Celebrating Voices, Vision, and Vital Conversations in Indian Literature
Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) is proud to announce the IAAC Literary Festival 2025, taking place November 15-16 at International House, New York City. Now in its landmark edition, the festival brings together a constellation of acclaimed authors, thinkers, and storytellers from across the globe to explore South Asia’s rich literary and cultural landscape, from myth and mysticism to modern identity, innovation, and global citizenship.
“Across borders and generations, Indian literature continues to redefine the global imagination. The IAAC Literary Festival is where those voices meet; bold, questioning, and alive with possibility. Voices that remind us that literature is not only art, but also the architecture of understanding.”
– Preethi Urs, Director, IAAC Literary Festival
Admission to the all sessions is free and open to the public, except Sadhguru’s keynote session on Sunday, November 16.
Festival Highlights
Sunday, November 16 | Davis Hall, International House
Sadhguru – “Death: A Yogi’s Guide to Living, Dying and Beyond”
Join Sadhguru, yogi, mystic, and bestselling author, for a rare conversation exploring one of life’s deepest mysteries and how an awareness of mortality can profoundly enrich the way we live. Drawing from timeless yogic wisdom, Sadhguru offers a luminous perspective on death not as an end, but as an essential aspect of life and a profound opportunity for transcendence.
This special session will be moderated by Chandrika Tandon, Grammy winning musician, prominent philanthropist, entrepreneur, and cultural patron. This talk is ticketed.
Following his talk, audiences are invited to stay for a special book launch of Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025 by Yakub Mathew, unveiled by Sadhguru himself. The unveiling will be followed by an onstage conversation with the author and a distinguished panel exploring the spiritual, cultural, and human dimensions of the book. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Devdutt Pattanaik – “Escape the Bakasura Trap”
Join mythologist and storyteller Devdutt Pattanaik for an illuminating discussion on his latest work, Escape the Bakasura Trap. In this compelling book, Pattanaik revisits the myth of Bakasura, the demon whose insatiable hunger becomes a metaphor for greed and inner emptiness, offering a mirror to our modern struggles with excess and desire.
Moderated by Mathew Veedon, IAAC Board Member.
Saturday, November 15 | International House
Megha Majumdar – “A Guardian and a Thief”
The author of A Burning returns with her new novel, A Guardian and a Thief, a compelling story of power, memory, and resistance that cements her reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary fiction. The book has already been named a finalist for the 2025 National Book Award for Fiction and was selected by Oprah Winfrey for her October 2025 Book Club pick.
Moderated by Mitra Kalita, journalist, media executive, author and the co-founder/ CEO of URL Media.
Padma Venkatraman – “Safe Harbor”
Award-winning author and oceanographer Padma Venkatraman presents her lyrical new verse novel about an immigrant girl’s journey through nature, music, and belonging.
In conversation with Ramya Ramana, poet and former NYC Youth Poet Laureate.
Pooja Bavishi – “Malai: Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors”
Founder and CEO of Malai, Pooja Bavishi brings her culinary artistry to the page with a stunning cookbook celebrating ice cream infused with the vibrant spices of South Asia. With recipes that are inventive yet accessible, Malai redefines frozen desserts for a new generation.
Sunita Kohli – “The India Cookbook: From the Tables of My Friends”
Renowned designer and conservationist Sunita Kohli shares her second volume in her celebrated Cuisine Trilogy, The India Cookbook, featuring regional recipes and stories collected from friends across India’s cultural and culinary map.
Sunita and Pooja will be in conversation with Simi Shah, founder and CEO of South Asian Trailblazers, a media platform elevating leading South Asians.
Archana Maniar – “Dry Spells”
A spellbinding debut novel by author and physician Archana Maniar explores the delicate intersections of identity, family, and the search for belonging in her latest work, Dry Spells. Drawing from both personal experience and keen observation, Maniar examines the subtle tensions between tradition and modernity, revealing the resilience of those navigating cultural and emotional landscapes. The conversation will be moderated by Jafreen Uddin, Executive Director of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW), whose work centers on amplifying underrepresented voices and building inclusive literary communities.
Stephen Huyler – “Transformed by India: A Life”
Historian, author, and cultural scholar Stephen Huyler presents a reflective memoir tracing his transformative encounters in India. Transformed by India offers readers a vivid journey into the country’s spiritual, architectural, and social traditions, exploring how travel and engagement with Indian culture can reshape personal perspectives and professional pursuits.
Moderated by Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, Philanthropist, thought leader in Indian studies and Chairman, IAAC.
Industry Panel: From Page to Premiere – Adapting Books for the Screen
With Priya Doraswamy (Lotus Lane Literary Agency) and Reena Singh (TV producer and executive), exploring the creative and business challenges of bringing South Asian stories to the global screen.
Amish Tripathi – “The Chola Tigers”
India’s bestselling author Amish Tripathi returns with an epic new tale set in the Chola Empire — a sweeping saga of courage, leadership, and destiny.
Moderated by Makarand Paranjape, renowned scholar, poet, and commentator on Indian culture.
Arjun Mahatta – “Maha Kumbh: A Spiritual Odyssey”
Arjun Mahatta, of the iconic photography family Mahatta & Co., presents Maha Kumbh: A Spiritual Odyssey, capturing India’s Kumbh Mela with a blend of artistry, archival depth, and personal insight, revealing the scale, devotion, and spectacle of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. This session will be moderated by Josheen Oberoi, VP and Director at DAG New York, an experienced curator with a background spanning Tyler Rollins Fine Art, Saffronart, and Bodhi Art.
Meenakshi Ahamed – “Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of Indians in America”
Journalist and author Meenakshi Ahamed examines the ascent of Indian-Americans in fields from technology to medicine and policy. Indian Genius highlights individual and community achievements while exploring the social and cultural factors behind this meteoric rise.
Vik Malhotra – “A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership”
Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, Vik Malhotra draws on decades of experience and research in leadership to map the four phases of a CEO’s career. His session offers insight into effective leadership at every stage.
Vik and Meenakshi’s double header session is presented in partnership with McKinsey & Co and moderated by Liaquat Ahamed, author and financial historian.
Vasant Dhar – “Thinking with Machines”
NYU Stern professor Vasant Dhar explores artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology in Thinking with Machines.
Moderated by Mukul Devichand, Editor, AI Initiatives at The New York Times, whose expertise spans media, technology, and the future of storytelling.
Poetry Panel, Curated by Ravi Shankar
Featuring Usha Akella (Embayed), Srinivas Mandavilli (Howrah Bridge), Amit Majmudar (Three Metamorphoses), Yuyutsu Sharma (An Alchemy of Nine Smiles), and Sunayana Kachroo.
Followed by Matwaala Mehfilm, a poetic film showcase curated by Matwaala to celebrate its 10 year anniversary.
Param Vir – “Twelve Buddhist Tales”
Acclaimed opera composer Param Vir takes us on a fascinating journey through music, philosophy, and craft as he shares the inspiration behind his upcoming opera based on Twelve Buddhist tales from the Pali Canon.
Moderated by Jamshed Bharucha, a neuroscientist and an educator exploring how the brain understands music.
About the IAAC Literary Festival
Founded by the Indo-American Arts Council, the IAAC Literary Festival is New York’s premier platform celebrating Indian voices in world literature. It brings together established and emerging authors across genres and generations — fostering cross-cultural dialogue, creative discovery, and community.
The 2025 edition continues IAAC’s mission to champion diversity, amplify underrepresented voices, and spotlight Indian excellence on the global stage.
Festival Dates: November 15–16, 2025
Venue: International House, 500 Riverside Drive, New York, NY
Admission: Free and open to all (except Sadhguru’s talk, which is ticketed)
Website: www.iaac.us
