SPEAKERS LIST

NBT'S CHINAR BOOK FESTIVAL 2024 (17 - 25 AUGUST)

Name of Speaker Description
Prof RP Tekchandani Dr. R.P. Techandini, Director of the National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language under the Ministry of Education, holds a Ph.D. in Sindhi from the University of Delhi. With a strong academic foundation including an M.A. in Sindhi and an M.Com. She has also earned certifications in Urdu. Dr. Techandini's expertise in linguistic and cultural promotion makes her a key figure in advancing Sindhi language and literature.
Prof. Aadil Amin Dr. Aadil is a distinguished linguist with a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Delhi, specializing in language maintenance and shift. With a strong academic background, including an M.Phil, and M.A. in Linguistics, He has also contributed extensively to the field through numerous research papers.
Prof. Srinivasa Varkhedi Shrinivasa Varakhedi, an esteemed Sanskrit scholar, is the Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi. He previously served as VC of Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University and Acting VC at Karnataka Samskrit University and Gondwana University. Recognized for his interdisciplinary research, he was honored with the Maharshi Badarayan Vyas Samman by the President of India.
Dr. Sangeeta Gundecha Sangeeta Gundecha, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit at Central Sanskrit University, is a celebrated poet, translator, and theatre director. Her works, including *Ekant Ka Nakshatra* and *Natyadarshan*, span multiple languages and disciplines, earning her prestigious awards like the Bhoj Award and Ministry of Culture's Junior Fellowship.
Ms. Shobha Kapoor AMs. Shobha Kapoor, Director of Media and Communications at Sesame Workshop India, oversees strategic marketing, branding, and the production of multi-platform content and campaigns. Her work, supported by over 17 years of experience in the media and communications field, ensures that Sesame Workshop's initiatives reach millions of children and families across India, promoting educational and engaging content aligned with the organization's mission to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Ms. Madhu Natraj Madhu is an acclaimed choreographer, arts mentor, and arts entrepreneur, known for her work as a trans-cultural collaborator. Her endeavors are deeply influenced by themes of education, climate action, healing, social equity, digital arts, and empowerment. With over 150 choreographies to her name, she has performed, spoken, designed events, and led cultural delegations across more than 36 countries.
Chandraprakash Dwivedi Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, a Padma Shri awardee, is a celebrated Indian film director and scriptwriter, best known for the iconic TV epic *Chanakya*, where he played the lead role. Transitioning from a medical career to the arts,he directed acclaimed works like *Pinjar* and *Mrityunjay*, making significant contributions to Indian cinema and television.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vyas Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vyas, a distinguished cultural poet and art critic, has authored 23 books, including acclaimed travelogues like *Kashmir se Kanyakumari*. Honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award and other accolades, he also writes for major publications and has created documentaries for Doordarshan. He currently serves as Additional Director to the Governor of Rajasthan.
Kankana Lohiyaa As Head of Music and Content at MY FM, Kankana oversees music strategy and scheduling for 30 stations across seven states. With 18 years of experience and an MBA in HR, [Name] has launched nine stations and developed culturally tailored programming.Kankana is also a finalist at the New York Film Festival for a documentary on human stories.
Dyutima Sharma Dyutima Sharma is a trauma-focused therapist and a Clinical Psychologist with a deep commitment to healing. As a Reiki Master, she integrates energy healing into her practice, providing holistic care to her clients. She is also the co-founder of Orange Owl Percepts, where she blends her expertise in psychology and wellness to foster emotional well-being.
Anant Vijay Anant Vijay, a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience, currently writes for Dainik Jagran, the largest Hindi daily. He is a National Award-winning writer on cinema, known for his widely-read Sunday column on cinema, art, and culture. Vijay has authored twelve books across various genres, including the bestseller "Marxwad ka Ardhsatya." His latest work is "Amethi Sangram: Dynasty To Democracy," and he is currently working on "Superstar Selfie," a book about Hindi cinema legends.
Chandraprakash Dwivedi Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, a Padma Shri awardee, is a celebrated Indian film director and scriptwriter, best known for the iconic TV epic *Chanakya*, where he played the lead role. Transitioning from a medical career to the arts, he directed acclaimed works like *Pinjar* and *Mrityunjay*, making significant contributions to Indian cinema and television.
Sundeep Bhutoria Sundeep Bhutoria, a culturist, social activist, and wildlife enthusiast based in Kolkata, India, is actively involved with numerous NGOs and leads various social and cultural initiatives. He is also an author of several travelogues, including bestsellers that explore cultural and social customs around the world through his personal experiences.
Bhaskar Indrakranti Bhaskar Indrakanti, with a background in English Literature, Psychology, and a PGDM in Marketing, has experience in corporate marketing and communications, having worked with Zee Entertainment and Praxair India. Now focused on reshaping perceptions of education and mental health, he conducts lectures and workshops across institutions like IIM Udaipur and NIFT. An active theatre enthusiast and writer for Dainik Bhaskar, he is currently pursuing an MA in Counselling Psychology while developing MOOC courses for digital platforms.
Veer Munshi Munshi's art is deeply rooted in his experience of exile, reflecting his anguish over the turmoil in Kashmir. His work, particularly the ongoing "Healing Wounds" series, uses shapes of shrapnel and debris from violent events to make a powerful human rights statement. Munshi's art highlights the diminishing space for culture and art in his home state.
Saleem Beigh Saleem Beigh is the Honorary Convener of INTACH's J&K chapter since 2006, leading efforts in preserving natural and cultural heritage. He previously served as Director General of Tourism, J&K, and overseeing tourism infrastructure projects. Beigh also contributed to the National Monuments Authority, focusing on the protection of nationally recognized monuments. His notable work includes the heritage publication "Shehar-i-Kashmir," endorsed by UNESCO.
Dr. Satish Vimal Vimal's deep love for his homeland and mother tongue shines through his insightful programs on Kashmiri culture and history, captivating audiences. His passion for poetry and literature has made him an influential figure in the region, earning him numerous accolades for his dedication to preserving Kashmir's rich heritage.
Dr. Sohan Lal Koul Dr. Sohan Kaul, an eminent playwright, novelist, and short story writer, has been awarded the 2023 Sangeet Natak Academy Award for his contributions to Kashmiri literature. He has written over two dozen plays, including collections like "Naad" and "Ginden Tamashe," and has authored 12 highly regarded novels. Dr. Kaul is also known for translating renowned world plays into Kashmiri, establishing new creative standards in theatre playwriting.
Ashraf Raavi Mr. Ashraf Raavi is an eminent poet, critic, and translator known for his fresh and original contributions to Kashmiri literature. A proponent of New Criticism, his anthology of translated Kashmiri short stories into English offers nonKashmiri readers insight into the region's ethos, values, and socio-political conditions. This work also aids in understanding the evolution of Kashmiri fiction.
Dr. Ashraf Zia Dr. Ashraf Zia, a Gold Medalist with an M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics from A.M.U. Aligarh, is an expert in Kashmiri Sociolinguistics, Media Linguistics, and Stylistics. Having topped the National Eligibility Test (NET) for Lectureship, Dr.Ashraf Zia is currently focused on documenting endangered languages and has authored numerous papers in English, Kashmiri, and Urdu.
Mir Sarwar Sarwar Mir, an actor and director, began his career with directors M K Raina and Bapi Bose in Delhi before moving to Mumbai in 2014. Known for his roles in *Bajrangi Bhaijaan* and *Phantom*, he also contributes to Kashmiri cinema through self-funded projects like *Kashmir Daily*. Sarwar has appeared in films like *Kesari*, *Panipat*, and *Chanakya*, and recently directed the prayer song "Ya Khuda" during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Vishal Bhardwaj Vishal Bhardwaj is a renowned Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and music composer known for his critically acclaimed adaptations of Shakespearean plays into Hindi cinema, such as *Maqbool*, *Omkara*, and *Haider*. His films are celebrated for their intense storytelling, complex characters, and evocative music. Bhardwaj's contributions to Indian cinema have earned him numerous awards and a distinguished place in contemporary filmmaking.
Dr. Advaitavadini Kaul Dr. Advaitavadini Kaul is an Editor at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi, responsible for key publications like the Kalatattvakosa and Kalamulasastra series on Indian art concepts and texts. With an M.A. in Sanskrit and a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies, she has authored the book *Buddhist Savants of Kashmir* and has another forthcoming on Kashmir's contribution to Buddhism in Central Asia. Her research focuses on perennial traditions, particularly those of Kashmir
Prem Nath Shaad Prem Nath "Shad" lives in Jammu and has written many books and publications in Kashmiri and Urdu. His recent publication is a collection of Kashmiri Bhajans titled "Vandana".
Prof. Shaad Ramzaan Shad Ramzaan is an Indian writer and scholar known for his contributions to Kashmiri literature. Awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his poem "Kore Kakud Pushrith Gome," he has written extensively on Kashmiri language, literature, and folklore. His notable works include the research articles "Zulmatus Laal Kya Chhi Tai" and "Sahal Chha Mani Bozun," which are significant contributions to Kashmiri prose and poetry.
Anjum Sharma Anjum Sharma is a versatile media professional currently serving as an interviewer for Rekhta Foundation's literature-based Sangat program and as a podcast producer for BBC News, where he previously presented the flagship program "Dinbhar." With experience as a radio host for Aaj Tak Radio and India Today, as well as a co-editor at Rajkamal Prakashan, Anjum brings a strong background in visual storytelling, communication, and journalism.
Vision IAS Vision IAS is a leading coaching institute in India, renowned for its comprehensive and effective preparation programs for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The institute offers a blend of classroom teaching, online courses, and personalized guidance, helping aspirants achieve success. With experienced faculty and a well-structured curriculum, Vision IAS has produced numerous top-ranking candidates over the years.
Amit Dubey Amit Dubey is a cyber security and national security expert at Tech Mahindra, specializing in AI, quantum computing, and cyber forensics. With a strong background in big data analytics and advanced degrees from IIT Kharagpur, he also hosts RedFM's "Hidden Files," a radio show focused on raising cyber safety awareness. His expertise plays a key role in shaping India's digital defenses.
Sunanda Sharma Sunanda Sharma is a versatile Indian classical singer known for her performances in khyal, thumri, dadra, chaitis, and kajris. She began training on the veena at age four under her father, Pandit Sudarshan Sharma, and started performing at nine. Mentored by Padam Vibhushan Dr. Girija Devi Ji, Sunanda further honed her skills under legends like Pandit Kishan Maharaj and Ustad Bismillah Khan. She has performed in numerous benefit concerts worldwide.
Pt. Abhay Rustom Sopori Abhay Sopori, trained in Indian classical, Western, and Sufiana music, is a versatile musician who recorded his first song at age 3. He has organized significant musical events, including a choral presentation with over 100 singers in Kashmir and the J&K Folk Music Ensembles. Since 2000, Abhay has been instrumental in transforming the cultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, promoting classical music and uniting the youth through his concerts