that carry a message — using rhythm and melody to connect people to nature and spread awareness about conservation.

Suman Keshari

Suman Keshari, born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is an accomplished poet, academic and former government officer. With a research focus on ‘Surdas’ from Jawaharlal Nehru University and an MBA from the University of Western Australia, she later retired from the Government of India and taught management at ITM Gwalior. She has published five poetry collections, including ‘Yagyavalkya Se Bahas’ (2008) and ‘Monalisa Ki Aankhein’ (2013), which has been translated into Marathi and Rajasthani. Her critical works include ‘Kavita Ke Desh Mein’ (2022). She also narrates stories on her YouTube channel Kathanati Suman Keshari and has edited notable works.

Sumati Misra

Sumati Misra is a government officer in Uttar Pradesh, currently serving in the Forest and Environment Department. He began his career in 1998 and has held key roles in the Labour and Women Welfare departments. An alumnus of Agra and Lucknow, he completed his M.Sc. from Agra University. In addition to his professional endeavours, Sumati is a talented writer, expressing himself through poetry, nazms and stories. He shares his literary works on his blog, offering readers a glimpse into his creative world. Sumati’s unique combination of administrative acumen and artistic passion defines his multifaceted personality.

Taha Ahmad

Taha Ahmad

Taha Ahmad’s art reflects the changing pluralistic landscape of India and explores themes of trauma culture and social injustice. He was part of VII Photo Agency’s mentorship program and was the first Indian to receive The Documentary Project Fund Award in 2017. His works have been exhibited and published internationally. Taha has collaborated with renowned filmmakers and designers and received many national and international recognitions including Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 in 2024. He also serves as Creative Director with Ilham Artists and Writers Residency Program.

Tahira Hasan

Tahira Hasan, a women’s rights activist, was born in Pratapgarh. She completed a BSc, MSc in Organic Chemistry and BEd from Aligarh Muslim University in 1985. In Gorakhpur, she worked on tuberculosis awareness campaigns among rickshaw pullers. In Azamgarh and Mau, she advocated for humane working conditions and fair wages for sari weavers, particularly women. Based in Lucknow since 1999, she has championed the rights of chikan, kamdani and zardozi workers. She participated in heritage and folk culture awareness programmes and contributed to recommendations in the 2013 Justice Verma Committee report. She continues to advocate for minorities, Dalits and women.

Taiyaba

Taiyaba is a chef and food writer from Lucknow. She documents Lucknow’s home kitchens to bring forth women’s contribution to the city’s cuisine. Her writings and menus draw inspiration from her heritage and the multifaceted culture she grew up in. Her work has been featured in independent food media platforms locally and internationally like ‘Goya Journal’, ‘Mint Lounge’, ‘Cosmopolitan India’, ‘Indian Express’, ‘The Hindu’ and more.

TCA Raghavan

TCA Raghavan, former Indian High Commissioner to Singapore and Pakistan, is the author of five books, including ‘History Men’ and ‘The People Next Door’. His book ‘Attendant Lords’ won the Mohammad Habib Memorial Prize in 2017. In 2023, he received the Sir Jadunath Sarkar Gold Medal from the Asiatic Society. His latest work is ‘Circles of Freedom’ (2024).

Tigmanshu Dhulia

Tigmanshu Dhulia is a film dialogue writer, director, actor, screenwriter, producer and casting director known for his works in Hindi cinema and television. He wrote the dialogue for the 1998 film ‘Dil Se’, the first Bollywood film to chart in the UK top ten, and screened at the Berlin International Film Festival. His directing career has also garnered international recognition with the biographical film ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, which premiered at the 2010 BFI London Film Festival and the thriller drama ‘Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster’. ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ eventually went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2012. He is also known for his role as Ramadhir Singh in Anurag Kashyap's modern cult film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’.

Tigmanshu Dhulia

Tigmanshu Dhulia is a film dialogue writer, director, actor, screenwriter, producer and casting director known for his works in Hindi cinema and television. He wrote the dialogue for the 1998 film Dil Se, the first Bollywood film to chart in the UK top ten, and screened at the Berlin International Film Festival. His directing career has also garnered international recognition with the biographical film Paan Singh Tomar, which premiered at the 2010 BFI London Film Festival and the thriller drama Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster. Paan Singh Tomar eventually went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2012. He is also known for his role as Ramadhir Singh in Anurag Kashyap's modern cult film Gangs of Wasseypur.

Tigmanshu Dhulia

Toolika Rani

Squadron Leader Toolika Rani has served in Indian Air Force for ten years and as Outdoor Training Instructor, has trained several officers in outdoor military training, including India’s first three female fighter pilots. With 24 mountaineering and trekking expeditions in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Iran, Africa and Russia, she is the first woman from the state of Uttar Pradesh to climb Mt. Everest in 2012, and is the first Indian woman to climb Asia’s highest volcano Mt. Damavand in Iran.

A phenomenal speaker, she has delivered over 200 talks and interviews in India, USA, UK, Bulgaria, Italy and Malaysia on forums such as TEDx, Rotary International, Shri Ram College of Commerce Delhi, Lucknow University, Manipal University Jaipur, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Vadodara etc. She is the Ambassador of India, Women Empowerment Committee, in World Leader Summit ecosystem, and was the Brand Ambassador, SVEEP program of Election Commission of India, with Uttar Pradesh govt, in 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections.

Uday Mahurkar

Uday Mahurkar is an Author, Historian and the former Senior Deputy Editor of India Today. He has authored two books on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Centrestage and Marching with a Billion. His latest book, Veer Savarkar: The Man Who Could Have Prevented Partition features a foreword by RSS chief, Dr Mohan Bhagwat. He currently functions as the Central Information Commissioner for the Government of India.

Urmila Singh

The author of “Bisra Chulha Bisrey Swad- Awadh Key Lok Vyanjan,” Urmila Singh has, over the years, closely observed the traditional folk foods prevalent across Awadh. She has spent a good part of the last few decades visiting the remotest regions of the province, understanding the concepts surrounding folk cuisines, and how seasonal and traditional foods cure the body and mind. Eventually, she documented these recipes and compiled them into a book, ensuring that the generations to come benefit from her culinary experiences

Urvi Singh

Urvi Singh is an English educator with a decade of experience inspiring students to engage deeply with language, literature, and self-expression. Her teaching is shaped by a lifelong fascination with English literature and a belief in the transformative power of stories. Beyond the classroom, she has stepped into the world of podcasting as a novice creator, using her voice to discuss ideas, reflections, and narratives that resonate with her love for learning. Thoughtful and ever-evolving, Urvi continues to expand her creative and academic pursuits, striving to make literature—and meaningful conversations—accessible to all.

Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi

Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi, grandson of Padma Bhushan Ustad Mushtaq Hussain Khan from Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, began his musical journey at the age of nine, excelling in 'Khayal Gayaki' and showcasing expertise in classical and light vocal genres. With a career spanning three decades, he has performed globally, earning accolades, including a performance at Rashtrapati Bhavan for late President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. As Chairman of PUMHKA, established in memory of his grandfather, Niazi promotes Hindustani classical music globally, featuring artists like Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. For 25 years, he has been promoting music education worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries through the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

Vaibhav Vishal

Vaibhav Vishal is a multiple-award winning screenwriter based in Mumbai. With an experience of more than 25 years in the entertainment industry, he has worked with brands like MTV, Red FM and Eros before deciding to leave the corporate life to pursue his creative aspirations, and become a full time writer. His most popular project Scam 1992 got him the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogues, and also the prestigious Critics Choice Award and Screenwriters’ Association Awards in the Best Writing category. With Scam, Rana Naidu, Inside Edge, Shekhar Home, Vaibhav has had the distinction of being an integral part of the top most fiction shows across platforms.  Vaibhav has also written the dialogues for Sanjay’s Gupta Mumbai Saga starring John Abraham and Emraan Hashmi. His next project as the lead writer is Gandhi, the series, directed by Hansal Mehta. Additionally, there are two upcoming series on Netflix, including Glory and an untitled project, and a couple of films in the making, including the Prasoon Pandey directorial, a contemporary mythological thriller, that has just been announced, and a franchise film from Ekta Kapoor. Outside of his screenwriting, Vaibhav is known for his loud and conscientious, middle-of-the-road but definitely opinionated, social media voice, using humour to put across his point.

Versha Verma

Social activist and founder of Koshish Aisi Bhi, Versha Verma has dedicated her life to empowering women and marginalized communities. Through her initiatives, she works tirelessly to promote education, skill-building, and social awareness. Versha’s work blends grassroots activism with creative outreach — using art, storytelling, and workshops to inspire change. Her story is one of resilience and quiet strength, showing that even small steps can lead to powerful revolutions

Vidya Shah

Vidya Shah is a Singer and Musician from New Delhi, India. She was initially trained in Carnatic music, and later received guidance in the North Indian genres of Khayal (from Shubha Mudgal and Mujahid Hussain Khan) and Thumri Dadra, and Ghazal (from Shanti Hiranand). She has performed at national and international forums, including the Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior, the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C, the Asia Society in New York and the Bode Museum in Berlin. A popular performer and a prolific composer, she is a recipient of the Charles Wallace Award and a Senior Fellowship from the Government of India for her project "Women on Record", a performance highlighting the contributions of the forgotten women performers in the Gramophone era. She writes and speaks on music and is the Author of Jalsa: Indian Women's Journey from the Salon to the Studio (Tulika Books). She was the Nana Shirgaokar Chair Professor for Indian Music at Goa University for 2016-20.

Vidya Shah

VIDYA SHAH  is a singer and musician from New Delhi, India. She has performed at national and international forums, including the Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior and The Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C, She is a recipient of the Charles Wallace Award and a Senior Fellowship  from the Government  and the Tagore scholarship 2023, from the Govt of India . She was the Nana Shirgaokar Chair Professor for Indian Music at Goa University for 2016-20 Vidya made her Bollywood debut in the film Manto with the Nazm ‘Bol ke lab Azad hain tere’. 

Vijai Trivedi

Vijai Trivedi is best known for his Political reporting, Parliamentary coverage, and his unique style of interviewing top politicians, bureaucrats, and celebrities. With a more than 35-year-long stint in political reporting and deep understanding of the Indian political arena, he softly puts the hardest of questions to his subjects without being shrill and unnecessarily loud. He is Editor-in-Chief at News India 24x7, a national satellite news channel. He has written 4 books focussing on how BJP evolved from the days of Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath. His latest book - Sangham Sharnam Gachchhami on the journey of RSS and BJP: Kal, Aaj Aur Kal drew a lot of attention. Herein, he thoroughly analyzed the rise of BJP and its place and future in Indian Politics. His other two books are Yada Yada hi Yogi on the emergence of Yogi Adityanath in BJP and Haar Nahi Manunga on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the founding architect of the BJP.

Vikas Swarup

Vikas Swarup is a former Indian diplomat and internationally acclaimed author, who gained global recognition with his debut novel ‘Q&A’, which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. His other works include ‘Six Suspects’, ‘The Accidental Apprentice’ and ‘The Girl with the Seven Lives’. His books are translated into 47 languages, and he holds four honorary doctorates.

Vikram Sampath

Bangalore- based historian, 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 Bestsellers and were acclaimed by Prime Minister 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 into a Bollywood film by Ashutosh Gowariker.

VIPUL B. VARSHNEY

Ms. Vipul B. Varshney, Masters in Urban Planning,and an architect and urban planner par excellence. She has excelled in designing and executing some of India's renowned projects like settlement of earthquake stricken Bhuj to designing and modernising many Indian airports.From designing highest altitude airport of India –Leh and also malls for the urban rich to low cost housing township for NPCIL at Banswara ,the projects are in India as well as in abroad.A winner of coveted awards like U.P. Ratan 2013,Shakti Samman 2015 from Governor of U.P., Heritage Award from U.P Government to name a few. With the expertise in Institutional buildings of National Importance and a passion for heritage,in addition she has also authored 4 coffee table books on Lucknow’s heritage, ‘Lucknow-A Treasure’ encompassing the grandeur and heritage of Lucknow and ‘Cultural Legacy of Lucknow’. Another books Lucknow –A city of Heritage and Culture ,and Shaam-e-Awadh were published in 2017.She has completed the Listing & publication of 200 heritage building of Lucknow, and also the documentation of Intangible Heritage of Lucknow,being a Convenor ,INTACH Lucknow.She has penned more than 100 articles for various national and international journals.

Virendra Sarang

Virendra Sarang is a multi-faceted Hindi author and poet. He published his first anthology of poems, Kon Se Kate Huye in 1993. Since then, Sarang has authored another five collections, including Hawao! Laut Jao, Apne Paas Hona, Chalo Kavi Se Poochhte Hain and Katha Ka Prishth.

Sarang has also penned as many as five Hindi works of fiction so far, namely Aryagaatha, Haata-Rahim, Baanjh Sapooti, Jananayak Krishna and Algani Par Samay.

He has, over the years, won numerous awards and recognitions for his writing prowess, the Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi Samman, the Vijaydev Narayan Sahi Samman (UP Hindi Sansthan), Bhojpuri Shiromani and the Balkrishna Bhatt Samman, to name a few.

Vivek Agnihotri

Vivek Agnihotri is an Indian director, producer, and screenwriter known for making films that delve into pressing social and political issues. Case in point, notable works like “The Tashkent Files” and “The Kashmir Files,” both films having earned him National Awards for Best Screenplay (Dialogues) and Best Feature Film on National Integration, respectively. Additionally, Vivek is a Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) member and represents Indian Cinema at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Wamiq Saifi

Wamiq Saifi, a physician and multidisciplinary artist, moves fluidly between art, voice and activism. Over the years, he has written, directed and created stories that capture the depth and diversity of India. His work spans collaborations with government organisations like Rajasthan Tourism and several leading brands. As a performer and voice artist, he has been part of festivals and stages such as Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur Art Week, Jairangam film festival and Rekhta. Fluent in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi, Saifi’s practice blends literature, performance and public life always rooted in empathy, culture and purpose

Wasim Barelvi

Wasim Barelvi (Zahid Hussain) is an Indian Urdu-language poet. He was born in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. His ghazals, many sung by Jagjit Singh, are very popular. He has been awarded with the "Firaq Gorakhpuri International Award", the Kalidas gold medal (by the Haryana government, in recognition for his services in the field of Urdu and Hindi poetry, the Begum Akhtar Kala Dharmi award, and the Naseem-e-Urdu award. Barelvi is Vice-Chairman of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL).

He has also performed at Culrav 2012 (the cultural event of NIT Allahabad). He is also Member of Legislative Council of Uttar Pradesh since 2016 

His most recent works are ‘Pyar Ke Do Naam’ (Hindi Movie) (2024)

‘Mai Usko Aansuo Se Likh Rha Hu’ (Urdu Poetry) (2025)

Yatindra Mishra

Yatindra Mishra is a celebrated Hindi Poet, and Music and Cinema Scholar. He has four collections of poetry to his credit- Yada-Kada, Ayodhya Tatha Anya Kavitayein, Dyorhi Par Aalaap and Vibhas. He has several well received books on Indian Classical Music and Cinema, including 'Girija' (Based on Thumri Singer Girija Devi), 'Devpriya' (Dialogue with danseuse Sonal Mansingh), 'Sur Ki Baradari' (Life & Times of Shehnai Maestro Bismillah Khan) and 'Akhtari: Soz Aur Saaz Ka Afsana'(Based on Thumri and Ghazal Queen Begum Akhtar). He is the editor of a cultural gazetteer of Faizabad titled 'Shahernama Faizabad'. His book 'Lata : Sur-Gatha' (Musical Journey of legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar) won a total of Seven 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, Mumbai, 2016-17.

yogi Aditya

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Yogi Yogesh Shukla

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