Copyright Details : Lucknow Literary Festival Copyright Diary # 8771/2016-CO/A Copyright ROC# A-117985/2017 Trademark Certificate No. 1846327 – Dated : 27/04/2018 Certification Agency : Copyright Office, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India) Verification URL: http://copyright.gov.in/frmStatusGenUser.aspx Trademark Certificate Copy Copyright Certificate Copy Trademark Search Certificate : … Continued
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The Wajid Ali Shah award was presented to nation’s very noted director Sudhir Mishra. Born and brought up in Lucknow, Sudhir Mishra is the grandson of former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Dwarka Prasad Mishra. His father, Devendra Nath Mishra, was the founder member of Lucknow Film Society. Sudhir Mishra along with Badal Sircar … Continued
The Pride of Lucknow Award is given to luminaries for excelling in their respected fields. The Pride of Lucknow award for contribution to Urdu Literature was awarded to Sardar Ratan Singh. His 10 books have been published out of which six were the collection of short stories, three novelettes and one autobiography. He has also … Continued
listed Lucknow Literary Festival among
the TOP 6 Lit Fest of India
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Decoding the undercurrents of elections in India, former Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. S.Y. Quraishi and Kena Shree conversed on the trends of elections in the country in the session, “Demystifying elections and empowering India.” Mr. Quraishi highlighted the fact that elections are generally perceived as merely a political affair, but they are also the world’s greatest management event. They talked about the ‘First past the post system’ of elections in India and how it can be replaced for the better. The National Voters’ day is his invention. He said “It is a cause for celebration when you turn 18, and that is why we decided to observe this day. The first time we gave away 8 lac voter IDs.”
The next panel discussion ‘Hamari Sheri Rawayat aur Lucknow ki Khawateen’ explored the unsung contribution of women to the world of Urdu shayari. Women have been a part of the shayari tradition right from the beginning – the Begums of Nawabs wrote extensively but could not get published under their own names. Leading Urdu women writers and poets, Sehba Ali, Aisha Siddiqui, Gazal Zaigam, Naseem Nikhat and Sahiba Anwar discussed the nuances of Urdu shayari as rendered by the female pen. Sharib Rudaulvi was also part of the discussion.
The performance by Sebastian Dreyer and Papia Ghoshal, who hail from Germany, enchanted everyone by their performance. The performance started by a soulful performance by Sebastian Dreyer. He performed a few songs on the sitar which ended with a rapturous applause. The fusion of both Sebastian Dreyer and Papia Ghoshal for the Baul blazed the stage and blew away everyone’s mind. The audience whole heartedly participated in the performance and cheered the artists with resounding applause throughout the performance.
Best selling mythology writer Anand Neelkanthan talked with Utkarsh Patel, writer and a professor of comparative mythology on ‘Fiction Writing taking over all the attention from Mythology‘.They discussed the various factors that come into play while writing mythological stories. They critically analysed the western influenced reading culture in India today and the dismal ignorance of the people about legendary Indian characters.
The panel including popular Hindi writer from Lucknow Shiv Murti, Akhilesh from Delhi in conversation with Nalin Ranjan discussed the state of the story in today’s changing world in‘Kahani Aaj Ke Parivesh Mein’.
With recent events in mind, Shiv Murti, H.L. Dusadh, Kalicharan Sanehi & Dr. Yashwant Viroday explored the weighty implications of intolerance, the issue being the central debate in India today, in a heated discussion on “Asahishnuta ke Sandarbh me.”
Eminent personages of the Urdu world sat down to discuss -Urdu Masnaviyon mein Lucknawi Tehzeeb-O-Saqafat. Sharib Rudaulvi, Ratan Singh, Maula Baksh and Shafiq Hussain acquainted the audience with the form and its practitioners.
Former managing editor of India Today Dilip C. Mandal discussed the current scenario of media and the changing public sphere in a power packed session. He emphasized how social media has captured the Indian audience, and how it multiplies geometrically. He talked about idea sharing and benefits of social media. Speaking of the JNU students’ sedition charges issue, he said “We are a nation living in fear. “ It was a highly informative session; the audience took an active interest, raising many questions about the issues he mentioned.
The composite of Lucknow and its many languages has gained its richness from many sources. The purifying influence of Persian in Lucknow was examined by an elite panel comprising Asifa Zamani, Umar Qamaluddin, Khan Mohammad Atif, Dr. Arshad Jafri, Dr. Hina Bano, Mirza Shafiq Husain in “Farsi Adab Aur Lucknow”. The discussion started with importance of Farsi Adab and its role in Lucknow.
Blatant obscenity in fiction and romance writing were analysed by contemporary writers Sachin Garg, Vani Kaushal & Sanil Sachar. The writers said that they were not in favour of showcasing obscenity in writing because if it is too explicit then they stand to lose one section of readers, but sometimes they have to give in to readers’ demands.
The session started with defining the line between intimacy and obscenity. Narrating an anecdote relating to her first book, Vani Kaushal, author of “The Recession Groom” said that she received reviews that her book fell short in terms of ‘steaminess’. Sanil said that it is a matter of perception and that it is not vulgar to include sex in fiction writing. Sachin, on the other hand, talked about the different kind of content that Indian writers are coming up with. Innovative techniques, new plots in the crime and thriller genre are expected to evolve further in the coming years.
Priyajeet Debsarkar and Sriram Karri discussed the scope of political writing in the world of fiction. They discussed the various factors that come into play while writing and researching for a book on political issues and the problems they face while doing it.
Activist Teesta Setalvad sat in discussion with Ayaz Khalid on her book ‘Beyond Doubt’. It was a highly charged session with the audience hanging on to the magnetic pull of the revolutionary’s words. On her book Teesta Setalvad said “The entire effort is to expose deliberate propaganda by the people who believe in Hindu Rashtravaad. The centre has a schizophrenic relationship with Gandhi; they use his use his photographs but denigrate his politics.”
The compelling “Dastan Ghummi Kebabi ki” was told by the dauntless Fauzia, the first female Dastango of modern times along with Fazal Rashid. This antique performance by Fauzia and Fazal gladdened everyone present their and drew back in the yellow pages of Awadh. The performance told the tale of Ghummi Kebabi and his journey of making the kebabs and his shop in the lanes of Old Delhi. The audience was spell bound by this art of storytelling and was listening intently to the words and the style of storytelling. Each member of the audience was hooked to every word of the Dastango.
With many attractions in tow, for the enthusiastic crowd of Lucknow the day unravelled with a panel discussion on “Modern Technology Aur Urdu Duniya ” in which honorary panelists-Canadian writer Javed Danish and poet Zamin Jafri, writer, professor Urdu department , AMU, Maula Baksh, AMU professor Shafe Kidwai, Dr. Mirza Shafique Hussain Shafaq elaborated on where the language stood in the modern world ,among social media platforms.
Coming from the family of legendary Urdu poet Mir Anees Javed, Javed Danish appreciated the youth on their efforts in the festival and also for lending importance to a session on Urdu, on language and words, which often the young are accused of neglecting.
Another panel discussion on “Jung-e-Azaadi me Urdu ka Kirdaar” suggestively based on the role of Urdu in the Indian Independence Movement. The panel was presided over by renowned writers and scholars like Javed Danish, Ratan Singh, Maula Baksh, Shafe Kidwai, and Dr. Mirza Shafique Hussain.
Maula Baksh described how Urdu superseded all other languages in uniting the nation, becoming a common link throughout its length and breadth. The history of Indian freedom struggle as fought under the wings of Urdu was discussed. Maula Baksh also admired the youths organizing the festival saying that “If a group of young people can arrange such an event, where literature, language, culture is being celebrated – I have seen in my time here, these kids have been working so hard, helping out the delegates, accompanying them even to the railway station, -if such is their dedication, kon kehta hai adab mar gaya.”
Utkarsh Patel, accomplished comparative mythology expert along with new age writers Vani Kaushal , Sachin Garg ,UK based Priyajeet Debsarkar and Ratna Vira explored the theme ‘Fact Or Fiction :The Storyline of the Youth’ deliberating on what the youth accepts as truth in the prevalent fiction today.
The session focused on the content of books today. With a flood of new writers hitting the stalls, there is much confusion as to whether the published works contain truth or fiction. Sachin said that books are a mix of fact and fiction and that each book reflects the writer’s personality.
Samina Bano, Aamir Hussain and Ritwik Patra sat in conversation to discuss the topic “Child Education- How Rightfully Is Right To Education Working”.Samina Bano said “Every child deserves quality education and amongst children there should be no class discrimination, in perception or behavior .”
She further said that beyond the home, school impacts the child most. Research says in a socially economic diverse classroom the child is more likely to grow as a socially aware human being, more helpful which is why it is necessary to have socio-economically inclusive classrooms today.
Ritwik Patra elaborated how Right To Education is working in Uttar Pradesh, saying there is a dialectical relationship between poverty and education. “The narrative of UP” he said, “is not simple. It is a Meta narrative.”
Sutapa Sanyal, Rajni Gupta, a writer, Kiran Singh ,Anita Dubey, Editor, Rivvant magazine, Sheila Pandey and Anita Srivastava delved in a discussion on the challenges of women. They said that women have not gained the most important thing and that is respect in society and as long as that respect is denied to them, our cause remains a defeated one.
IG, Lucknow Police Sutapa Sanyal said “We see the pain of women everyday and try to lend them some relief, find solutions. The more opportunities women have the more challenges they face. The ground reality is horrific. We do gender sensitive policing.”
Popular Hindi satirists indulged in a comic battle viewing Lucknow through the mirror of satire in ‘Lucknow Vyang Ke Aaine Mein’. Prominent Lucknow satirist Gopal Chaturvedi, the head of the satirists’ association in Delhi, Sushil Siddhartha, one of the few female satirists- Indrajeet Kaur, editor of the Hindi daily, Navbharat Times-Sudhir Mishra , other prominent names in the field ,Anup Mani Tripathi, Sandeep Saxena and Pankaj Prasun had the audience in laughter with their witty words. It was the most well attended session and the audience thoroughly enjoyed it. They engaged the audience with a satirical take on various issues that affect us all.
Bollywood filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, theatre and film personality Atul Tiwari, and Vinod Bhardwaj sat in conversation with Ayaz Khalid, deliberating on the role of theatre in moulding Indian cinema. They discussed a variety of issues, including the inclusion of songs in Indian cinema to the portrayal of theatrical stories in the cinema. Another important point that was brought out was that theatre needed much more marketing than cinema due to its approach.
Radical Indian politician, activist and educator Sandeep Pandey along with Teesta Seetalwad, leading Indian journalist and social reformer engaged in a heated and informative discussion on “the power of freedom of speech in building a nation”. The session was power packed with the discussions focussing on the voice of dissent being important in a democracy. They discussed how some recent incidents have brought out the issues that we are facing in implementing the freedoms that we gave been granted. The audience was equally enthusiastic and asked a plethora of questions from the duo relating to politics and activism.
The final day ended with a Bharatnatyam performance by young girls’ duo Manya Khare and Pragati Bajpai from Rhythm Divine Institute. It was only apt that the literary extravaganza in the city of Adab ended with the rapturous form of ghazal singing. Mr. Pradeep Ali gave a ghazal performance which enthralled the audience who whole heartedly participated and made the performance a grand success.
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Copyright ROC# A-117985/2017
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Shatrughan Sinha in conversation with Bharathi Pradhan
“Anything But Khamosh”
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In spite of being a Non-Lucknowite by birth, the love he carries in his heart for Lucknow as well as Literature is incomparable. The zeal to carry forward the heritage and culture of the city of Nawabs led him to the foundation of the LUCKNOW Society, which reflects his efforts to preserve the unique Lucknawi Tehzeeb and makes every citizen proud of the unique culture and heritage of which Lucknow has been a home for an endless time period now. At the very same time Literature also played a very important role to bring out the best in him as the founder of the Lucknow Literary Festival and Editor in chief of the first english literary magazine of Lucknow, The Lucknow Observer.
Displaying great leadership and vision, he has led from the front in an effort to make Lucknow a better place and, at the same time, reviving what rightfully belongs to Lucknow. Be it awareness campaigns like Kyun Ki Shahar Hai Aapka or paying tributes to Lucknow’s legends in Shaam-e-Adab. His innovativeness has been his sharpest tool to serve the city, be it his initiatives like Let’s revive, Save Our Heritage, Know Your City, which are not only targeted to make the city what it once used to be but too to make the youth aware of what they have been missing for so long or be it the book he recently presented to the city, Discovering Lucknow, a coffee table book, which not only gives the minutiae of the monuments but too depicts them in the then and now effect.
Always mindful, always in search of the next level, he not only sets an example for others but also sets very high standards for himself that ultimately set him apart from everyone.
"Books are one's best friend’ and she is the perfect example why it is said so. Her childhood budding affection towards the books blossomed to an extent that at such tender age she owns a library of 500+ books. When her interest turned into love and then into passion even she didn’t realize. Student by profession and social worker, Akansha is a very good Calligrapher and painter too. Her favorite time-pass is to drift in the sea of words and explore the minds of the authors. According to her, at times books take her to a wonderland where she could stay away from the worries of the world… and at times they even provide adequate strength to face the worldly problems.
Decoding the undercurrents of elections in India, former Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. S.Y. Quraishi and Kena Shree conversed on the trends of elections in the country in the session, “Demystifying elections and empowering India.” Mr. Quraishi highlighted the fact that elections are generally perceived as merely a political affair, but they are also the world’s greatest management event. They talked about the ‘First past the post system’ of elections in India and how it can be replaced for the...
Former managing editor of India Today Dilip C. Mandal discussed the current scenario of media and the changing public sphere in a power packed session. He emphasized how social media has captured the Indian audience, and how it multiplies geometrically....
Activist Teesta Setalvad sat in discussion with Ayaz Khalid on her book ‘Beyond Doubt’. It was a highly charged session with the audience hanging on to the magnetic pull of the revolutionary’s words. On her book Teesta Setalvad said...
The performance by Sebastian Dreyer and Papia Ghoshal, who hail from Germany, enchanted everyone by their performance. The performance started by a soulful performance by Sebastian Dreyer. He performed a few songs on the sitar which ended with a rapturous...
The compelling “Dastan Ghummi Kebabi ki” was told by the dauntless Fauzia, the first female Dastango of modern times along with Fazal Rashid. This antique performance by Fauzia and Fazal gladdened everyone present their and drew back in the yellow...
Bollywood filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, theatre and film personality Atul Tiwari, and Vinod Bhardwaj sat in conversation with Ayaz Khalid, deliberating on the role of theatre in moulding Indian cinema. They discussed a variety of issues, including the inclusion of songs in Indian cinema to the portrayal of theatrical stories in the cinema. Another important point that was brought out was that theatre needed much more marketing than cinema due to its...
विज्ञापन के दौर में ‘जो दिखता है वो बिकता है” जैसी कहावते समाज में इस कदर घर कर गई हैं जिससे पार पाना शायद अब आसान नहीं लगता। लेकिन सवाल ये है कि क्या नफे- नुक्सान के फेर में पड़कर झूठ, फरेब और धोखे का कारोबार भी किया जा सकता है?
साल 2014 में आउटलुक ट्रैवेलर ने लखनऊ सोसाइटी के तत्वाधान में आयोजित “लखनऊ लिटरेरी फेस्टिवल” को इण्डिया के “टॉप 6” लिटरेरी फेस्टिवल में लिस्ट किया था जो कुछ लोगो के लिए नींद ना आने का विषय बना हुआ था बस फिर क्या था अभी कुछ दिन पहले एक फेसबुक पोस्ट हम लोगो की नज़रो के सामने से गुज़रा जिसमे लिखा था कि लखनऊ एक्सप्रेशन द्वारा आयोजित “लखनऊ लिटरेचर कार्निवाल” जिसे अब “लखनऊ लिटरेचर फेस्टिवल” का नाम दे दिया गया है, को हेराल्ड पोस्ट ने इंडिया के बेस्ट (टॉप 5) लिट् फेस्ट में शामिल किया है। पर बात कुछ इस वजह से गले से नहीं उतरी की वो संस्था जिस पर लखनऊ सोसाइटी ने ट्रेडमार्क पासिंग ऑफ का केस फाइल किया हुआ है जिसके कारण उसके सारे सोशल मीडिया अकाउंट (फेसबुक/इंस्टाग्राम/ट्विटर) सम्बंधित संस्थाओ ने ससपेंड कर दिए हो और जो अभी फेस्टिवल के नाम से हुआ भी नहीं हो वो अभी से “टॉप 5” में कैसे लिस्ट हो सकता है?
बस फिर क्या था जिज्ञासा को शांत करने के लिए “हेराल्ड पोस्ट डॉट इन” (heraldpost.in) का शिजरा निकाला गया तो पाया गया कि वो डोमेन किसी फ़र्ज़ी नाम और एड्रेस से रजिस्टर किया गया था बस उसको रजिस्टर करने वाले से गलती ये हो गई की वो अपनी मेल आई डी हटाना भूल गया था। और ये मेल आई डी छिछली लोकप्रियता पाने की होड़ में लगे लखनऊ एक्सप्रेशन सोसायटी के कर्मठ टीम मेंबर वसीम सिददीकी साहब की निकली और नंबर लखनऊ एक्सप्रेशन सोसाइटी का। वैसे तो ये उनके लिए कोई नई बात नहीं थी क्योकि ऐसे कई काम ये पहले भी कर चुके है तो ऐसे लोगो से नैतिकता की उम्मीद करना भी अप्रासंगिक होगा।
वैसे तो इंसान की फितरत नहीं बदलती पर फिर भी हम लोगो का लखनऊ एक्सप्रेशन सोसायटी के प्रेसिडेंट श्री जयंत कृष्णा साहब जो की देश के “कौशल भारत” ( Skill India – NSDC ) के ED & COO भी है, को सुझाव है कि वो इण्डिया की स्किल बाद में डेवेलोप करे पहले वो अपने टीम मेंबर्स की स्किल्स डेवेलप कर ले तो शायद ज़्यादा बेहतर हो।
Lucknow Literary Festival® & Lucknow Literature Festival® is a registered trademark & copyright of Lucknow Society®
Lucknow Sahitya Mahotsav™ is a trademark applied for by LUCKNOW Society.
“AAJ BHI KEHTA HAI HAR SAHIB-E NAZAR ROSHAN KHAYAAL,
LUCKNOW ILM-O ADAB MEIN AAP HI APNI MISAAL”
Uttar Pradesh, is the land of Amir Khusru, Meer Taqi Meer, Asad Ullah Khan Ghalib, Mir Anees, Mirza Hadi Ruswa, Abdul Halim Sharar, Munshi Premchand, Yashpal, Amrit Lal Nagar, Raghupati Sahai Firaq Gorakhpuri, Asrar-ul-Haq Majaz, Pandit Brij Narain Chakbast, Jigar Moradabadi, Qurratulain Haider and many others who gave us masterpieces and made epic contributions to Literature. Even today contemporary authors like Javed Akhtar, Veena Talwar Oldenburg, Neelesh Misra, Prasoon Joshi, etc have kept the flame of the written word burning bright. Despite the presence of such literary greats, Uttar Pradesh has not had a literary summit for a long time, even though we had a tradition of Kavi Sammelans, Mushairas & Nashists. To carry on this legacy, and consciously try to enlighten the reader, Lucknow Literary Festival is organized in the capital of Uttar Pradesh to promote the literary genius of Uttar Pradesh & Lucknow in particular. The festival is an effort to bring forth the lutf of languages – Hindi, Urdu, Awadhi & English on a common platform.
The first ever Lucknow Literary Festival (लखनऊ साहित्य महोत्सव) is an endeavour of the LUCKNOW Society, which is a non profit organisation dedicated to the cause of promoting & conserving the Culture, Tehzeeb & Heritage of Shahar-e Lucknow. Shamim A. Aarzoo, the founder of the society is instrumental in organizing the festival. Lucknow Literary Festival acknowledges new literary talents, honors our legends, while restoring literary tradition of the past, Lucknow’s own unique heritage and also evoking the newer generation’s interest. The event is also replete with entertainment for the literary taste. Lucknow Literary Festival is, by far, India’s only literary festival organized solely on the independent efforts and endeavors of a youth organization with an average team age of 24 years.
The Lucknow Literary Festival has been adorned with sundry of well – known names and faces that not only grace the event with their presence but also share their experiences, their insights with young and old alike.
While, on one hand, the Lucknow Literary Festival has become a hub of the glitz from all across the country, it also dawns the light upon Lucknow’s own talent and gives them a stage to showcase themselves in our cultural programs.
“EK LUTF-E KHAAS DIL KO TERI AARZOO ME HAI,
ALLAH JAANE KITNI KASHISH LUCKNOW ME HAI”
The Wajid Ali Shah award was presented to nation’s very noted director Sudhir Mishra. Born and brought up in Lucknow, Sudhir Mishra is the grandson of former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Dwarka Prasad Mishra. His father, Devendra Nath Mishra, was the founder member of Lucknow Film Society. Sudhir Mishra along with Badal Sircar who is his college friend, formed a theatre group called Workshop Theatre and worked on several plays together. After a year and a half he moved to Pune with his brother Sudhanshu Mishra, who was the student then at Film and Television Institute of India and Sudhir gives brownie points to his brother for making him learn much of the cinema. Moving to the city of Dreams, Bombay in 1980, he began his career as assistant director and scriptwriter in Kundan Shah’s comedy classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and later worked with Saeed Akhtar Mirza in Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! in 1984 and with Vidhu Vinod Chopra in Khamosh in 1985. Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin in 1987 was his directorial debut which won him the prestigious National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director. He is credited for many applauded films like Dharavi in 1991, Main Zinda Hoon in 1988, Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin in 1996 and Chameli in 2003. Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi in 2005 is his most hailed film up till now. Arjun Pandit (1999 film), Calcutta Mail (2003), Khoya Khoya Chand (2007), Tera Kya Hoga Johnny (2010) Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011), Mumbai Cutting (2011), Inkaar (2013) and Kirchiyaan (2013) are his other endowed projects. Apart from directing and screenwriting Sudhir also appeared as an actor in many films like Khamosh in 1985, Traffic signal in 2007 and Raat gayi baat gayi in 2010.
Sudhir Mishra as a film director and screenwriter has been a crucial part of Hindi cinema and LUCKNOW Society is gratified by bestowing Wajid Ali Shah Award to Sudhir Mishra for his contribution in Hindi cinema and glorifying Lucknow. On greeting the audience Sudhir confessed his fear in speaking much in the city as his ancestors belong here and also there are many friends and relatives who want him to see them.
>> Wajid Ali Shah Award 2015 – Pandit Birju Maharaj
The Pride of Lucknow Award is given to luminaries for excelling in their respected fields.
The Pride of Lucknow award for contribution to Urdu Literature was awarded to Sardar Ratan Singh. His 10 books have been published out of which six were the collection of short stories, three novelettes and one autobiography. He has also translated 9 books from other languages into Urdu and three into Punjabi. Panaah Gaah is one most eminent out of his collection. It was a prestige to honour this versed luminary with Pride of Lucknow Award. Enunciating the people after receiving the award from Teesta Setalvad, He said everything he earned, he owes to his family and friends. He further added that he yet has no control upon his speech, whatever comes in his mind he articulates. It was a proud time for everyone present to hang on to the words of such a notorious personality.
The Pride of Lucknow award for contribution to Doordarshan, Literature and Cinema was conferred to Vilayat Jafri. Born on 2 October 1935 in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, Vilayat Jafri is a reputed playwright, poet and short story writer and well known in the literary, theatre and entertainment sector in India. He is well versed in 7 languages i.e.; Hindi, Urdu, English, Sanskrit, Persian, Punjabi and Arabic, but writes in Hindi and Urdu. He has worked as the Controller of Programmes Directorate General in Doordarshan New Delhi and he retired as the Director, Doordarshan. In 1993, a special programme was aired by BBC London, exasperating his contribution as a write and the theatre worker. He pioneered Light & Sound Programmes in India. He was an important part of various cultural bodies of the country. He was the Chairman of Inter Media Program Coordination Committee, Govt. of India from 1988 to 1993. He was a Member of National Film Development Corporation, Mumbai from 1987 to 1988 and Script Committee. He was also executed as the International Jury in a TV festival ‘Golden Prague’ Czechoslovakia in July, 1989. He was a Panel Member of India Council for Cultural Relations in Ministry of External Affairs, India.
Vilayat Jafri’s plays like Zaher Kaun Piye that received Urdu Academy Award. He also manifested his name in many Television Serials like Neem ka Ped, Aadha Gaon. He also aired many Radio Plays like Eik Gaon Ki Kahani and Sitaro Se Aage. He has authored 9 books of which 2 were awarded, including Thaki Yadein, Jahan Khoon Bikta Hai, Zaher Kaun Piye (Received Academy Award (1989) & J&K Govt. award (1969), Neelam Pari, Dhool Mein Phool, Chandi Ki Kirchein, Dahekta Avadh, Gustakhiya.
The Pride of Lucknow award for satire was awarded to Gopal Chaturvedi. An excellent satirist and a man of words, he is a gem to the literature of Lucknow. Unable to be a part of the literary festival due to his ill health, the LUCKNOW society feels proud to confer this year’s award for his excellence.
Decoding the undercurrents of elections in India, former Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. S.Y. Quraishi and Kena Shree conversed on the trends of elections in the country in the session, “Demystifying elections and empowering India.” Mr. Quraishi highlighted the fact that elections are generally perceived as merely a political affair, but they are also the world’s greatest management event. They talked about the ‘First past the post system’ of elections in India and how it can be replaced for the better. The National Voters’ day is his invention. He said “It is a cause for celebration when you turn 18, and that is why we decided to observe this day. The first time we gave away 8 lac voter IDs.”
Former managing editor of India Today Dilip C. Mandal discussed the current scenario of media and the changing public sphere in a power packed session. He emphasized how social media has captured the Indian audience, and how it multiplies geometrically. He talked about idea sharing and benefits of social media. Speaking of the JNU students’ sedition charges issue, he said “We are a nation living in fear. “ It was a highly informative session; the audience took an active interest, raising many questions about the issues he mentioned.
Activist Teesta Setalvad sat in discussion with Ayaz Khalid on her book ‘Beyond Doubt’. It was a highly charged session with the audience hanging on to the magnetic pull of the revolutionary’s words. On her book Teesta Setalvad said “The entire effort is to expose deliberate propaganda by the people who believe in Hindu Rashtravaad. The centre has a schizophrenic relationship with Gandhi; they use his use his photographs but denigrate his politics.”
The performance by Sebastian Dreyer and Papia Ghoshal, who hail from Germany, enchanted everyone by their performance. The performance started by a soulful performance by Sebastian Dreyer. He performed a few songs on the sitar which ended with a rapturous applause. The fusion of both Sebastian Dreyer and Papia Ghoshal for the Baul blazed the stage and blew away everyone’s mind. The audience whole heartedly participated in the performance and cheered the artists with resounding applause throughout the performance.
The compelling “Dastan Ghummi Kebabi ki” was told by the dauntless Fauzia, the first female Dastango of modern times along with Fazal Rashid. This antique performance by Fauzia and Fazal gladdened everyone present their and drew back in the yellow pages of Awadh. The performance told the tale of Ghummi Kebabi and his journey of making the kebabs and his shop in the lanes of Old Delhi. The audience was spell bound by this art of storytelling and was listening intently to the words and the style of storytelling. Each member of the audience was hooked to every word of the Dastango.
Bollywood filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, theatre and film personality Atul Tiwari, and Vinod Bhardwaj sat in conversation with Ayaz Khalid, deliberating on the role of theatre in moulding Indian cinema. They discussed a variety of issues, including the inclusion of songs in Indian cinema to the portrayal of theatrical stories in the cinema. Another important point that was brought out was that theatre needed much more marketing than cinema due to its approach.
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Lucknow Literature Festival (LLF) conferred Wajid Ali Shah Award on the noted dance guru Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji. Mr. Asif Ali Mirza, Mr. Mir Jafar Abdullah and the Founder & CEO of The Lucknow Literary Festival, Mr. Shamim A. Aarzoo accompanied him on the stage. Mr. Sunil Sunkara who is an internationally acclaimed performing artist conducted the ceremony. On the screen the audience was led through time and witnessed the highlights of life and times of Pandit Birju Maharaj...
Best-selling author Preeti Shenoy took the limelight in the session, where her book 'It Happens For A Reason', a work enunciating the male perspective on human relationship, was launched. Preeti talked about her book and pointed out how relationships have...
The event also witnessed the launching of Ravinder Singh's new book 'Your Dreams Are Mine Now', followed by a discussion on his book and his experiences that led him to write. Ravinder is a noted author who shot to fame...
The session was conducted in honour of Padma Bhushan author Gopaldas Neeraj and his compositions. Evergreen songs like 'Khilte hain gul yahan, khil ke bikharne ko', 'Shokhiyon mein ghola jaaye', 'Mera Man Tera Pyasa', 'Rangeela re' etc. evoked nostalgia among...
Session on 'Gender Sensitization, road block to child education and the role of Government and society' in association with UNICEF. The session was presided by Niloufar Pourzand, Farah Usmani, Urvashi Sahni, Qaisra Shahraz and Sehba Ali. The panelists discussed the three key areas that have been pulling the society down, and that can be worked on so as to achieve an overall rise in the standards of the people and society. These vices have been gnawing at the roots of...
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LUCKNOW society, aims to preserve, promote and resurrect the inimitable culture and heritage of the city of nawabs, revive its past magnificence as it affects a modern grace. ‘Let’s Unite for Culture, Knowledge, Nationalism and Objective Welfare Society’ – each character of the christening contains the fervor of commitment to the cause. Headed by a band of zealous lucknowites, the society came into force on 25th April 2011 sanctioned under the Societies Registration Act (Act XXI of 1860). In the four years following its momentous conception, it has worked ardently as a restorative of the city’s primal pride, acting as a crucial channel between governmental and non-governmental organizations, individual crusaders of its cause. Cultural pursuits have been redeemed from fading ruins of remembrance and records. Poets, writers, warriors, places, customs, the arts and a quintessential people all celebrated and deemed with dignity and respect that is their due. Raising and revealing to the youth the soul of the city, its true and inspiring legacy and the onus that rests on them to uplift and sustain its cultural and social renovation, has been one of its essential occupation. Up, Aware and rooted in its regal inheritance that is the society’s goal for the city’s imminent heirs.
The Society has hot in only been a non-profit organization in these past years but has also acted as an extended family to the city. There have been made several efforts in making the city a better place by the Society. Be it awareness campaigns like “Kyun Ki Shahar Hai Aapka” or paying tributes to Lucknow’s legends in “Shaam-e-Adab”, LUCKNOW Society has always been paying equal consideration to the contemporary botheration as well as decrepit complications.
Be it the “Lucknow Literary Festival”, which has been adorned with sundry of well – known names and faces that not only grace the event with their presence but also share their experiences, their insights with young and old alike, which not only solves the purpose of making the legendary writers shine among the youngsters but also encouraging the young talent to come forward or be it bringing forward the drifting dance culture of Lucknow through “Lucknow Dance Festival”.
Be it the initiatives like “Let’s revive”, “Save Our Heritage”, “Know Your City”, which are not only targeted to make the city what it once used to be but too to make the youth aware of what they have been missing for so long. The initiatives are not only in order to spread the awareness but too returning the city its timeworn glory, which it has been losing with the advancing years.
As we say the Society has always played a role of the extended family to the city, it too has given equal opportunities as well as liberty to the citizens to the express their views and perspective through initiatives like “Let’s Share” and “Ab Isko Kya Kaha Jaaye” at the same time offering them equal insights of Lucknow’s Rich language and food culture through initiatives like “Zaban-e-Lucknow” and “Zaiqa-e-Lucknow”
Being a family there exist no chance to obliterate the memories of the ones who made us what we are today, our legends in various fields of life. The initiates like “Lets’s Salute” and “Yaadein” take us back in the dates to events and personalities associated to them. Encouraging the youth to come forward, the Society has been conducting the “Quiz Lucknow” strictly based on the lurking facts of the city as well as presenting the citizens with the enchanting beauty of the city through the monuments captured in the “Right Angle” calendar. LUCKNOW Society has also recently presented the city, a coffee table book “Discovering Lucknow” as well as a monthly magazine “The Lucknow Observer” which presents the readers with almost all aspects the city is known for.
Perpetually encouraging the new talent, the Society also conducts workshops like “Let’s Save Calligraphy” in order to save the dying art form, which still can be seen in almost all the mausoleum and mosques of the city. Online photography contests like “Explore Lucknow” are one of its kind contest, the Society is known for in youngsters while the renowned and the legendries have been awarded with “Pride of Lucknow Award” and “Wajid Ali Shah Award” on regular basis.
Lucknow Literary Festival bestowed Wajid Ali Shah award to legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj. Named after last Nawab of Lucknow, the award was bestowed to Maharaj ji as he has made a great contribution in order to keep the art alive. He was born as Brijmohan Mishra to a noted Kathak exponent, Jagannath Maharaj, popularly known as Acchan Maharaj. His father served as a court dancer in Raigarh princely state. Trained by his uncles, Lachhu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj and his father, Birju Maharaj exhibited his talent at the tender age of seven and became a legend in the Lucknow gharana of Kathak dance. Credit goes to him for taking kathak to its previously unattained zenith. Pandit Birju Maharaj served as the director of the Kathak Kala Kendra for several years. He took to teaching kathak at a very young age and later founded his own dance school, Kalashram which imparts training to aspiring dancers. Though kathak remains his first love, very few know that he is trained in Hindustani classical music too. He has composed the music, and sang, for two dance sequences in the Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj ke Khilari, and choreographed the song Kaahe Chhed Mohe from the 2002 film version of movie Devdas. The Government of India conferred on him the Padma Vibhushan Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalidas Samman. In 2012, he was bestowed with the National Award for Best Choreography for the film Vishwaroopam.
The Lucknow Literary Festival and so its audience was indeed fortunate to have been graced by Pandit Birju Maharaj. The presentation screen at the festival showcasing old video clips, which showed him dancing and imparting kathak lessons to audience evoked a sense of nostalgia and pride among his fans. In the heart-to-heart interaction with the audience, Pandit Birju Maharaj said he was overjoyed to have won the award. He also expressed his desire for the revamping of his old ancestral home Kalka Bindadin Maharaj ji ki Dyodhi at Lucknow into a heritage spot. It is relevant to mention here that the government of Uttar Pradesh has ordered a grant for the restoration of his ancestral property in Lucknow. Pandit Birju Maharaj wishes to establish a kathak training school at his ancestral home with due support from the government. He also expressed concern at the eroding tehzeeb in Lucknow and stressed the need to revive performing arts in the city.
Besides Wajid Ali Shah award, the Pride of Lucknow awards were conferred on three distinguished luminaries.
The Pride of Lucknow award for the contribution to Hindi literature was bestowed on author Shiv Murti. Born on March 11, 1950, Shiv Murti is one of the leading voices in contemporary Hindi fiction. Hailing from humble background, his life was full of struggle. But the best steel is made when iron is passed in hottest temperature. This holds true for author Shiv Murti. A person of few words, he let his works do the talking for him. His first story ‘Mujhe Jeena Hai’ followed by ‘Paanphool’ was published when he was studying in 12th standard. Thereafter he never looked back. His works depict the plight of rural folk in true light. Caste politics, power politics, poverty and Dalit problems form the theme of his works. One of his best novels ‘Triyacharitra’ portrays the life of a young girl who is false implicated for having an illicit relationship and as a consequence has to bear the brutal punishment handed out by gram panchayat. This novel was later made into a movie by Basu Chatterjee. Since his works paint a picture of rural life in true fervor, his fans consider him as second Premchand. But he brushes aside this compliment saying: “Premchand is Premchand. I can never replace him.” His other novels are Trishul and Tarpan. Keshar Kasturi is a collection of stories authored by him. Now his fans should gear up for the re- release of his novel ‘Akhiri Chhalang’. Shivmurti has won Kathakram and Hans award in the past. Though he is satisfied with the kind of Hindi works produced today, he expresses concern at the youngsters losing interest in Hindi literature.
The Pride of Lucknow award for excellence in women empowerment was bestowed on Madhvi Kuckreja, a social worker and founder of NGO Vanaangan. Humbled to receive the award, she considers herself fortunate to have won it though she had shifted her base to Lucknow only few years back. She has set up a shop, Sanatkada here that sells handicrafts, functions as a café, a book club and a film club, all rolled into one. Madhvi has supported numerous women-led, grassroots-level organizations to emerge as transparent, vibrant entities that are sensitive to women. Internationally, she has worked on building opinion against women being subjected to violence in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Sudan. Before moving to Lucknow, she was earlier working in Bundelkhand for alleviating the problems of Dalit women, who are entangled in triad of poverty, caste discrimination and gender subjugation. Though they have been financially independent for long, Dalit women are subjected to discrimination and violence in all forms manifesting itself through rape, public humiliation, or honor killings. Another common punishment for breaking community rules that is also used simply for vengeance is public stripping and parading of women. Violence can also take an extreme form with lynching of women labeled as witches or dayans. Domestic violence however, cuts through religious, caste and class boundaries-dowry related death caused by “accidental” burning of women thrives in the state. Moreover, when women gain property rights-usually after being widowed-they become targets of violence by members of the family or community. Therefore, instead of being economically empowering, property is itself a reason for violence against women. She expresses satisfaction that Due to the collective efforts of her NGO, knowledge levels among Dalit women have increased and they are assuming leadership roles in the village community.
The third Pride of Lucknow award was conferred on noted Urdu author Anees Ashfaq. His work ‘Dukhyare’ highlighting his close relationship with elder brother carries the undertones of declining affluent culture of Lucknow. Elated though to receive the award, he considers ‘Qalam’ as his biggest award. “My writings are useless until they fail to strike a chord with genuine readers,” he said on his felicitation. So what make him pursue writing in Urdu? “I was an avid reader at the age of 18-19. Credit goes to my mother for imparting me lessons in Urdu and shaping my language as it is today.” He expresses concern at the declining habit of reading in today’s youngsters and their overriding ambitions to become stars overnight. He, however, lauds the initiative of Lucknow Society and stresses such rendezvous should be encouraged as they serve as a platform to bring genuine writers together and instills awareness among people. His writings reflect genuine critical analysis of the contemporary scenario. He believes that writings on Lucknow today are not portraying it in true light. With his desire for cultural revival of the city, his upcoming next novel is also set in Lucknow.
With conferring of these four awards, honouring of the dignitaries at the festival came to an end. We at Lucknow Society are thrilled to award best of talent in the city and will continue to reward blossoming excellence in the years to come.
Lucknow Literature Festival (LLF) conferred Wajid Ali Shah Award on the noted dance guru Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji. Mr. Asif Ali Mirza, Mr. Mir Jafar Abdullah and the Founder & CEO of The Lucknow Literary Festival, Mr. Shamim A. Aarzoo accompanied him on the stage. Mr. Sunil Sunkara who is an internationally acclaimed performing artist conducted the ceremony. On the screen the audience was led through time and witnessed the highlights of life and times of Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji.
Best-selling author Preeti Shenoy took the limelight in the session, where her book ‘It Happens For A Reason’, a work enunciating the male perspective on human relationship, was launched. Preeti talked about her book and pointed out how relationships have transformed through technology and love letters have given way to Facebook posts and WhatsApp messages. Nevertheless, “emotions in relationships have remained untouched,” she said.
The event also witnessed the launching of Ravinder Singh’s new book ‘Your Dreams Are Mine Now’, followed by a discussion on his book and his experiences that led him to write. Ravinder is a noted author who shot to fame with his debut novel ‘I Too Had A Love Story’. The book was based on the real experiences of his own life.
The session was conducted in honour of Padma Bhushan author Gopaldas Neeraj and his compositions. Evergreen songs like ‘Khilte hain gul yahan, khil ke bikharne ko’, ‘Shokhiyon mein ghola jaaye’, ‘Mera Man Tera Pyasa’, ‘Rangeela re’ etc. evoked nostalgia among the audience. The session commenced with words of praise for Neeraj Ji by none other than Maulana Kalbe Sadik, who emphasized on the sensibility of the choice of his words, the depth of his verses and their simplicity.
Session on ‘Gender Sensitization, road block to child education and the role of Government and society’ in association with UNICEF. The session was presided by Niloufar Pourzand, Farah Usmani, Urvashi Sahni, Qaisra Shahraz and Sehba Ali. The panelists discussed the three key areas that have been pulling the society down, and that can be worked on so as to achieve an overall rise in the standards of the people and society. These vices have been gnawing at the roots of the Indian society for ages and rendering it hollow, and our panel unanimously agreed that it falls upon every individual’s shoulder to clean the mess of their own society, and owe up responsibility.
The Lucknow Literary Festival is an initiative of LUCKNOW Society that acknowledges new literary talents, honors our legends, while restoring literary tradition of the past, Lucknow’s own unique heritage and also evoking the newer generation’s interest. The event is also replete with entertainment for the literary taste. Lucknow Literary Festival is, by far, India’s only literary festival organized solely on the independent efforts and endeavors of a youth organization with an average team age of 24 years.
The Lucknow Literary Festival has been adorned with sundry of well – known names and faces that not only grace the event with their presence but also share their experiences, their insights with young and old alike.
While, on one hand, the Lucknow Literary Festival has become a hub of the glitz from all across the country, it also dawns the light upon Lucknow’s own talent and gives them a stage to showcase themselves in our cultural programs.
And then of course, there are books !!
Lucknow society, aims to preserve, promote and resurrect the inimitable culture and heritage of the city of nawabs, revive its past magnificence as it affects a modern grace. ‘Let’s Unite for Culture, Knowledge, Nationalism and Objective Welfare of Society’ –each character of the christening contains the fervor of commitment to the cause. Headed by a band of zealous lucknowites, the society came into force on 25th April 2011 sanctioned under the Societies Registration Act (Act XXI of 1860) . In the four years following its momentous conception, it has worked ardently as a restorative of the city’s primal pride, acting as a crucial channel between governmental and non-governmental organizations, individual crusaders of its cause. Cultural pursuits have been redeemed from fading ruins of remembrance and records. Poets, writers, warriors, places, customs, the arts and a quintessential people all celebrated and deemed with dignity and respect that is their due. Raising and revealing to the youth the soul of the city, its true and inspiring legacy and the onus that rests on them to uplift and sustain its cultural and social renovation, has been one of its essential occupation. Up, Aware and rooted in its regal inheritance that is the society’s goal for the city’s imminent heirs.
In spite of being a Non-Lucknowite by birth, the love he carries in his heart for Lucknow as well as Literature is incomparable. The zeal to carry forward the heritage and culture of the city of Nawabs led him to the foundation of the LUCKNOW Society, which reflects his efforts to preserve the unique Lucknawi Tehzeeb and makes every citizen proud of the unique culture and heritage of which Lucknow has been a home for an endless time period now. At the very same time Literature also played a very important role to bring out the best in him as the founder of the Lucknow Literary Festival and Editor in chief of the first english literary magazine of Lucknow, The Lucknow Observer.
Displaying great leadership and vision, he has led from the front in an effort to make Lucknow a better place and, at the same time, reviving what rightfully belongs to Lucknow. Be it awareness campaigns like Kyun Ki Shahar Hai Aapka or paying tributes to Lucknow’s legends in Shaam-e-Adab. His innovativeness has been his sharpest tool to serve the city, be it his initiatives like Let’s revive, Save Our Heritage, Know Your City, which are not only targeted to make the city what it once used to be but too to make the youth aware of what they have been missing for so long or be it the book he recently presented to the city, Discovering Lucknow, a coffee table book, which not only gives the minutiae of the monuments but too depicts them in the then and now effect.
Always mindful, always in search of the next level, he not only sets an example for others but also sets very high standards for himself that ultimately set him apart from everyone.
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Lucknow’s 1st Interactive News Magazine, The Lucknow Observer aims to first and foremost document and to preserve the rich cultural and literary heritage of Lucknow city. The objective is to remind and to return to contemporary citizens a historical legacy that belongs to them, to help transform that which is in a state of decay into development and above all to share with readers local personalities and events that make living in Lucknow such a special experience. Mission is to...
Among many Indian Dance forms Kathak stands out being the most graceful dance form. In Lucknow, Kathak developed mainly in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It was in this period that Lucknow gained maturity and perfection. The Lucknow...
Abdul Halim Sharar in Guzishta Lucknow calls this art as ‘extemporaneous composition’. The development of Urdu language in Lucknow was not only limited to letters and court culture. Contributions were made at all levels of society which caused the language...
Lucknow Literary Festival has the distinction of being the only Literary Festival where Mushaira & Kavi Sammelan are part of the festivity. If not its birthplace, then Lucknow is certainly one of the pilgrimage sites of poetry! The region bears...
Pornpen Hantrakool ( Thailand ), William Letford ( Scottland ), Satya Verghese ( Bulgaria ), Pranesh Prasad ( Australia ), Raza Naeem ( Pakistan ) & Jatinder Singh ( UK ) explored what are in minds of the young readers....
Shabana Azmi, Sudhir Kakar & Bina Ramani launched ‘25 Strokes of Kindness’ by Nikita Singh. This is her most recent book, which is an anthology of short stories, co-edited with Orvana Ghai. Nikita Singh is the bestselling author of six novels, including Love @ Facebook, Accidentally in Love, The Promise and The Unreasonable Fellows. She has co-authored two books with Durjoy Datta, titled If It's Not Forever and Someone Like You. She has also contributed to the books of The...
Lucknow’s 1st Interactive News Magazine, The Lucknow Observer aims to first and foremost document and to preserve the rich cultural and literary heritage of Lucknow city. The objective is to remind and to return to contemporary citizens a historical legacy that belongs to them, to help transform that which is in a state of decay into development and above all to share with readers local personalities and events that make living in Lucknow such a special experience. Mission is to publicize the knowledge of historical facts, monumental evidences, lost heritage, declining mannerism and extincting flavor of Lucknow; to restore the diminishing traditions of Lucknow and make every citizen a proud associate of unique Lucknowi Tehzeeb; to realize a holistic betterment of Lucknow through concentrated efforts of awareness and objective welfare.
Among many Indian Dance forms Kathak stands out being the most graceful dance form. In Lucknow, Kathak developed mainly in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It was in this period that Lucknow gained maturity and perfection. The Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance is characterised by graceful movements, elegance, precision and delicacy. Dance type in Lucknow is artistically combines with classical music like thumri, dadra and horis. Many sufi followers find Kathak the most suitable form of dance for sufi songs or sayings. Presently, Pandit Birju Maharaj, son of Pandit Achchan Maharaj is considered the pioneer for the Lucknow gharana. Natalia Hildner from U.S. is one such example who finds her soul in Kathak dance. She has been trained under Birju Maharaj and is a fond propagator of Kathak form of dance. She is of the opinion that “what we recognize as Kathak today was born in Lucknow. Where did its nazakat nafazat, salaami, thaat, mijaaz and andaaz come from? Kathak is not just a dance, but also a journey of self-discovery. Kathak communicated something beyond this world…from its stories to its poetry, from its rhythm to its virtuosity, from its depth to its playfulness, from its colloquial flavor to its elegance, from its grace to its power”.
Abdul Halim Sharar in Guzishta Lucknow calls this art as ‘extemporaneous composition’. The development of Urdu language in Lucknow was not only limited to letters and court culture. Contributions were made at all levels of society which caused the language to improve, broaden and assume new aspects which were sources of interest to all classes. One such effort was Dastangoi, the art of story telling. Stories with imaginative instincts were recited by dastangos of Lucknow in 18th & 19th century. Mahmood Farooqui described that in 1881, buoyed by the success of the Amir Hamza story, Munshi Newal Kishore Press, Lucknow embarked on a highly ambitious literary print project. He assembled some of the leading Dastangos of Lucknow and commissioned them to produce the entire Hamza narrative as it existed in oral and written records. The result, by the end of a labour of twenty five years, was a series consisting of 46 huge volumes, each about a thousand pages long. It is the crowning glory of Urdu literary tradition and the summit of a thousand years of the Indo-Islamic composite culture.
Lucknow Literary Festival has the distinction of being the only Literary Festival where Mushaira & Kavi Sammelan are part of the festivity. If not its birthplace, then Lucknow is certainly one of the pilgrimage sites of poetry! The region bears a distinct influence on Urdu Ghazal Khwaani and Lucknow school being one of the most prominent schools of Urdu Poetry. The lyric and rhyme of an Urdu Nazm and Ghazal is best enjoyed in a traditional Mushaira where poets’ distinct style of elocution adds to the creations charm and cheered by listeners Waah-Waah! Kavi Sammelan is an integral part of the North Indian Culture. A Lucknawi social gathering is incomplete without few couplets being exchanged, a culmination of top contemporary poets graced the festival!
Pornpen Hantrakool ( Thailand ), William Letford ( Scottland ), Satya Verghese ( Bulgaria ), Pranesh Prasad ( Australia ), Raza Naeem ( Pakistan ) & Jatinder Singh ( UK ) explored what are in minds of the young readers. It was an interesting panel discussion where writers from various continents discussed about the reading habits of the youth. The various shades of culture reflects the variety of lifestyle and so the change in language; whereas the youths reflect some similarities in the reading habits. It is due to the globalization and the concept of one-world.
Shabana Azmi, Sudhir Kakar & Bina Ramani launched ‘25 Strokes of Kindness’ by Nikita Singh. This is her most recent book, which is an anthology of short stories, co-edited with Orvana Ghai. Nikita Singh is the bestselling author of six novels, including Love @ Facebook, Accidentally in Love, The Promise and The Unreasonable Fellows. She has co-authored two books with Durjoy Datta, titled If It’s Not Forever and Someone Like You. She has also contributed to the books of The Backbenchers series. Nikita received a Live India Young Achievers Award in 2013. With a library stocked with over 12,000 books, she is a voracious reader and adores her collection of fantasy novels. She is a cricket enthusiast and enjoys a good cardio workout.
Shashank Prabhakar has emerged as an eminent poet among galaxy of modern literary artist. His unmatched talent and unusual literary caliber has enriched his artistic career. He was brought up in a literary environment as his father honourable Padam Bhushan Gopal Das Neeraj is a well known and versatile poet and literary artist. His mother late Manorma Sharma was an active socialist and endeavored for the welfare of others. Therefore, he inculcated the multifacinated traits of his parents. He has also contributed in the well known news channel Sahara Samay. Prabhakar’s poetic career not only lasts in the nation but also on international ground. His valuable contribution is vividly perceived for fifteen years. His poetic genre is embellished with many poemsHe has also been an editor of a famous poetic book. He has the musical element, Figurative language and vivid imagery is predominant in his poems. His poetic talent is further embodied with various works of art which he will provide his readers and audience in the forthcoming scenarios.
Raza Naeem is an independent Pakistani Arabic-speaking social scientist, book critic and translator based in Lahore. He is also a longtime activist of the Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party (CMKP), being involved in organizing and mobilizing workers, peasants and youth in Lahore and Karachi for over a decade. He has been trained in Political Economy from the University of Leeds in UK, and in Middle Eastern History and Anthropology from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, US. He has travelled and lived in, and written widely about Egypt, Yemen and Turkey over the years. He is presently working on three books, namely, a political and cultural history of Yemen post-Arab Spring, on the contradictions of bourgeois democracy in Pakistan, as well as translating Saadat Hasan Manto’s Letters to Uncle Sam and other postcolonial essays from the Urdu. His published articles on Manto, and selected translations from Manto, have already been translated into Tamil. He has recently been awarded a prestigious British Council and Charles Wallace Trust Fellowship 2013-14 to continue his work on Manto’s essays at the University of Bradford in UK.
Vikram Mani Tripathi Science Teacher, Director/Producer-Awadh Darshan program (Nepal Television), Member of Awadhi Book writers team (Nepal), Member of Awadhi grammar writers team, Awadhi Language Teacher’s Trainer (Nepal). Degree of proficiency and excellence in Awadh, Nepali, English, Hindi languages. he has authored 16 books in Awadhi language,6 in Nepali.He was the Individual Consultant, UNESCO, Kathmandu, Nepal from 11 May 2010 to 30 December 2010, In view of improving the quality of literacy programs for Awadhi speaking people, in the context of education for all and with in the framework of the project entitled “Literacy for All : Empowerment and Poverty reduction in Post Conflict Nepal (Second Phase)”.
Dr. Janardhan Waghmare is a Writer, Poet, Novelist, College Teacher and Educationist, Agriculturist, Politician and Social Reformer. He is a proud member of Nationalist Congress Party. He has credited as Member, Sub-Committee-I on the Implementation of the Right to Education Act of the Committee on Human Resource Development Dec. 2011 onwards. He is the author of more than 20 Hindi and Marathi books. Also he has a good command over English language. He has written articles and research papers in Marathi and English in various journals, periodicals and magazines. He has had the honour and privilege to be the President of various conferences and seminars. Awarded for literary, educational and social work, namely Meritorious and Ideal Teacher Award Ambedkar Dalit Mitra award, Late Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Award,Dr. Ambedkar Vishesh Seva Puraskar, Dalit Sahitya Academy,Late P.Y. Deshpande Memorial Chandrabhaga Teeri Award for literature,Marathwada Gaurav Puraskar,Lal Bahadur Shastri Seva Gaurav Puraskar,Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar by Social Integration Institute, Parbhani, Late Narhar Kurundkar Puraskar, Rashtriya Ekta Award,Satyashodhak Dinkarrao Jawalkar Memorial Award,Bhooshan Award,Samata Puraskar.
Dr. Surachna Trivedi, Assistant Professor, Sanskrit in Bhagwan Deen Aryakanya Post Graduate College, Lakheempur. She has been writing poems and short stories in Sanskrit and Hindi (Khadi Boli and Awadhi). She has presented her research papers in several national and international seminars and conferences. She is a regular columnist in several magazines and newspapers. She has been writing a monthly column ‘Urja’ in Dainik Jagran since 2009. She is also associated with Yojna, Seva-Chetna, Sahitya-Amrit and Manas Chandan magazines. She is also associated with Akashvaani for various talks and poems in Hindi and Awadhi. Dr. Trivedi is also member in various government and non-government organisations like: Akhil Bhartiya Awadhi Samaj, Hindi Seva Samiti, Sanskrit Parishad Lakheempur etc.. She received the title of Sanskrit Bharti and Vidyottama by Akhil Bhartiya Sanskrit Paricharini Parishad, Kanpur. She was awarded by Sushma Saraswat Samman by Hindi Sabha, Sitapur, and received award from Uttaranchal Sanskrit Akademy for her short stories. She has also received Lokbharti Uttar Pradesh. She is selected as Sanskrit Assiciate by Bhartiya Uccha Adhyan Sansthan, Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla (H.P.) for three years.
Umesh Chauhan, full name, Umesh Kumar Singh Chauhan, is an I.A.S. officer of 1978 batch(Kerala Cadre). Presently he is the Joint Secretary in Khadya Mantralaya, Government of India, New Delhi. He had a keen interest in Hindi and Awadhi Literature since his student life. Several poems, stories and articles are published time to time in Hindi and Malayalam Magazines and newspapers. He has written many books and got it published by different publications among which Gaanth mein loon baandh thodi chandani(2001) , Daana Chugte Murge(2004), Akkittam Ki Pratinidhi Kavitaaein(2009), and Jinhein dar nahin lagta(poetry collection published in 2012) are very famous. he received Abhay Dev Smarak Bhasha Samanavay Puraskar by Bhasha Samanvay Vedi in the year 2009 and Raj Bhasha Samman by IFCO in the year 2011.
Dr. Suresh is the name of a tradition of Hindi Geet. He is widely appreciated not only in India but also the whole Hindi world like, Middle East and England. He is also known for his creative works. ‘Ham to thehre yaar banjaare’ is the land mark creation of Dr. Suresh which was highly appreciated. During Recitation of the poetry he makes his own magnetic field and connects with his listeners . Great Hindi poet Sohan Laal Dwivedi launched Dr. Suresh on the Kavi Sammelan Stage for the first time. Since then he has been showing his versatility.
Born in 1956 in a far-flung village in the Lower Himalayas, Navin Joshi took to writing fired by his sheer concern for the downtrodden. His pain for the victimised has invariably manifested in all his writings including innumerable features and columns over the last 37 years.
Navin was mentored by the illustrious Editors Ashok ji and Rajendra Mathur as a journalist. Graduating in Science from Lucknow University in 1975, he joined Swatantra Bharat, the then leading daily of Lucknow as an apprentice in 1977. Later he worked for Nav Bharat Times, Dainik Jagran and Hindustan in various capacities. Presently he is associated as an Executive Editor with Hindustan.
During all these years he has regularly pursued his interest in literature. An awarded storyteller, Navin’s short stories have been published by various literary magazines. He has two collections of short stories published to his credit and a novel ‘Dawanal’ on the famous Chipko movement.
Dr. Tariq Qamar is one of the most prominent young poet of our country no doubt he holds a unique position among the best young poet of modern literature. Besides having master degrees in three respective subjects English, Urdu and Mass communication he has also completed his Doctorate under the title of Imagination in modern poetry. Poetry comes to him as ancestral heritage as his grandfather was a great scholar n cleric of Persian and Tariq’s father Syed Aqil Sambhali was also a well renowned poet having four books in his account. Tariq started writing poetry quite early in his life he got national poetic award from BBC Urdu Service (London)at the age of sixteen. Dr Tariq Qamar is very particular about language and diction. While his diction rooted in the classical tradition he touches modern subjects and this blending makes his poetry remarkable. His poetic collections Shajar Se Lipti Hui Bel and Patton Ka Shor got tremendous response from great critics of Urdu world. Tariq Qamar has represented ant recited his poetry in more than 15 countries. He is also known as sound and matured journalist at present he is working in ETV group as a senior editor of Urdu channel.
Girish N. Pande, an IRS 1978 batch, has worked in the Income Tax Department in various capacities at various places. Presently he is Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Kolkata. His literary activities are not limited to any one area. Five collections of poems have been published; Yathartha Ke As Pas, Bolo Dharmaraj, Kavi Hota Hai Kisan, Guraudah Jhoppa and Dharti Janti Hai has been translated and published in Tamil. The book Takhti Ke Akshar has been very much appreciated in the world of education and it’s English and Urdu translation are very famous. Collection of prose satires Kuch Mati Ki, Kuch Kumhar Ki has been published by Lok Bharti, Allahabad. Jeevocracy is collection of satires, short stories, new interpretation of folk stories and pieces from the author’s diary. He has received Vijaya Dev Narain Sahi Award on the poetry book Kavi Hota Hai Kisan by U.P. Hindi Academy and Shree Narain Chaturvedi Award by U.P. Hindi Academy on the book of satires Kuch Mati Ki, Kuch Kumhar Ki by then Prime Minister of Indian in 1998.
Naresh Saxena has worked as Deputy Manager in Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, Executive Director technology mission and several other posts and has retired. He has worked as Engineering Consultant in Asian Development Bank, Manila and has worked as expert in several national and international projects. He has produced and directed several short films and was awarded by National Award in 1991 for Film Direction. He has written scripts for several plays. His play ‘Aadmi ka Aa’ has been presented more than 5000 times in several Indian languages. He has been awarded by Pahal Samman, Shamsher Samman, Rituraaj Samman, Sahitya Bhooshan, Kavita Kosh Samman, Saroj Smriti Samman for literature. His poetries are mentioned in the course of several universities. His poetry collection consists of Samudra Par Ho Rahi Hai Baarish, Suno Charusheela, Chambal Ek Nadi Ka Naam etc.
The pen is mightier than the sword. Katyayini has brought this saying to life with her actions. A Hindi poet and a writer who has been working for women’s rights, democratic rights and labor rights since 1980 , Katyayiniis also well-known journalist and has worked as correspondent for newspapers and journals like Navbharat Times, Swatantra Bharat and Dinman Times. She is the co-editor of DishaSandhan (a theoretical journal), Naandipath (a journal focused on media studies), and the World Classics Series of books published by RajkamalPrakashan. She has published 7 collections of poetry and 3 collections of articles which includes volatile themes such as the ones is SaatBhaiyonke Beech Champa, Is PaurushpurnaSamay Meinand ShadyantraratMritatmaonke Beech (articles focused on communalism, intellectual question and social significance of literature).Some of her poems have been published in the Penguin Anthology of Indian women poets ‘In Their Own Voice’.
A rags to riches personality. Born to a cloth mill worker, brought up in Indore, RahatIndori today is rich with more titles, national and international, than his humble heart can handle. A world-renowned Urdu poet, film lyricist, and even a teacher for a part of his career. Tracks like “BhumroBhumro” from “Mission Kashmir” and “DekhoDekhoJanam Ham” from “Ishq” are the prodigies of his penmanship. Truly an all-rounder, not only was he brainy but a sportsman as well during his college days as captain of both football and hockey teams. Some of the feathers in his cap include Honours from the Embassies of India, Riyadh, and Saudi Arabia, Dr. ZakirHussain Award by the Delhi Government, and Award of Excellence in Urdu Poetry, Social Educational & Welfare Association (SEWA), Mumbai .We appaluad this cocktail of talent that we have before us in the form RahatIndori.
Vinod Tiwari is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Hindi, University of Delhi, Delhi and has been a visiting professor to Ankara University, Turkey for two years. His linguistic skills have elevated to the extent of showcasing themselves in his publications and his occupation as a critic and an editor. He has been the editor of Bahuvachan – Issue-12&13and Pakshdhar. His publications include Parampara, SarjanaurUpnyas(A Criticism), NayiSadikiDahleej Par(A Criticism) , Vijaydev Narayan Sahi (A Monograph for Sahitya Akademi, Delhi), AcharyaRamchandraShuklakeshresthaNibandh (Edited Version), and Nibandh : VicharaurRachna (Edited Version).
Dr. Rambahadur Mishra is a well-known name in Awadhi. He is a famous poet, writer and editor. He has written several books and has contributed to the Awadhi Literature with his works, among his famous works Awadhi Lokoktiyan(1992) and Awadh Ma Holi Khelain Raghubira (1999, in which he has composed 1000 Awadhi Phaag), are much praised. His awarded works consists of Yak Rahein Raja(Awadhi Nibandh), Awarded by Jayasi Puraskar by U.P. Hindi Sansthaan(2004) and Awadhi Ke Pratinidhi Muhawre, Awarded by Ram Naresh Tripathi Puraskar by U.P.Hindi Sansthan(2005). He has edited several Awadhi Magazines like Nakhat(all the four parts.), Ye Maati Awadhraani Hai(2005), Aapani Dharti Aapan Dhaam(2010) and much more. He has been awarded several times by Awadhi Ratna Sammaan(2003,2010), Rashtriya Hindi Sewa Samman(2010), Awadhi Shiromani(2012), Kavya Shri Sammaan(2011) and so on. He is widely appreciated by Bhartiya Hindi Parishad(1998), Hindi Saahitya Sammelan Prayag-Ayodhya Adhiveshan(2010) and recently by Akhil Bhartiya Vaicharik Kranti Manch Lucknow(2013). He has given his contribution to Awadhi Language not only in India but in Nepal also he has propagated the same.
Born 1960, in Kadipur, Uttar Pradesh, writer and editor Akhilesh has published three collections of short fiction – Aadmi Nahin Tootata, Mukti and Shaapgrast – one novel,Anveshan, and a book on the Hindi novelist Shrilal Shukla. He also writes scripts and screenplays for TV. He edits and publishes a literary quarterly Tadbhav from Lucknow.
His awards include the Shrikant Verma Award, Banmali Award, Parimal Samman and the Indu Sharma Fiction Prize of Katha (U.K.).
Programme Coordinator with Oxfam India, Farrukh Rahman Khan also leads Oxfam India’s urban poverty programme portfolio under its Emerging Themes. With over 16 years experience as development professional, Farrukh has also been part of the Oxfam’s team working on Communalism & Peace building with cross cutting thematic perspective. As part of Oxfam India’s engagement on post 2015 agenda, he’s facilitated national consultation on Muslims & post 2015 development framework debate & processes. Farrukh has also contributed to Oxfam’s efforts towards reaching out to & inclusion of issues and priorities of marginalized communities across regions in Uttar Pradesh under MY WORLD Survey.
A famous name in Awadhi Literature, Editor of Amethi Samachar(regularly publishing since 1984) and Boli Bani (a third monthly magazine), He has written several books viz. Awadhi Sahitya Sarvekshan aur Samiksha, Awadhi Lok Kathaein, Gandhi-Gandhi, Gandhi aur Dalit Navjagran, Braj Sahitya Ka Itihaas etc.. Among his poetries Suyodhan,Tathagat, Paani Par Himalaya and Andhre Ke Haath Bater are the mos famous. He has been advisory member of several ministries (Rail, Vidhi & Panchayati Raj Mantralay). Mr. Jagdish Piyush is the founder of Awadhi Akademia nd Oriyadarshini Mahila Vidyapeeth. He has received several awards: Vishv Hindi Samman(Vishv Hindi Sammelan, New York, America), Maithlisharan Gupt Samman, Jaisi Samman(Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan).
Dr. Nalin Ranjan Singh: After completing his secondary education in Science Group from Azamgarh,he opted for University of Allahabad for his higher education. He pursued his Post Graduation in Hindi Literature from Allahabad and later enrolled himself as a research scholar in the University of Lucknow.He has researched with the stories of renowned literator Amarkant regarding social aspects. The thesis is entitled ‘Amarkant ki Kahanio mein Chitrit Samaj’.At present he is appointed as an Assistant Professor in Jai Narain P.G.College, University of Lucknow.Apart from the primary responsibilities of his profession he is engrossed in research work focused on ‘Women & Dalit Studies’. He has established himself as an young critic & folklorist primarily concerned with the deprived classes of the society. He is also associated with Aakshvani & Doordarshan.He is editor of a famous journal named ‘WARIMA’.His edited book ‘anchlik lokgeet:ek vishleshan’ is published by seriels publication.
Madan Mohan Danish, a modern poet with profound sensibilities, has earned a name for himself on the literary firmament in a very short span with his insightful and sunlit compositions. His listeners admire him for his velvety poetry which not only touches the human soul but also stirs conscience by commenting on the contemporary issues that concern society. Working currently as Programme Executive at All India Radio, he often finds himself penning down his musings.
His much lauded collection of poetry Agar earned him the reputation of a poet whose writings are fragrant of aesthetics of life.
He was conferred upon the highly coveted Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy Award in the year 2009. His commendable work has also earned him the Vasudev Sharan Chaturvedi Rashtriya Samman, Jaipur and theMrignayani Purskaar.
His literary voyages have taken him to the US, Dubai, Pakistan and Sharjah. Leading channels of the country such as ZEE, DD, Urdu TV, to name a few, have aired his poetry concerts and recitations.
Deepanjan Paul is a Software Engineer at IBM, Gurgaon. When he was 10 years old, he shifted to Lucknow. He did his schooling from City Montessori School and graduated from University of Lucknow. Since his childhood he had interest in sports and got many medals and trophies for his school. Besides taking part in sports, he used to write for his school magazine. His first non-fiction book, Volunteering Common Wealth Games, was published in the year 2010 after being a Volunteer in the Common Wealth Games. His second book , Please Come to My Desk is a fiction based on the various effects of recession in different walks of life.
Pankaj Prasun is a young and renowned Hindi satirist who has a strong presence in literary circuits. His articles regularly appear in print media too. He is primarily credited for using scientific similes and terminologies in his satires and poems. Some of his work (couplets and poems) has already been published. His poems, written with complete sincerity, are appreciated by critics and readers in equal measures.
Dr Srishti Srivastava, recipient of best thesis award in psychology for her Ph.D. thesis on “Self Esteem of Women Slum Dwellers”, still takes great pains to work for under privileged women living in the slums. A well known debater during her college time, she uses her debating skills to serve the society by giving talks on radio, FM and television on the subjects concerning mental well being and psychological counseling. Her programme Sangini for today’s women on ETV Uttar Pradesh is quite popular and appreciated. She regularly contributes in various news papers and magazines. Besides being on the panel of examiners in various Universities including I.G.N.O.U, she is invited as expert in training programmes of well known organizations like Judicial Training and Research Institute ( JTRI), Lucknow. She is on the panel of experts with many organizations like HelpAge India, Bharat Petroleum and Search Foundation etc..
Presently she is working in NKV PwG College, Luckno as Associate Professor and Head of Psychology department.
Dr. Roshan Taqui is an alumni of AMU & Ph.D from Lucknow University on ‘Lucknow Monuments – Preservation, Conservation Solutions’. His books [ Lucknow Dastavez, Lucknow – 1857, Images of Lucknow, Conservation of Lucknow Monuments, Lucknow Monuments – Conservation Problems & Solution, Hazrat Mahel, Bani, Chanchal, Lucknow Ki Bhand Parampara, 1857 Ke Baad Lucknow Ki Barbadi, Lucknow Ka Shia Samaj, Lucknow Ka Pehla Krantikari, etc ] have been published, all being related to Lucknow and are widely appreciated by the people and more than 100 libraries are credited with the same. He has done a great job in translating many books in Hindi & Urdu. 42 research papers on Lucknow have also been published by him. He has also written 8 plays & directed 13 plays!
Mehru Jaffer is a Lucknow born author and journalist. She has taught Islam related topics at the University of Vienna, Austria and at the Vienna American Webster University. She is the author of The Book of Muhammad, The Book of Muinuddin Chishti and The Book of Nizamuddin Aulia, all published by Penguin India. She has contributed a chapter on Religion in Bollywood Films in Fokus Bollywood: Das indische Kino in wissenscaftlichen Diskursen, edited by Professor Claus Tieber, Lit Verlag 2009. Mehru has filed extensively for the Indian media from Europe and Indonesia, including television and reported for the BBC. She has made Vienna is so Bolly, a one minute film on the fascination for Bollywood in Vienna, Austria. Her 50 minute documentary film on Shahrukh fans in Europe called Mr Khan Vienna Loves You was screened at Shahrukh Khan and Global Bollywood, an international conference hosted by the University of Vienna in 2010 where Mehru also moderated a workshop on Song and Dance in Indian Cinema. She is presently the Editor of Lucknow Observer, Lucknow’s 1st interactive news magazine!
M J Warsi, Indian-American linguist named as the recipient of the prestigious James E. Mc Leod Faculty Recognition for the year 2012. The award is viewed as a very prestigious honor in academics and given to
those who have positively and profoundly influenced the educational experiences to the students at Washington University. He has been the recipient of UP Hindi-Urdu Literary Award for the year 2011, named as “unsung hero” by the University of California at Berkeley in 2005, a recipient of West Bengal Urdu Academy award for his book “Diploma in Computer Application and Multilingual DTP” in 2003. Mr Warsi presently teaching at Washington University, the best institution in the world for linguistic magnificence. In the United Sates, M J Warsi, is making the study of South Asian languages and literature more popular and viable.
Warsi, author of many books have written extensively on South Asian Languages and linguistics. His latest book “Mithilanchal Urdu” published from Germany slated to be released in Lucknow Literary Festival. The book
is about his recent discovery of a new dialect spoken in Bihar.
Ashok Arora, a well-known lawyer and a former secretary of Supreme Court Bar Association has done lot of research and has practical experience of more than thirty years in the field of Personality Development, Life/Communication Skills and Stress Management. Feeling concerned about the growing violent and suicidal tendencies, falling standard of physical and mental health of the youth world over, he resolved to renounce a lucrative law practice at the peak of his career to dedicate his life to guide the youth. Mr. Arora has authored many books book and articles. “Simple Tips for Sure shot Success” was authored to enable the youth to lead stress free/blissful life, imbibe moral values in a playful manner, make them more confident and assure them, by giving his own example that it’s not necessary to be born in a rich, powerful and well-connected family to succeed in life. Today After conducting over more than 200 talks across and more than 60 cities. He often fells that youth are full of positive energy, intelligence & talent they just need motivation and guidance to have success in life. However one of the most important aspects to a success full and happy life is motivation.
Lucknow’s native historian, Veena Talwar Oldenburg, has done pioneering work on the colonial impact on Lucknow’s gracious nawabi city. Her book, The Making of Colonial Lucknow (published by Princeton University Press and later by Oxford University Press in their Lucknow Omnibus) is an in-depth study of the aftermath of the bloody and heroic siege of the Residency by the rebels against the British forces in 1857. She has written on the transformation in fabric, governance and the cultural eths of the city. Her work on the Courtesans of Lucknow was both pioneering and trend-setting has been anthologized in many collections. Her anthology, Shaam e Awadh: Writings on Lucknow is part of the prestigious city series published by Penguin. She is the author of several other scholarly works, a specialist on gender and women’s history and the author of her critically acclaimed work on the history of dowry titled, Dowry Murder: The Imperial origins of a Cultural Crime, published by Oxford and penguin in two separate editions. She is a professor of history at the City University of New York and is currently writing a book on the history and astonishing growth of the Mellenium city: Gurgaon.
Sangita P Menon Malhan is a Delhi-based, former journalist. She worked at the Delhi Mid Day, The Statesman, and The Times of India, before experimenting with creative writing. In 2010, her short stories – Rastapherian’s Tales – were published by the Writers Workshop. In 2011, without having a working knowledge of Urdu, and while she was studying Bengali, she began writing poetry in the magical language. Her collection of poems in Urdu, Nusrat-e-Gham (The Triumph of Grief) was published in 2012 by Arshia Publications, following which she began studying the Urdu script. Her non-fiction on the greatest transformation that took place in the Indian media in the 1980s and 1990s – The TOI Story: How a Newspaper changed the Rules of the Game – was published recently by Harper Collins. Prior to this, she was a national gliding champion, and had acquired a Private Pilot’s Licence. Currently, she is a freelance editor and translator; she teaches French, and is picking up Spanish.
Syed Asghar Wajahat, popularly known as Asghar Wajahat is a Hindi scholar, fiction writer, novelist, playwright, an independent documentary filmmaker and a television scriptwriter, who is most known for his work, ‘Saat Aasmaan’ and his acclaimed play, ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Nai’. He has published 20 books including five novels, six full-length plays, five collections of short stories, a travelogue, a collection of street plays and a book on literary criticism. He has also written film scripts and conducted workshops on screen writing. He has been placed among the top ten Hindi writers according to a survey conducted by Outlook (Hindi) magazine in 2007. Dr. Wajahat has also been involved in Hindi cinema as a scriptwriter since 1975 He has been honored by several literary organizations for his contribution to Hindi literature. Katha (UK), a London based organization gave him the ‘Best novel of the year award’ in 2006 for his novel Kaisi Aagi Lalaee.
A female author who has explored each and every aspect of being an Indian woman and had the graciousness to pen it down to reveal the seen yet unseen to general masses through books like Mukhwas-Indian Food Through the Ages, Shringara- The Many Faces of Indian beauty, Ardhanarishvara the androgyne, and Indian Erotica. She is responsible for curating several significant and perceptive exhibitions in India and abroad, and giving a name to some of the most upcoming and influential artists, photographers and sculptors. Alka Pande is currently engrossed as the Consultant Arts Advisor and Curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. In December 2006, she was awarded Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) award bequeathed by the French government. An art critic, cultural theorist, teacher, curator, and an author, Alka Pande has been passionately involved with the world of art for nearly three decades.
Dr. Sehba Ali is a scholar in languages and a distinguished teacher of languages. She obtained her education from Karamat Hussain College, I T College & University of Lucknow. She has a post graduate diploma in teaching English as a foreign language from University of London. She received her MA & Ph.D degrees in Applied Linguistics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA. She has also obtained a Certificate of High Proficiency in French from the University of Ottawa and a Certificate in Spoken French from the University of Geneva. Dr. Ali has written ‘Learning a Foreign Language – Role of Linguistic Environment’ & ‘Interference from the Second Language in Learning a Third Language’ which are widely acclaimed as renowned Linguistic books. She is a prolific writer and has contributed many research papers and articles on Linguistics to Journals, Workshops & Seminars. She is freelance reporter and was editor of newsletter of United Nations Women’s Guide, Geneva. ‘Majaz Ki Baatein’ is a beautiful book written by her on the life & poetry of Asrar-ul Haq Majaz as she being a very close relative of ‘Majaz – Keats of Urdu Poetry’.
Anwar Jalalpuri is true genius of various languages. He was lecturer in English by profession, poet of Urdu by heart, academician of Hindi languages! Born in the town Jalalpur which is very famous for the Urdu poets. Early educated in Jalalpur & Azamgarh, whereas reached the climax of his literary intellect in Aligarh Muslim University ! He established a junior high school named after Mirza Ghalib in Jalalpur which is now an inter college. Lucknow is honoured to be the host city of his intellectualism. Anwar Saheb is also world famous for his ‘Nizamat’ which is always appealing to the people who love & admire poetry. We salute him for his unique task of translating all 701 Shlokas of the Bhagvad Geeta into Urdu poetry. He is also credited in translating 30th para of Quran as well as Geetanjali of Tagore into Urdu poetry! Dialogues and songs of the serial ‘Akbar The Great’ on television were penned by him. Anwar Saheb can also be seen in the movie ‘Dedh Ishqia’. Anwar Jalalpuri will always be remembered for promoting the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb through his literary works! We are looking forward for many more milestones from the genius!
Shalini Sinha works as an expert on gender and developmental issues and is based in New Delhi. She is currently affiliated with Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), a global network that holds a secretariat at Harvard University and seeks to improve the status of the working poor, especially women, in the informal economy. Ms Sinha was introduced to the world of Disability by her son, and like Alice in Wonderland, she has found the journey both disturbing and charming; angst ridden and humour laced; challenging and inspiring. She has written extensively on gender and development issues but this is her first attempt to chronicle her life with her special needs son.
Urvashi is an Indian feminist and historian. She is the Director and Co-founder of Kali for Women, India’s first feminist publishing house. Her writing has appeared in several newspapers including The Guardian, The Statesman, The Times of India and several magazines including Outlook, the New Internationalist and India Today. Her main areas of research are partition and oral histories. She has also written on gender, communalism, fundamentalism and media. Recently, she was also conferred a Padmashree by for her contribution to the nation.
Urvashi Butalia started Zubaan, a renowned publishing house in 2003. Zubaan is an imprint of Kali for Women.
Smriti is a mother, writer and blogger and freelancer as she couldn’t bear to let her son and then her daughter out of her sight. She loves her garden, her fridge full of chocolate, her teetering stacks of books and her lily pond, all of which she appreciates thoroughly when she is not busy fighting deadlines. A prolific blogger, she has strong opinions and likes to wear her feminist badge on her sleeve.
Jaishree Misra has an MA in English Literature from Kerala University and two post-graduate diplomas from the University of London, one in Special Education and the other in Broadcast Journalism. She returned to India from the UK, where she worked at the BBC, in the Social Services department and as a film examiner at the British Board of Film Classification in London. Jaishree has written four novels published by Penguin, all which have been Indian best-sellers (‘Ancient Promises’, ‘Accidents Like Love & Marriage’ and ‘Rani’, a historical novel based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi). Her more recent book deal, with Harper Collins in the UK, was to write three commercial fiction novels (‘Secrets & Lies’, ‘Secrets & Sins’ and ‘A Scandalous Secret’). A new book of fiction will be released in 2014. She currently lives in Trivandrum with her family.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Karn is Associate Professor and Head of the Department, Sanskrit in a reputed college of Lucknow. He has been working for the promotion of Sanskrit language among people. His famous books are- Vyavahaarik Sanskrit Parshikshak, Karn Ek Vishisht Vyaktitva, Sanskrit Ratna(All the 4 parts), Semiconductor Shabdawali and Prasaar Bharti Shabdaawali. He has been the Editor of Shaikshik Sankalp(Monthly), Seva Chetna(six monthly), Gyaanayni(3rd monthly) and Parisheelam. He has written a numerous of research papers in national and international conferences and seminars and a number of them were published in newspapers, journals and magazines . His several programmes were broadcasted on Aakashwani, Lucknow viz. Kavyaganga, Deepawali, Paryavaranam Mahatyam, Vidwaan Sarvatra Poojyate and many more were broadcasted on Gyaanvaani like, Aadi Bhasha Sanskrit and Sanskrit Bhasha Mein Ritu Varnan. He has received several awards like Sarvshreshtha Shikshak Sammaan(2004), Yuva Sahityakaar Samman(2005), Sanskrit Seva Samman(Hariyana Sanskrit Akademi), Sanskrit Seva Samupasak Samman(Dilli Sanskrit Akademi) etc.
Japanese author and translator Tomoko Kikuchi who wears her Indian heart on her sleeves. She has been living in India for last 21 years – half her lifetime. So strong was her fascination that she decided to move here for good. She studied and mastered the Hindi language, and is today an authority on translating Japanese works into Hindi and Vice-Versa. She writes and translates both in Hindi and Japanese. Her famous translation works are Parvat Pita, Barish Ka Prakop Jhelkar and Vanaspati Ka Doctor. She also writes for many Hindi newspapers and magazines about literature, culture and world peace. Her famous works are Mahadevi Varma Ki Vishwadrishti, Hiroshima Ka Dard. She dubbed the Japanese animation film The Hiroshima Story in Hindi as Saras Par Chadh Kar. She was also honored in the ninth World Hindi Congress on September 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa and awarded by U.P. Hindi-Urdu Sahitya Award Committee. She says purpose of her writing is to speed up cultural exchanges between India and Japan.
Shabana Azmi is an actress of film, television and theatre. She made her film debut in 1974 and soon became one of the leading actresses of Parallel Cinema, an Indian New Wave movement known for its serious content and neo-realism. Regarded as one of the finest actresses in India, Azmi’s performances in films in a variety of genres have generally earned her praise and awards, which include a record of five wins of the National Film Award for Best Actress and several national and international honours. Azmi has appeared in over 120 Hindi films in both mainstream and independent cinema. In addition to acting, Azmi is a social and women’s rights activist, active in supporting child survival and fighting AIDS and injustice in real life. A Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), and a member of the Rajya Sabha. She is proud daughter of poet Kaifi Azmi and wife of Javed Akhtar.
Prof Roop Rekha Verma, formerly the Vice-chancellor, Professor & Head of the Philosophy Department and Dean, Faculty of Arts Lucknow University. She has taught there from 1964–2003. She has also been a recipient of the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship for Oxford and has had the honor to be invited to deliver lectures and present research papers in various conferences and international seminars at many Indian and foreign Universities. She is a prolific writer and has published more than four dozen research papers in various books and journals, in India and abroad. Her publications include Philosophy of P.F. Strawson co-edited with Pranab Kumar Sen, published by ICPR in 1995. Her academic interests include pursuit of Philosophical Logic and Epistemology, Social Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind and Metaphysics. She has been nominated by the Government of India as Executive Council Member of Aligarh Muslim University, Mahila Samakhya and in the Academic Committees of NCERT, Bhatkhande Music University and UP Social Welfare Board. Besides, she has occupied higher advisory positions as Honorary Advisor, ICPR and Member of UGC Philosophy panel, thrice. Professor Verma is also a well- known social activist and has intervened in several dozen cases of violence on women and communal violence, and fought for justice for the victims.
Sudhir Kakar is a psychoanalyst and writer who took his Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Gujarat University, his Master’s degree (Diplom-Kaufmann) in business economics from Mannheim in Germany and his doctorate in economics from Vienna before beginning his training in psychoanalysis at the Sigmund-Freud Institute in Frankfurt, Germany in 1971. He has been 40th Anniversary Senior Fellow at the Centre for Study of World Religions at Harvard (2001-02), a visiting professor at the universities of Chicago (1989-93), McGill (1976-77), Melbourne (1981), Hawaii (1998) and Vienna (1974-75) and a Fellow at the Institutes of Advanced Study, Princeton and Berlin. Since 1994, he is Adjunct Professor of Leadership at INSEAD in Fontainbleau, France. Currently, he is also Senior Homi Bhabha Fellow, Fellow, Centre for Advanced Study in Humanities, University of Cologne and D.D. Kosambi Visiting Research Professor, Goa University. A leading figure in the fields of cultural psychology and the psychology of religion, as well as a novelist. Sudhir Kakar is author of seventeen books of non-fiction and four of fiction. His books have been translated into twenty one languages around the world.
You’ll find many passer-byes carelessly remarking on the state of the country and the everyday mayhem which religion causes. But how many of them actually take a constructive step towards a solution. Mr. Ram Puniyani is one such persona who adapted himself to the need of the time to promote humanity as a path to be taken to secularism. Ram Puniyani was a professor in biomedical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and took voluntary retirement in December 2004 to work full time for communal harmony in India. He is involved with human rights activities from last two decades. He is associated with various secular and democratic initiatives like All India Secular Forum, Center for Study of Society and Secularism and ANHAD.
Mini Menon is an journalist who has covered both political and business news for the last 15 years. A popular face on Indian news television she is currently the Executive Editor of Bloomberg TV India, where she is in charge of news and features shows. Mini has won awards for her work as an news anchor and journalist and in 2013 she was adjudged as one of the 10 most influential women in Indian Marketing, Advertising and Media by Impact magazine. Over the last 16 years Mini has co- anchored some of the most iconic shows on Indian news television including Newshour with Arnab Goswami and Bazaar with Udayan Mukherjee. At Blommberg TV India, Mini does a popular series ‘Inside India’s Best Known Companies’ where she interviews India’s leading businessmen and CEOs. She also leads feature programming and has been responsible for creating cutting edge shows like ‘The Pitch’ & ‘Assignment’ and award winning documentaries like ‘In Focus’. In 2008- 2009 she was judged the best business news anchor by the Indian Broadcast Federation, Zee Astitva Award for Journalism, Rajiv Gandhi award for Excellence as a young achiever, Miss India Asia Pacific.
Dr. Syed Sulaiman Akhtar, Editor, Urdu SPAN is a seasoned journalist. He looks after Urdu SPAN’s web presence and oversees SPAN’s outreach programs too. Before joining American Embassy he worked for various news channels of Sahara India Parivar in different responsible position. His last posting in Sahara was with Aalami Sahara (Sahara’s Urdu News Channel) as Senior Producer. He also oversaw launching of Sahara’s news website. i e. Samaylive.com . He freelanced for Doordarshan both as news editor and anchor. He was associated with All India Radio’s News Services Division and External Affairs Division for many years. He has been writing for magazines and newspapers off and on and is active in the field of journalism since 1995. Delhi Urdu Academy awarded his book, “Electronic Media ki Tareekh” in 2011.
Shreyas Navare freelances as Editorial Cartoonist, Hindustan Times. He holds an MBA from IIT Bombay and B.E. (I.T.) from VJTI, Mumbai University. Shreyas has covered elections in six Indian states and the Presidential polls in the United States of Americathrough the eyes of a cartoonist on behalf of HT. He has held many cartoon exhibitions, one of which was inaugurated by the President of India in 2006 and by cartoonist R. K. Laxman in 2012. His first solo international caricature exhibition was held at Bangkok in 2011. One of Shreyas’s cartoons on foreign affairs has been published in an 8th std. history textbook in Finland. The Politickle Pickle, a compilation of his HT cartoons has been recently published by HarperCollins India.
She is an author who donned multiple roles in her life – fashion designer, entrepreneur, restaurateur, social worker, agony aunt, visionary, socialite and other labels. Bina Ramani recently launched her new autobiography ‘Bird in a Banyan Tree: My Story’ .People know her as the stubbornly honest witness who was taken into police custody and sent to Tihar Jail, was vilified by the media, and lauded by the country for her heroic role in the Jessica Lal murder case. But she is much more. Coming from a conservative and illustrious Sikh family that moved to Bombay from Pakistan after the tumultuous partition of India in 1947 what followed was a bitter divorce, a quest to reunite with her daughters against her ex-husband’s wishes and of course the Pandora’s Box that set itself open with her involvement with the murder of Jessicca Lal as an honest witness against the people with strong political backing. All this and a lot more has led her to be the epitome of strength.
Sudeep Nagarkar is the author of three bestselling novels – Few Things Left Unsaid (2011), That’s the Way We Met (2012) & It Started With a Friend Request (2013). Sudeep’s books are inspired from real life incidents and have sold more than lakh copies. They have been translated into regional languages and continue to top the bestseller charts since release. He also received ‘Youth achievers’ award in August 2013 for writing three bestselling novels back to back and for being one of the highest selling romance author in India. He has a degree in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University and is currently pursuing management studies from Welingkar Institute of Management. He is also a motivational speaker and has given guest lectures in various institutes and organizations.
Story-telling, a lost art now, was the earliest form of entertainment. An art so powerful the storytellers were believed to possess mystical powers through which they could transport people into an entirely different dimension. Dastangoi is one such Urdu art of story-telling which was at its peak from the late 16th to 19th centuries, spinning tales around the adventures of Amir Hamza with over 50,000 characters and unlike Scheherazade of The Arabian Nights – whose stories lasted a thousand and one nights – Amir Hamza’s were never-ending. The reviver of this bewitching expertise in the present times is Mahmood Farooqui. This Rhodes scholar is author to Beseiged: Voices from Delhi 1857 in which he published a series of his translations of texts representing the views of those besieged in Delhi in 1857, translator of Habib Tanvir: Memoirs, and Co-Director, Peepli Live .
Darain shahidi an alumnus of one of the finest media institute Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He is a journalist, political commentator, news presenter and storyteller (dastango). He is currently associated with Network 18 as a presenter at IBN7. His father Dr Shahid Ahmed Shoaib is a well-known Urdu poet and professor of anthropology in Magadh University. From a minor town of Bihar, Gaya, Shahidi has gone on to anchor for BBC, Home TV and Star TV. He lately joined another top notch sports broadcaster ESPN. Still active in theatres this man has done 15-20 plays in Urdu and Hindi. Even after becoming a successful journalist he has not forgotten his roots from where he started off and is hence still kept himself dynamic in Dastongoi (an old art form of storytelling in Urdu). With a desirable profile in the journalistic world due to his experience and work he was awarded with the best sports presenter in 2007 at the Annual News Television Awards. From mainstream TV journalism to super hit prime time sports news, Darain has raised his bar with each passing day.
To the masses who hear his name he is identified in reference to his acting skills which he portrayed on the silver screen in films like Peepli Live, Dhobi Ghat and Losing Gemma. But Danish Hussain is much more than that. Apart from directing a classic play Chinese Coffee by Ira Lewis in which he acted as well and Krapp’s Last tape, he runs his own theatre company by the name of The Hoshruba Repertory. If this isn’t enough to keep him occupied he has even taken the task of reviving the lost art of Urdu story-telling known as Dastangoi at hand with Mahmood Farooqui. Even after this he finds time for pursuing his hobby if writing poetry. Glimpses into his life has led the glimpsers to the idea that he must sleep only about 20 hours a week.
Rakhshanda Jalil went to Delhi Public School and graduated in English Literature from Miranda House, Delhi University. She also has a doctorate in “The Progressive Writers’ Movement as Reflected in Urdu Literature” from the Academy of Third World Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. A well known critic and literary historian, Rakhshanda Jalil has edited two collections of short stories; written a collection of essays on the little known monuments of Delhi; a literary biography of a feminist writer; published more than eight works of translations, among several other publications. Rakhshanda Jalil runs an organization called Hindustani Awaaz, devoted to the popularization of Hindi-Urdu literature and culture and blogs at www.hindustaniawaaz-rakhshanda.blogspot.com and another at IBN Live. At present, she is engaged in a study of Indian secularism.
Nighat Gandhi is a writer, mother, Sufi wanderer, and mental health counsellor. She spent her formative years in Dhaka and Karachi, and has subsequently spent many years in India and the United States. She consciously identifies as a citizen of South Asia to transcend limitations imposed by narrow nationalisms. She is the author of Ghalib at Dusk and Other Stories and What I am Today, I Won’t Remain Tomorrow: Conversations With Survivors of Abuse. Her memoir/travelogue entitled Alternative Realities: Love in the Lives of Muslim Women is forthcoming from Tranquebar.
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Unlike the many personalities who have been introduced to you as of now, this person should be easy to identify with. Educated in La Martiniere Boys and Lucknow University, from the streets of the City of Nawabs itself we introduce you to Ayaz-uddin Khalid, popularly known as RJ Ayaz who must need no introduction to the regular listeners of the radio. Known through his talk shows on Radio City 91.1 currently and previously has worked with RTV, AIR FM, 92.7 Big FM and 94.3 My FM. Apart from this he holds a successful track-record of doing voice-overs for Discovery, National Geographic, CNN-IBN and other TV channels, on various documentaries for independent producers. A highly talented, dynamic & energetic Media professional, with 13+ years of successful career as a Producer, Radio Jockey, Voice over Artist, with reasonable grasp of operational aspects, we expect our young audience to be enthralled by his visit.
A freelance professional cartoonist / illustrator, Ajit Narayan has been drawing for various reputed publishing houses for over 20 years. He has served as a Cartoonist Consultant with N.I.E. (Newspaper in Education – The Times of India Group) for over 9 years and later as a Lecturer (cartooning) at Shankar’s Academy of Art and Book Publishing for two years. Conducting workshops in schools within and outside Delhi, he has served Scholastic India Pvt. Ltd., as a cartooning workshop consultant for over 10 years now. He began his career as a political cartoonist with Delhi Mid-day newspaper before starting out on his own. He is also the author of the books ‘Cartooning with Ajit Narayan’, ‘How to draw animal cartoons’, ‘Draw cartoons with Ajit Rai’, ‘Draw comic strips with Ajit Narayan’ !
Jawaid Danish is the founder and artistic director of Rang Manch, Canada, a not for profit theatrical group which promotes Indian theatre in Canada. He organises the Hindustani Drama Festival annually, showcasing the varied and rich heritage of Indian theatre. A celebrated author of 12 books in Urdu, Jawaid’s repertoire includes travelogues, poetry collections and drama. He prefers to write in Urdu which is his mother tongue, but his plays have been translated into English, Swedish, Hindi, Bengali and Kannada. Some of the plays from his award winning book ‘Hijrat Ke Tamashey’ were adapted for a 13-episode serial produced by Omni 2 T.V. in Toronto. His latest book of plays is ‘Chalees Baba Eik Chor’; recently he produced a film ‘Bada Shayer Chota Aadmi’ the first Indo-Canadian Urdu Film. He has received numerous awards and recognition including The Civic Arts Award – Pickering 2010, South Asian Theatre Festival Award – New Jersey 2008 and the Shiromani Sahitya Award – India 2007
Rising from the slums of Mumbai Satya has become a globe-trotter travelling to more than 100 cities in 25 countries and has lived in Dubai, England and now in Bulgaria. From young age he is fond of reading and invested a lot of time and energy in self-development. Besides earning master’s degree from Mumbai university, Satya is also an Alumnus of IIM Kolkata. Satya gave up his high profile banking job to follow his heart and embarked on a passionate journey of writing, motivating and coaching. His dream is to see every fellow Indian become a super star. Satya is an expert author at ezinearticles.com and also contributes articles to Times of India. Yoga and meditation are his mantra for health and spiritual nourishment. He is happily married to a Bulgarian and spends most of his leisure time with his 2 kids.
Pornpen Hantrakool has been a Professor at Tenri University in Japan and an Associate Professor at Silpakorn University of Thailand. Her teaching specializations include Indian and Sri Lankan history, Eastern Civilization (China and India), Thai History, Japanese History, Southeast Asian History, Vietnamese Studies, Historiography and the Philosophy of History. She has taught and done research widely in many universities before her retirement. She has published widely in Thai and in English. Professor Hantrakool now writes and translates poetry as well as songs. She was granted an honorable certificate with a decoration from the Vietnamese Writer Association for her pioneering contribution to Vietnamese literature in Thailand.
William Letford has worked as a roofer, on and off, since he was fifteen years old. He has received a New Writer’s Award from the Scottish Book Trust and an Edwin Morgan Travel Bursary which allowed him to spend three months in the mountains of northern Italy helping to restore a medieval village. He has an M.Litt in Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK. His poems were featured in the bestselling poetry anthology New Poetries V and his debut collection Bevel was published by Carcanet. ‘The pleasure I have gained from William Letford’s poems… will, I am confident, stay with me for ever.’ – Nicholas Lezard, The Guardian
Shafey Kidwai is a bilingual critic, reviewer, translator and communication scientist who has twelve books to his credit. His doctoral thesis Forging bond with Modernism : An Assessment of SirSyed ‘s Periodicals has broken a new ground in Sir Syed Studies and critical appraisal of the nineteenth century vernacular journalism. It was published simultaneously in Germany and India. His Latest book comprising twelve articles on different genres of literature and journalism has just been published by the Cambridge university Press. The National Academy Of Letters -Sahitya Academy has published his three books – Meeraji, R.K.Naryan and Michael Madhu Sudan Dutt Fiction Mutaleat : Pus Sakhtiyati Tanazur and Khabar Nigari, are his widely appreciated books. He also prepared style book for ETV Urdu and glossary of mass communication terms published by NCPUL, NewDelhi. He writes regularly for The Hindu on literary and cultural aspects. He is a general council member of Sahitya Academy and also a member of its Urdu advisory board. At present he is also the convener of Urdu Advisory Committee of Bhartiya Jnanpith. Professor Kidwai visited U.K. Thailand, Syria, Doha and Pakistan (twice) to present papers in seminars. Presently he is Chairman, department of mass communication AMU Aligarh
Jatinder Singh ‘Sahil’ was born in the city of Chandigarh in north India. He is currently based in Manchester, England practicing Medicine as a General Practioner. Dr. Singh started writing during his Medical School years at Medical College, Chandigarh and has recently published his first collection of Urdu poetry published in Devanagri script. “I believe that thoughts do not come dressed in the fabric of one language. They can come in any language and the poet just molds them into the fabric of the language he or she is most comfortable with.”
Apart from writing Dr. Singh is a keen photographer and traveller, having travelled across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Scandinavia and draws his inspiration from everyday life events, personal experiences, hardships of life and his professional interactions with the unique human nature of coping with disease and suffering in a very individual way.
Taal (rhythm), Ang (grace), and Abhinaya (expression) – Natalia integrates the three essential elements of Kathak to present this rich Indian classical dance form on stages internationally. Her holistic training as a dancer has combined the stylistics of tradition and the dynamism of the contemporary. As a performing artist, Natalia aims at highlighting the uniqueness of Kathak’s subtle and sensitive aesthetics. Rooted in a multi-ethnic background, Natalia presents this art to a variety of audiences of all different cultures, using her dance as a means of transcending cultural barriers. Since the beginning, she was passionate and dedicated about training and mastering the dance form, with support from her Peruvian mother and German-American father. Within the past few years Natalia has been continuously visiting India to receive intensive tutelage from her present Guru, Kathak maestro Padmavibhushan Birju Maharaj. However, much of her training took place in the U.S., prior to coming to India from Smt. Sandhya Desai, disciple of Padmashri Kumudini Lakhia. Natalia’s initial instruction began with Ms. Mekhala Natavar and later continued with Ms. Purnima Shah. In the year 2008, she was awarded a prestigious fellowship as Senior Performing Artist from the American Institute of Indian Studies. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in South Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Wisconsin and Masters from Roehampton University, London, Natalia now continues to perform as a Kathak dancer in India, U.K., and the U.S.A.
Pranesh Prasad is a writer of literary fiction, based in Canberra Australia. His debut novel “The Ultimate Laugh” which explores identity and terrorism was published in 2011 and subsequently, launched at the Ubud Writer’s Festival in Indonesia. His second novel “A Half-Baked Life” delves into the consequences of the 2002 Gujarat riots, human trafficking and the recent whittling down of the right to free expression. The novel was released in December 2013. He is also a trained economist and has worked in academia, the private and public sectors internationally. Apart from writing, he is passionate about animal welfare, social justice, Indian cricket, travelling, urdu poetry, the arts and music.
Kamlesh Tripathi a Corporate citizen for over 35 years. Has worked for reputed Companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Escorts, Reliance Industries and Reliance Retail. During his long career he has held important positions, assignments and worked in many states and cities across India and travelled extensively around the world. He is the son of late Sri. K.P. Tripathi, member of the first Lok-Sabha, Vice-President INTUC and Ex Finance Minister of Assam. His earlier titles ‘Gloom Behind The Smile’ on a child cancer patient, is now catalogued in prestigious libraries including Library of Congress, Washinton DC. His second title is ‘One to Tango – Ria’s Odyssey’ on the burning topic of ‘singlehood.’ He has lived in Shillong, Lucknow, Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Chennai & Mumbai. He also runs his NGO- ‘Shravan Charity Mission’ that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases.
Nikita Singh is the bestselling author of six novels, including Love @ Facebook, Accidentally in Love, The Promise and The Unreasonable Fellows. She has co-authored two books with Durjoy Datta, titled If It’s Not Forever and Someone Like You. 25 Strokes of Kindness is her most recent book, which is an anthology of short stories, co-edited with Orvana Ghai. She has also contributed to the books of The Backbenchers series. She was born in Patna and grew up in Indore, from where she graduated in pharmacy. She is currently based in New Delhi, where she works as a Publishing Manager at a leading publishing house. Nikita received a Live India Young Achievers Award in 2013. With a library stocked with over 12,000 books, she is a voracious reader and adores her collection of fantasy novels. She is a cricket enthusiast and enjoys a good cardio workout.
‘The Oath of Vayuputras’ is the third and the concluding part of the best-selling Shiva trilogy by Amish Tripathi. ‘The Immortals of Meluha’ d ‘The Secret of the Nagas’, the first two novels have been commercial successes with million copies sold in the span of two years and with a gross retail sale of Rs 22 crores. The Shiva Trilogy has been referred to as ‘one of the most successful book series in the history of Indian publishing’. ‘The Oath of Vayuputras’ finally reveals the root of the all evils. Shiva, the savior of Meluha, reaches Panchvati where he comes to know about his true enemy. The Neelkanth declares a holy war to destroy the evil. Series of battle begins that agitates the whole of India. In order to win the battle, Shiva reaches out to the Vayuputras who have never helped him earlier. The book narrates the vigorous journey that Shiva took to triumph over the Evil. The highly awaited and anticipated Shiva Trilogy of author Amish Tripathi comes to a spell-binding conclusion. Veena Talwar Oldenburg did the honour of launching the book !
Vinod Mehta in conversation with Mehru Jaffer was an interactive session regarding Sanjay Gandhi. Vinod Mehta writes the biography of Sanjay Gandhi, India’s most controversial member of a Prime Minister’s family. As the title suggests story begins at Anand Bhavan, abode of Nehru’s in Allahabad and the kinship that Feroz Gandhi shares with the Nehru family. The book features all the facts of his emergence as a youth congress leader, his establishment of the Maruti factory and covers all the controversies of emergency period. By projecting light on the darker side of independent Indian history, book surely attracts a reader who has an interest in history, politics and current affairs. Vinod Mehta is attracted with the strong personality of Sanjay Gandhi and this is what our country needs today, he explains. Mehru Jaffer analysed the political situation since emergeny till today and the role of Nehru family in the post independence era in India.
The performance by Sebastian Dreyer and Papia Ghoshal, who hail from Germany, enchanted everyone by their performance. The performance started by a soulful performance by Sebastian Dreyer. He performed a few songs on the sitar which ended with a rapturous applause. The fusion of both Sebastian Dreyer and Papia Ghoshal for the Baul blazed the stage and blew away everyone’s mind. The audience whole heartedly participated in the performance and cheered the artists with resounding applause throughout the performance.
Tuhin A. Sinha is among the best-selling authors in India, a columnist and a screenwriter.
Starting in 2006 with his first book, That Thing Called Love, an unconventional romance set in a Mumbai monsoon, Tuhin has written five novels. They include The Captain (formerly 22 Yards), Of Love And Politics, The Edge of Desire and The Edge Of Power. Tuhin is acknowledged among the most prolific Indian writers with a maverick knack to experiment with new genres. While his first book was an offbeat romance, The Captain was a cricket thriller that explored the underbelly of modern cricket. Of Love And Politics was a political thriller. His last two books which comprise the Edge series can be called socio-political thrillers with a strong feminist skew. Tuhin is a screenwriter of several popular TV shows, the most noteworthy being Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai on Star Plus. Apart from his fiction novels and scripts, Tuhin is a keen political observer. His columns on Indian politics appear regularly in India’s leading dailies. Tuhin has a regular blog on ibnlive.com. He also appears frequently on news channels on discussions around politics and cricket.
Padma Bhushan Gopaldas Neeraj is considered to be as the best known poets and authors in Hindi literature as on date. He wrote more than 100 songs and heart-touching musical utterances for Hindi films in a period of flirting with the make believed celluloid industry. He is one of the best example of the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, where he also mixed both the languages to produce a masterpiece. Creative writings of unparalleled brilliance flowed freely from his mighty pen. After five decades of relentless writing, he occupies the pinnacle of fame and is the poet laureate of India !
One of the most talented person Lucknow has given to the world of literature in recent times. He has been a contemporary of Majaz Lucknawi, Sahir Ludhianwi, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kaifi Azmi and many other progressive writers, as his career began as the secretary of the student federation of the Progressive Writers Association. He has worked at significant positions in the Department of Indian languages in various universities. Also served as the Principal Publication Officer in the Education Ministry of the Central Government.
Direct descendant of the last king of Awadh Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Lives in Kolkata, where he is operating a school. Well versed in Hindi, Urdu, English & Bengali languages. He has a deep sense of belonging to the city of Lucknow and is an embodiment of Lucknowi Tehzeeb. He is a living persona of everything which Lucknow stands for !
Lucknow’s very own eclectic gentleman with an array of interests from Cinema, Painting, Music, Fashion Designing, Sufism, Social Work; there is a constant quest to unravel the mysteries of life and to find a long-term solution to worldly strife and anguish. Padma Shri Muzaffar Ali has directed legendary films like Umrao Jaan, Anjuman, Gaman, etc to his credit. His interest in Sufism has lead to the Musical Performance Jahan-e Khusrau, a tribute to the Sufism. His recent book ‘The Leaf Turns Yellow’ is an omnibus on the Sufi traditions in India and more specifically in Awadh.
Founder of the Lucknow Society which is a non profit organisation dedicated to the cause of preservation as well as promotion of Culture & Heritage of Lucknow. The objective is to make every citizen a proud associate of unique Lucknawi Tehzeeb. The Society is committed to highlight and relive the events that throw light on the glorious past of the city and pays tribute to its bygone heroes in the field of Arts, Crafts, Heritage, Literature, etc. Post Graduate in Commerce, whereas expert of Digital Marketing. Photography is a passion and Literature is a hobby !
President of ‘Lucknow First’ Society, a society for socio-economic and cultural development of LUCKNOW CITY. Great grandson of Munshi Newal Kishore, father of Paper and publishing industry in south Asia. He is member RAC of ICCR ( MEA ), President Uttar Pradesh Films Chamber of Commerce, Chief Trustee of Meher Bhargava Foundation, Chairman India International Youth Film Festival. Mr Bhargava was also ex officio member of UP State Film development Council and is the only unanimously elected president of the Old Martinian Associations (by international fraternity of Old Martinians, on the occasion of Sesquicentennial celebration in 1996)
'Lucknow Hum Par Fida Hai, Hum Fida-e Lucknow'. MBA from Aligarh Muslim University, Marketing Professional as Career who has worked with prominent Brands like Percept Hakuhodu Advertising, Hindustan Times, Reliance Communications, Uninor, MTS. Numerous articles have been published in newspapers and magazines. Literature is the zeal of life and Urdu as well as Persian languages are the passions !
True representative of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb of Lucknow. He prefer to call himself 'Kavi-Shayer of Hindi-Urdu' languages. Very popular on stage for his poetry and stories. Awarded numerous times for his contributions in literature, which he also inherited from his family ! Well versed in 4 languages Hindi, Urdu, Awadhi & English. He is the only poet from India who has recited poetry as well as speech in parliament of Sri Lanka !
Lucknow born author and journalist; she has taught Islam related topics at the University of Vienna, Austria and at the Vienna American Webster University. She is the author of The Book of Muhammad, The Book of Muinuddin Chishti and The Book of Nizamuddin Aulia, all published by Penguin India. Mehru has filed extensively for the Indian media from Europe and Indonesia, including television and reported for the BBC. Her 50 minute documentary film on Shahrukh fans in Europe called Mr Khan Vienna Loves You was screened at Shahrukh Khan and Global Bollywood, an international conference hosted by the University of Vienna in 2010.
He is also the founder General Secretary of Lucknow First society, an organisation for better Town Planning and Environment friendly Lucknow. Co-Founder of Centre for Objective Research and Development (CORD). CORD is established to collect data and information to corroborate the decline in the socio-economic condition amongst the deprived section of the Indian society of which Muslims form the largest chunk in this part of the northern India.
Associated with theatre for the last 30 years and have done about 100 different plays. Worked with the likes of Habib Tanveer, to promote theatre in Lucknow. President for Theatre Group Actors. Directed and acted as a lead in a play Bahadur Shah Zafar, Taj Mahotsava. Acted as Majaz in two films for DD & Zee TV. Panel of Judges for cultural inter university meets AIU (Association of Indian Universities). Festival Director for IIYFF (India International Youth Festival) in Delhi. Associated with ëLucknow Firstí since inception.
Professor of Education, former Head & Dean of Education Deptt, Lucknow University. M.Sc. Botany, MA Philosophy, M.Ed. & Ph.D. in Education, he is intellectual and educationist with a heart of a teacher. Scholar of International repute and associated with numerous universities and educational organisations !
Historian par excellence, the most reputed name for the history of Awadh. Author of 14 books and more than 40 research papers on Awadh. Written and directed more than 20 plays. He is perfectly awarded with 'Shaan-e Awadh' for which he deserves equally! Lucknow lives in him!
Prizes along with Certificates to be distributed at 2nd edition of International Lucknow Literary Festival on 1st – 2nd Feb 2014
Prizes along with Certificates to be distributed at 2nd edition of International Lucknow Literary Festival on 1st – 2nd Feb 2014
Prizes along with Certificates to be distributed at 2nd edition of International Lucknow Literary Festival on 1st – 2nd Feb 2014
