Bharat Literature Festival

Invited Speakers BLF (3rd Edition)

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism since June 2024, previously served as Minister of Jal Shakti (2019–2024), leading significant water management reforms. He played a key role in expanding Jodhpur Airport and inaugurated India’s first coal gallery in New Delhi, showcasing his focus on infrastructure and cultural preservation.

Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha is a celebrated Indian filmmaker, actor, and producer, known for socially impactful films like Gangaajal, Raajneeti, and Aarakshan. His work tackles complex issues such as corruption and caste politics, earning him multiple National Film Awards and a reputation as a pioneer of socially conscious cinema.

Pankaj Tripathi

Pankaj Tripathi is a well-known Indian actor who has made a significant contribution to Indian cinema. He is the recipient of two National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award.

R. Venkataramani

R. Venkataramani is the 14th Attorney-General for India. With a career spanning over four decades, he has represented the Central and state governments, universities, and public sector entities. His expertise has earned him an unparalleled reputation in the Indian judicial fraternity.

Kailash Kher

Kailash Kher is an Indian music composer and singer. He sings songs with a music style influenced by Indian folk music and Sufi music. Kailash Kher received the Padma Shri award and two Filmfare Awards. With his powerful voice and his unique style of music, Kher has established himself as one of the most popular playback singers of India.

Govind Dholakia

Govind Laljibhai Dholakia, Rajya Sabha member and founder of Shree Ramkrishna Exports embodies simplicity and success, as he writes in his book Diamonds Are Forever, So Are Morals: “Simplicity is the ultimate Sophistication.” His journey from modest roots to a global leader highlights his visionary leadership and societal contributions.

Acharya Prashant

Acharya Prashant is a Vedanta exegete, philosopher, social reformer, columnist, and a national bestselling author. He is a prolific author of over 150 books and is recognized as the world’s most-followed spiritual leader, with over 54 million subscribers on YouTube. He is also an alumnus of IIT-Delhi and IIM-Ahmedabad, and a former Civil Services Officer.

Shiv Khera

Shiv Khera, a globally renowned motivational speaker and author, is best known for his bestseller You Can Win, with over 9 million copies sold in 21 languages. With 40+ years of experience, he has conducted workshops and delivered keynote speeches across more than 20 countries, inspiring millions worldwide.

Acharya Balakrishna

Acharya Balkrishna is an Indian scholar and entrepreneur, known for his expertise in Ayurveda. As Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and co-founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, he has promoted yoga and wellness. His extensive research on medicinal plants and his authorship of over 200 books, including the World Herbal Encyclopedia, have earned him recognition as a distinguished scholar.

Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor, a four-term Member of Parliament, former UN Under-Secretary-General, and India’s UN Secretary-General candidate in 2006, is an acclaimed author of over 25 books, including the Sahitya Akademi-winning An Era of Darkness. Renowned for his diplomacy, eloquence, and advocacy for India’s cultural heritage, he has also served as Minister of State for External Affairs and HRD.

Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi

Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Padma Shri awardee (2022), is a renowned Indian actor, director, and writer. Best known for Chanakya (1991), where he played the iconic role, he also directed Mrityunjay (1996), winning the Screen Videocon Best Director Award, the Partition-era film Pinjar (2003), and Samrat Prithviraj starring Akshay Kumar.

Pushpesh Pant

Dr. Pushpesh Pant, a celebrated food historian, author, and Padma Shri awardee, is renowned for his expertise in Indian culinary traditions. With seminal works like India: The Cookbook, he has brought the rich tapestry of Indian gastronomy to global audiences. A professor and cultural commentator, Dr. Pant’s insights on food and heritage continue to inspire enthusiasts worldwide.

Upendra Rai

Upendra Rai, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express News Network, is a renowned journalist known for his investigative reporting. From rural Uttar Pradesh to leading roles in Indian media, his journey is marked by awards like the Indian Television Academy Award and the National Excellence Award. In his book Katha Katha Mein Kya Hai, he reflects his insights into journalism and media.

Ankur Warikoo

Ankur Warikoo is an Indian entrepreneur, author, and content creator, celebrated for his insights into startups and personal development. He co-founded Nearbuy.com and led Groupon India as its founding CEO. Warikoo’s books, Do Epic Shit and Get Epic Shit Done, have inspired many. His contributions have earned him recognition, including Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 and the ISB Young Leader Award.

Deepali Vashishtha

Deepali Vashishtha is a distinguished legal luminary, author, and researcher with 17 years of experience. She is deeply passionate about the Indian knowledge system and its evolution. Known for her scholarly contributions and commitment to legal reforms and education, she has authored insightful works that inspire the younger generation to think critically about law and governance, bridging tradition and modernity with a visionary approach.

Rubika Liyaqat

TV Journalist

Prof Dr. C Raj Kumar

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar is a distinguished academician and the founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University. Renowned for his contributions to legal research and education, he has published extensively on law, governance, and human rights. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping O.P. Jindal Global University into a leading institution for legal studies in India.

Akshat Gupta

Akshat Gupta is an Indian writer, screenwriter, motivational speaker, lyricist, poet and restaurateur. He is best known for his national best selling mythological, science fiction and adventurous The Hidden Hindu trilogy series.

Kumud Sharma

Professor Kumud Sharma is the Head of the Department of Hindi at the University of Delhi. She is also the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Hindi Sahitya Ki Parampara and Rachnatmak Hindi Kavita, and currently serves as the Vice President of the Sahitya Akademi, further cementing her influence in the field of Indian literature.

Rameshwar Rai

Dr. Rameshwar Rai is a Professor of Hindi at Hindu College, University of Delhi, with over 26 years of teaching experience. He has authored several books, including Bhaktikavyakavartaman and Kavitakaparisar: Ekantaryatra. Awarded the Distinguished Teacher Award by Delhi University in 2009, Dr. Rai has also represented India at the Vishwa Hindi Sammelan in 2012.

Priyanshi Sharma

TV Journalist

Chitra Tripathi

Chitra Tripathi is a renowned Indian journalist and news anchor at ABP News. Beginning her career at Doordarshan, she later worked with eminent news organizations like ETV, News 24, India News and Aaj Tak. Chitra won the Ramnath Goenka Award in 2015 for excellence in Journalism.

Pankaj Bhargava

Journalist, Author and traveller

Sadaf Hussain

Anjum Sharma

Anjum Sharma is an eminent interviewer and an impressive speaker. His dialogue series- Sangat, enjoys immense popularity and credibility among audiences.

Speaker BLF 2.0

Rajat Sharma

Rajat Sharma, recipient of the Padma Bhushan, is a distinguished personality in Indian media and journalism. Renowned for hosting the widely acclaimed "Aap Ki Adalat" show, he has garnered global admiration over the last three decades, captivating audiences not just in India but worldwide.

Adah Sharma

Indian actor Adah Sharma is prominently featured in Hindi and Telugu cinema, earning significant appreciation for her role in the 2023 film 'The Kerala Story.' The much-anticipated release of her next movie, 'Bastar: The Naxal Story,' adds to the excitement.

Neerja Chowdhury

Neerja Chowdhury, a distinguished journalist and political analyst, is celebrated for her sharp insights into Indian politics and governance. She is a prominent voice offering valuable analysis on critical political events. Her book 'How Prime Ministers Decide' has received immense success, and she remains a pivotal figure in shaping public discourse on critical national issues.

Saurabh Dwivedi

Saurabh Dwivedi, recognized with the ENBA award for Best Anchor on a Digital News Channel, is a journalist, author and the founding editor of The Lallantop Show, a Hindi news and media web portal. His engaging news presentation style, featuring colloquial and conversational language, has garnered widespread appreciation. Additionally, he has authored several well-received books like, Social Cocktail, Parinda, Antas ki Awaz and others.

Dr. Meenakshi Jain

Meenakshi Jain, a revered Indian political scientist and historian, received the Padma Shri for her exceptional contributions to the realms of literature and education. Her books, 'The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya' and 'Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples', have enjoyed significant success and popularity.

Sharmistha Mukherjee

Sharmistha Mukherjee, a celebrated Indian Kathak dancer, choreographer, and politician, is the daughter of the esteemed former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. She authored the highly praised book 'Pranab my Father: A Daughter Remembers,' which beautifully captures the essence of their exceptional father-daughter bond, receiving accolades for its fresh perspective and exquisite portrayal.

Ajay Bisaria

Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian Foreign Service diplomat, held the position of High Commissioner to Canada and Pakistan. His book, 'Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan’, skillfully combines scholarship, revelations, memoir, and history, offering a noteworthy analysis of the diplomatic interactions between the two countries.

Sandeep Balakrishna

Sandeep Balakrishna is a well-known author, editor, columnist, and an independent researcher. He founded ‘Dharma Dispatch’ and serves as its Chief Editor. His books, ‘Invaders and Infidels’, ‘Tipu Sultan The Tyrant of Mysore’, ‘Stories From Inscriptions’ and many more, have gained enormous recognition and praise.

RJ Ginnie

Ginnie Mahajan, also known as RJ Ginnie, is the most popular, award-winning RJ of Delhi. She aims to represent the masses by constantly voicing their questions and issues to the authorities. She has been successfully running the 7-11AM breakfast show on Radio City, ‘Suno na Dilli’ for more than 5 years now.

Deepali Vashishtha

Anjum Sharma

Anjum Sharma is an eminent interviewer and impressive speaker. His dialogue series, 'Sangat,' enjoys immense popularity and credibility among audiences. His podcasts are known for their depth and knowledge, reflecting his significant impact on the Hindi literary landscape.

Artee Pathak

Artee Pathak is a prominent news anchor at Bharat Express, known for her clear and engaging reporting style. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering accurate news, she has become a trusted face in Indian journalism. Her expertise and professional approach ensure viewers stay informed about critical national and international events.

Priyanshi Sharma

Priyanshi Sharma is a renowned journalist recognized for her polished and eloquent news delivery. Having served at the prominent Indian news network NDTV, she is currently an active news presenter on various social platforms.

Aditi Tyagi

Aditi Tyagi is a distinguished journalist who is renowned for her articulate speech and persuasive news presentation. She is currently working with Bharat Express, specialising in sports news, governance news and communications.