C. Bhagyanath, born in 1968 in Tellicherry, Kerala, is a Kochi-based artist whose work examines the paradoxes of contemporary urban life through a narrative lens. With a BFA from the College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram, and an MFA from the University of Hyderabad, he has held solo shows at Kashi Art Gallery, Kochi, and Project88, Mumbai, and participated in prominent exhibitions like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and India Art Fair. Recipient of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Award (2002), Bhagyanath’s art fuses societal themes with personal narratives, creating layered visual commentaries that invite viewers into complex, open-ended dialogues inspired by everyday experiences.

Bidisha Mahanta works as Head of Programmes at Zubaan. She’s previously worked on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, gender-based violence and livelihood issues with women’s collectives in Northeast India. She also has experience with state human rights commissions, focusing on police and state impunity. She’s currently co-editing a book on visual documentation practices in Northeast India and is working on a chapter on Indigenous feminist responses to citizenship rights in Northeast India.

Bijal Vachharajani is a children’s book editor, writer and climate worrier. The chief picture book dreamer at Pratham Books, she is the author of multiple planet-friendly books including Savi and the Memory Keeper, A Cloud Called Bhura and When Fairyland Lost Its Magic. She has also edited the Time Out Bengaluru, consulted international NGOs and written about children’s literature and sustainable development as a freelance journalist. She has a Master’s in Environment Security and Peace with a specialisation in Climate Change and Security at the UN-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. 

Bijibal Maniyil is an acclaimed Indian music composer and playback singer known for his extensive work in Malayalam cinema. With over two decades of experience, he has composed music for more than 150 feature films, winning multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Background Score for Kaliyachan in 2012. He made his debut in 2007 with Arabikatha and his notable projects include Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Pathemari and Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. Bijibal is also recognised for his contributions to non-film albums and short films.

Dr. Bijulal M V is an Assistant Professor at the School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam), where he also serves as the Chairperson of the Centre for West Asian Studies and the Centre for Migration Policy and Inclusive Governance. He holds a PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia, focusing on the rights of marginalised Malayali workers in the GCC. With expertise in West Asian studies, migration and human rights, Dr. Bijulal has published extensively, including notable works on urban marginalisation and human rights issues. He is a dedicated mentor and actively engages in research addressing livelihood challenges and social welfare policies.

Bina Paul is a renowned Indian film editor celebrated for her contributions to Malayalam cinema. A graduate of Delhi University and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, she has significantly influenced the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) as its artistic director. Bina Paul also served as Deputy Director (Festival) at the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and was a Senior Editor at the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT). She has received two National Film Awards and three Kerala State Film Awards and co-founded the Women in Cinema Collective. Her notable works include Mitr, My Friend (2002) and collaborations with acclaimed women filmmakers.

Born in 1975, Alapuzha; lives and works in Alapuzha

Self-taught artist

Solo Exhibitions

• Absence of Presence – Part 1, Alliance Française de Trivandrum (2018)
• Her Obsession is not my Obsession & Nothing to do with Sigmar Polke and Jonathan Monk, The Park Chennai – The Madras Terrace House (2011)
• Nomadic Cock Speaking Blah Blah, The Madras Terrace House, Chennai (2009)
• Product Deproduction Product, Hues Art Gallery, Chennai (2007)
• Alienation and Reality, Alliance Française (Madras, Pondicherry, Chandigarh – 2004, 2005)

Group Exhibitions

• The Eye of the Water, Ekami Gallery, Kannur (2023)
• Lokame Tharavadu, curated by Bose Krishnamachari, Kochi Biennale Foundation (2020)
• Between the Lines, Gallery 27, Kochi (2019)
• 37 Indian Still Lifes, Tasveer Arts, Mumbai – Kolkata – Ahmedabad – Bangalore (2012-2013)
• Fragmented Translation, Hues Art Gallery, Chennai (2007)
• Alliance Française de Madras (2004, 2005)

Camps and Workshops

• Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), Chennai (2003-2005)
• Community Environmental Monitoring (CEM), SIPCOT Cuddalore, Chennai (2004-2005)
• International Crane Foundation and Nature Quest, Chennai (2004)

Artist Statement

Aesthetically Imbibed (AI) images offer a captivating journey through references, memories, and impulses that evoke and reveal the self-loved, self-praised, and self-modified narcissist within each of us. Working closely with nature, I use natural materials to challenge accepted norms and highlight the social pressures shaping human behavior. My work delves into themes like the decline of socialism, the hypocrisies surrounding sex and aggression, and the struggles of class. I am deeply interested in the fear of change and leadership and explore how alienation grows as we chase materialism, all while losing the human dimension in every facet of life.

Bony Thomas is a Malayalam short story writer and painter. He is one of the founders and research coordinators of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Bony has worked as a cartoonist and illustrator for newspapers such as Business Standard and Economic Times. His latest work Kochikkar is a collection of paintings on the history of Kochi.

Bose Krishnamachari, a contemporary pioneer in blending traditional Indian aesthetics with international influences, is a prominent figure in Indian art. Known for his diverse and innovative artistic style, he has transitioned from painting and drawing to mixed media and installations, exploring themes of identity, memory and urban life. His notable contributions include making Indian contemporary art more visible internationally through various curatorial projects, particularly the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. This event has become a major international art attraction, fostering dialogue on social and political issues and providing a platform for emerging talent. Bose’s public art frequently engages with societal issues, reflecting his belief in art’s transformative power. In 2009, he established Gallery BMB in Mumbai to bring international contemporary art to India. An avid art collector, Bose has received numerous state, national and international awards, including the Mid America Arts Alliance Award, the Charles Wallace India Trust Award and the Kerala Lalita Kala Akademi Award. He was also the curator of Yinchuan Biennale in 2016. Currently, he serves as President of the Kochi Biennale Foundation.

Dr. Brahma Prakash is a writer, cultural theorist and an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi). He wrote the critically acclaimed book, Cultural Labour: Conceptualizing the ‘Folk Performance’ in India (Oxford University Press) and Body On the Barricades: Life, Art and Resistance in Contemporary India (Left Word). His popular columns on art, culture and politics frequently appear in Scroll.in, Wire, Outlook, Indian Cultural Forum and other media platforms.

C Balagopal is an Indian writer, industrialist, former civil servant and philanthropist from Kerala. Known for his contributions to public service and business, he played a key role in the commercialisation of indigenous technology, earning the National R&D Award from the Ministry of Science & Technology. Balagopal’s literary works include On A Clear Day You Can See India, The View From Kollam and Maveli & Markets, which offer insights into Indian society, governance and economy. Below the Radar is his memoir.

C Shantha Kallai is an artist associated with Kochi Biennale Foundation.

C V Balakrishnan is a popular and vibrant post-modernist novelist and short story writer in Malayalam. His first popular novel ‘Ayusinte Pusthakam’ is considered one of the landmark novels published in Malayalam literature. Balakrishnan vividly brought the local narratives of Northern Malabar, especially with the linguistic flavours. His stories captured the origins and evolution of diverse issues and incidents around him such as migrations to Christian communities and the Communist movement. Tribal life and Theyyam are also featured in his writings. C V Balakrishnan is also a celebrated screenwriter. He won the state film award for the best book on cinema for Cinemayude Idangal. His noted works include Ayussinte Pusthakam, Aathmavinu Sariyennu Thonnunna Karyangal, Avanavante Anandam Kandethanulla Vazhikal, Vishudha Chumbanam, Daivam Piano Vaayikkumbol and  Paralmeen Neenthunna Paadam.

Celin Jacob V
Born in 1995, Ezhupunna, Kerala; lives and works in Kerala

Education

• BFA in Sculpture, R.L.V. College of Fine Arts, Tripunithura
• MFA in Sculpture, Government College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram

Exhibitions/ Residencies

• Solo Grand Exhibition, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi (2020)
• Group Art Exhibition, Zen School of Arts (2013)
• Labyrinth Annual Show, R.L.V. College of Music and Fine Arts (2017)
• State Exhibition, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi (2019)
• SEE Annual Show, Government College of Fine Arts, Kerala (2020)
• Students Biennale, Kochi Muziris Biennale (2022–23)

• Peers Residency, Khoj International Artists Association (2023)
• National Art Residency, Kerala Lalithakala Academy (2023)

Achievements

• Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Solo Grand Exhibition (2020)
• K. Karunakaran Scholarship (2021)
• Young Artist Diamond Jubilee Fellowship, Cultural Department of Kerala Government (2018–2021)
• International Award at Students Biennale as part of Kochi Muziris Biennale (2022-23)

Artist Statement

My artistic practice draws from the intricate relationships between humanity and nature. Initially focusing on small creatures like ants, lizards, and moths that I encountered daily, my work has evolved to explore the broader disruption and destruction these beings face in human-dominated environments. Through materials like tree bark, sticks, dry leaves, and mud, I create works that highlight the fragility and resilience of these ecosystems. My recent installation Creatures of Habitats transforms my studio into a network of interconnected dwellings, inviting viewers to reflect on the balance between humanity and nature and the political undertones of environmental neglect. 

Dr Charles Dias, a historian and PhD graduate from the University of Calicut, has played a pivotal role in fostering Indo-Portuguese cultural relations. He co-founded the Indo-Portuguese Cultural Institute in Kochi with the late Stephen Padua and is actively involved with the Kerala History Association and the Vasco da Gama Research Institute. In 2009, he was nominated to the Indian Parliament as a representative of the Anglo-Indian community.

Chittranjan Dubey is an environmentalist raising awareness about the ecological crises in Europe and India. His work has been covered by media houses like BBC, The Telegraph, Reuters, Ouest-France, Reporterre, RFI, London Review of Books, TRT World, VICE, Bangkok Post, The Straits Times, The Economic Times, Times of India and The Hindustan Times. He has volunteered with the Extinction Rebellion movement in cities like London, Berlin, Delhi, Brussels and Madrid, where people turned up on the streets, demanding their governments to declare a climate emergency. As a social activist, he was involved in the India Against Corruption Movement in 2010–2011. He also teaches meditation in European countries in addition to his IT consulting job.

Denny Thomas Vattakunnel is an entrepreneur, business management consultant and author based in Kerala. He founded Santa Monica Study Abroad Pvt. Ltd. to enhance higher education and employment opportunities for Kerala’s students. Denny Thomas Vattakkunnel’s literary work addresses social issues, beginning with his first book Ashantiyude Poomaram, followed by Nangal Abhayarthikal which tackles the refugee crisis and Covid Enthu? Enthukondu? focusing on the pandemic. As a dedicated Gandhian, he reflects his commitment to social service in his writing. In addition, he founded Malabar’s first old age home.

Devan Ramachandran is an Indian judge serving on the Kerala High Court. He began his legal career in 1991 specialising in corporate, constitutional and company law. He became the youngest advocate engaged by the Kerala High Court at thirty-four. Devan Ramachandran has represented the CBSE and numerous financial institutions, including the Indian Banks’ Association.

Devdutt Pattanaik writes about mythology, the study of cultural truths revealed through stories, symbols and rituals. He lectures on the relevance of both Indian and Western myths in modern life. He has authored and illustrated over fifty books, including Dharma Artha Kama Moksha, Shiva to Shankara and Bahubali. Known for his TED talk and TV shows such as Devlok and Business Sutra, he is a regular columnist for reputed newspapers like the Times of India and Dainik Bhaskar. A medical doctor by training, he spent fifteen years working in the pharma and healthcare industry. However, his study of the cultural impact of mythology began three decades ago.

Dhanya Suresh Menon is a lyricist and writer active in the Malayalam film and music industry. A graduate of St. Joseph’s College, she started her professional journey with the band Thaikkudam Bridge, penning popular Malayalam originals. Her film debut came with the song “Theevandi..” in Haram. Dhanya has also written dialogues for Solo and contributed lyrics for films like Higuita, Archana 31 and The Great Indian Kitchen. Coming from a musical family, her brother is renowned composer Govind Vasantha.

Dibin K. Thilakan

Bachelor’s in Painting, Government College of Fine Arts, Thrissur

Master’s in Painting, SN School of Art and Communication, Hyderabad Central University

Exhibitions & Camps

• Backspace, Exhibition of Graphic Prints, Dravidia Art Gallery, Fort Kochi (2008)
• What’s Wrong with That, Group Show, Durbar Hall Art Centre, Kochi (2009)
• State Exhibition, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Durbar Hall Art Centre, Kochi (2009)
• The Disparate Five, Group Show, Chaithanya Gallery, Kochi (2010)
• Annual Camp, KILA (2008)
• Trans Trends 2010, Inter-University Students Camp

Achievements

• Works included in the contemporary art collection of Sarmaya Museum

Artist Statement

Art for me is a process of mediation between myself and the world around me. The act of image-making takes me into the strange and hidden parts of my being. As an emerging voice in India’s contemporary art scene, I explore the complexities of human relationships through captivating visual narratives. My collaboration with an Indo-Latin American theatre ensemble enriched my artistic sensibilities and inspired me to pursue a Master’s in painting.

Drawing on Indian folklore and miniature traditions, my works reflect the human condition, through thought-provoking themes. Through bold and evocative paintings, I express the spectrum of human experience and emotion. My art invites viewers to peel back the layers of relationships, revealing their complexities and the ways inherited stories shape our understanding. The costumed figures in my canvases symbolize the enduring power of folklore, highlighting the fragile and nuanced ties that bind us.

Dilip D’Souza is a renowned Mumbai-based writer and journalist. With a strong educational background in engineering and computer science from BITS Pilani and Brown University, Dilip transitioned from a software engineering career to full-time writing. A polyglot speaking seven languages, he serves on the editorial board of  BITS Alumni magazine Sandpaper and maintains a popular blog called Death Ends Fun. His writing has earned numerous awards, including The Daily Beast Award for South Asian commentary, The Statesman Rural Reporting Award and The Outlook/Picador nonfiction Prize. Dilip is also actively involved in social and humanitarian initiatives, working with organisations like People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Narmada Bachao Andolan and Citizens for Peace, and serving as a member of the India Progressive Action Group in Austin (USA). His notable works include, among others, Branded by Law: Looking at India’s Denotified Tribes, The Narmada Dammed: An Inquiry into the Politics of Development, Roadrunner: An Indian Quest in America, The Curious Case of Binayak Sen, Final Test: Exit Sachin Tendulkar and  Dhyan Singh ‘Chand’: Hockey’s Magician.

Dipna Daryanani is a Mumbai-based movement artist, educator, founder of Move with Joy and co-founder of a sustainable clothing brand Love the World Today. She has over sixteen years of experience working as an Early Years Educator. As a movement artist, she has been working in the space of contemporary dance and dance theatre for the last eleven years. As a performer, she has collaborated with varied mentors, directors and choreographers across India and internationally. Her approach to performance is through exploring the simple, honest and ordinary facets of life. She is deeply interested in understanding the body. It is also with this curiosity that she works with children, teachers, performers and people with special needs to focus on establishing a deep connection of listening to and with the body. Environment, travelling, textiles and personal stories are her other interests.

Diti (he/they) is a queer transmasculine feminist researcher and writer from Assam. They have a disciplinary background in Sociology and Women’s Studies and over a decade of involvement in various movements across India. In their career in the development sector, they have served as a researcher, coordinator for a feminist network and grant manager. Diti’s scholarly and creative work explores themes of gender, sexuality, citizenship, militarisation, nationalism, education and folk culture. They have contributed numerous academic and fictional pieces to these critical conversations. These works were published by Zubaan Publications, Economic and Political Weekly, Duke University Press and Routledge Publication. Diti has received several prestigious fellowships, including the Amplifying Trans Advocacy Fellowship from the Asia Pacific Transgender Network and the Zubaan-Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellowship for Young Researchers.

Divya Prabha is an Indian actress known for her work in Malayalam cinema. She gained recognition for her roles in Take Off and Thamaasha, and won the Kerala State Television Award for Best Second Actress for Eswaran Sakshiyayi in 2015. In 2022, she was nominated for Best Actress at the Locarno Film Festival for Ariyippu, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film premiered at the 75th Locarno Film Festival and was later released on Netflix. Divya also stars in All We Imagine as Light, which competed at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, winning the Grand Prix.

Dorota Masłowska is a Polish author, playwright and cultural icon whose work has left an indelible mark on contemporary European literature. Dorota Masłowska shot to fame with her debut novel Wojna polsko-ruska pod flagą biało-czerwoną (Snow White and Russian Red) in 2002, written when she was just 19 years old. The story, a sharp and surreal exploration of youth culture, identity and post-communist Poland, became a sensation, earning her the prestigious Nike Literary Award. Dorota Masłowska’s writing is characterized by its innovative use of language, blending slang, pop culture references and literary styles to create a unique voice that resonates with critics and readers alike. Beyond novels, she has made significant contributions to theatre, further showcasing her talent for capturing the absurdity and contradictions of modern life. Her work has been translated into numerous languages, establishing her as a prominent figure on the international literary stage. In addition to her writing, Dorota Masłowska is a cultural commentator and musician, continually pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in Poland and beyond. Dorota has also received the Pazsport Polityki Award. Her other notable works include The Queen’s Peacock; Honey, I Killed Our Cats; No Matter How Hard We Tried and A Couple of Poor, Polish-Speaking Romanians.

E P Rajagopalan is a Malayalam playwright and literary critic. While doing literary criticism, he pays attention to the history and life reflected in the writing rather than the author’s background. E P Rajagopalan has also co-authored two dramas with N Sasidaran and handled the column Katha Innu in Deshabimani Weekly. In addition, he contributes to columns in various prominent Malayalam newspapers. As an author of nearly thirty books, E P Rajagopalan has received multiple awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Kavitayude Gramangal and the Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Akademi Award for Kelu.

E P Unny is a renowned Indian political cartoonist, currently serving as the Chief Political Cartoonist at The Indian Express. Before starting his career in cartooning, he was a student of Physics. His first cartoon was published in Shankar’s Weekly in 1973 and he turned professional in 1977 with The Hindu. Over the years, Unny has contributed to The Sunday Mail, The Economic Times and authored works such as Spices and Souls and Santa and the Scribes: The Making of Fort Kochi. He is also noted for his graphic novels and shorts in Malayalam literary journals.

Elif Yonat Togay is a Turkish author whose books have been translated into numerous languages. She studied at Uskudar American Academy for Girls and Bosphorus University. She is a National Geographic Certified educator, writing awareness-building stories for primary and pre-school children. She is committed to teaching her readers about the world and how it works, empowering them to make it a better place. Her books and activities allow students to examine the world from different scales and perspectives. She writes with a belief in the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to inspire young people to care for our changing world. Her main goal is to spark curiosity about the planet and the life it sustains. In her interactive sessions, she focuses on nature to thrill the students to be effective global thinkers and explorers and to motivate them to work out solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow. She translated bestseller books from English to Turkish. She was honoured with the Tudem Literature Award in 2016.

Eltho K.S

Born in 1998, Thrissur, Kerala, India; lives and works in Kerala

BFA (Painting), Government College of Fine Arts, Thrissur, 2020

MFA (Painting), Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, 2024

Exhibitions

Kerala Lalithakala Akademi State Exhibition, Pepper House, Kochi (2023)

NAKSHI: Eclectic Realms of Creation, Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata, West Bengal (2024)

Master’s Degree Show 2024, Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, West Bengal (2024)

NON-SENCE, curated by Hidden Artist Initiative, Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara, Gujarat (2024)

Achievements

First Rank in MFA Painting

First Rank in BFA Painting

Artist Statement

My work primarily focuses on landscapes deeply connected to my surroundings and the people I observe. Drawing inspiration from intimism, I explore familiar domestic environments, expanding the concept of landscape to encompass the untold histories of both people and land. Each element in my paintings is deliberately chosen, offering an insider’s perspective that reflects the anxieties and insecurities of a middle-class setting, while embedding distinct political undertones. I examine the interconnected realities of religion, land, and community, questioning how religion shapes identity and often diminishes individuality within social clusters. Coming from a farming family, I reflect on the pepper plant’s significance to my heritage and its surprising absence in Indian visual history. Through my series From the Pepper Garden, I explore these underrepresented stories, documenting the histories of marginalized communities while addressing systemic inequalities in art.

Faizal Edavalath Kottikollon is the Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings, an industry-agnostic company with over twenty-five years of innovation and social impact. This UAE based Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist serves as Chairman of the Board of Meitra Hospital. He also co-founded the Faizal and Shabana Foundation, an organisation aimed at building a more equitable, positive, happier and better tomorrow by empowering people and communities. Faizal has been ranked among the Top 100 Indian Business Leaders in the Arab World by Forbes. Additionally, he received the International Community Services Award from the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin in 2012 and was listed among the Arabian Business Richest Indians in the UAE in 2018.

Francis Noronha is a Malayalam writer whose works capture the hardships and struggles of coastal communities. His writings have served as a catalyst, bringing the downtrodden lives of seafaring communities to the forefront of contemporary popular imagination in Kerala. A handful of stories, such as Thottappan and Kakkukali, his sole novel Asaranarude Suvisesham and memoir Mundan Parunki, testify to his literary prowess, making him one of the most admired writers in contemporary Malayalam literature. His notable works include Adaminte Muzha, Manjapusthakam, Pennachi and Randampennu.

G R Indugopan is an acclaimed Indian screenwriter, director and writer of Malayalam literature. Recognised as one of the prominent post-modern writers in Malayalam, Indugopan has left a significant mark on both literature and cinema. He made his directorial debut with the 2007 film Ottakkaiyyan and has contributed screenplays for several successful films, including Wolf, Oru Thekkan Thallu Case, Kaapa, Christy and Vilayath Buddha. In literature, Indugopan has authored a diverse range of works, from novels and short stories to memoirs and travelogues. His notable books include Thaskaran Maniyanpillayude Aathmakatha, Bhoomi Smasanam, Vellimoonga, Aano and many others.

Gareth Armstrong is a distinguished actor and playwright, educated at Swansea Grammar School. His extensive theatre career features performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as a notable role in Yes, Prime Minister in the West End. With a career spanning over fifty countries, Gareth has captivated audiences globally. His acclaimed solo play Shylock and the Dylan Thomas portrait The Intricate Image highlight his artistic range and dedication, particularly during his previous visits to India.

Gargi Harithakam is a Bahujan queer feminist and the current President of the Vanaja Collective, based in Kozhikode (Kerala). She holds an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from Brown University and a BTech in Civil Engineering from Malaviya National Institute of Technology (Jaipur). Gargi’s professional journey spans multiple fields, including software engineering, civil engineering, film scripting, and copywriting, reflecting her diverse creative interests. A Kozhikode native, she is proficient in Malayalam, Hindi, and English. Her notable works include Unwinding a Death Spiral and The Land of Lamp Bearers.

Dr. Gaurav Bhatnagar has a PhD in Mathematics. He has taught Mathematics to many students at many levels, at the Ohio State University, the Department of Computer Science in Delhi University, the Millennium School, Noida, in his garage, and online – over the internet. Currently, he teaches mathematics at Ashoka University, Sonipat. He is the author of Get Smart!: Maths Concepts

Gautham Govindan is a sharp, witty English comic whose style blends original humour with socio-cultural insights and edgy alternate comedy. A graduate of IIM Calcutta, he left a corporate career at Cadbury in 2020 to pursue his true passion: stand-up comedy. Known for his quick wit and keen observations of everyday absurdities, Gautham has amassed over twenty million views on Instagram and YouTube. His debut solo show, Enough!, is a laugh-out-loud exploration of modern life.

George Pulikkan is a prominent Indian writer, political satirist and journalist known for his captivating and thought-provoking shows. He currently hosts Chitram Vichitram, a popular programme that reflects his distinctive style. Over the years, he has worked with several leading Malayalam news channels and newspapers, contributing significantly to the media landscape. He has authored several acclaimed works, including Thotta Charithram Kettittilla, Vote Tharam Ottakam Tharanam, Erivum Puliyum, I Groupukarude Paal Venda, Nethav Laduvile Munthiriyalla, Prasangakala and Virathangikku Chutum. His sharp political commentary has been showcased in notable television shows like Politriks and Dhim Tharikida Thom, making him a well-respected figure in Malayalam media and literary circles.

Gigi Ganguly has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Limerick in Ireland. Her first book, a novella titled One Arm Shorter Than The Other, was published by Atthis Arts in 2022. Her second book, a short story collection titled Biopeculiar, was published by Westland in 2024. She is currently working on a novel about AI and consciousness.

Greeshma C
Born in 2000 in Malappuram, Kerala, India; lives and works in Kerala.
Completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Government College of Fine Arts, Thrissur, and is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the Government RLV College, Tripunithura, Kochi.

Exhibitions

• Kerala Lalithakala Akademi State Exhibition (2022-2023)
• Camp of Colours Painting Exhibition, Malappuram (2022-2023)
• All India Women Art Exhibition, Artscapes, Chandigarh (2024)

Achievements

• Student Award at the All India Women Art Exhibition 2024, Artscapes, Chandigarh
• K. Karunakaran Scholarship, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi (2023, 2024)

Artist Statement
My work explores the complexities of cultural, political, and economic globalization through the lens of recurring imagery and the interplay between representation and abstraction. Inspired by Paul Gauguin’s Where Are We Going?, I aim to reconnect humanity with the universe. Each person is on a journey toward completeness, and my art mirrors this continuous transformation. Everything we perceive, whether past or present, undergoes change and eventually returns to its source. Like a flower shifting with perspective, the beauty we see today may alter tomorrow, giving rise to new forms. Through these cycles, we gain deeper insight into the ever-evolving nature of existence. I strive to create works that challenge viewers to question their perceptions of reality, prompting reflection on the transient nature of life and human existence. 

Dr. Easwer H V is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Thiruvananthapuram). Known for his groundbreaking work in neurosurgery, he has performed over four thousand surgeries and pioneered innovations like the Burr Hole Button. Dr. Easwer is also a prominent advocate for organ donation and an award-winning researcher with numerous patents. Beyond medicine, he is an insightful commentator on social issues, contributing to Indian periodicals, where he blends his medical expertise with reflections on Kerala’s culture and traditions.

Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar is an Indian novelist and medical doctor from the Santhal community of Jharkhand. While his profession is in medicine, his passion lies in writing and he has made significant contributions to Indian literature. Shekhar’s writing spans multiple genres, including children’s literature and he is also a skilled translator working with languages such as Santhali, English, Bengali and Hindi. His literary accomplishments have earned him awards and recognitions including the Yuva Puraskar and Muse India Young Writer Award and he was shortlisted for prestigious awards like the Hindu Literary Prize, Crossword Book Award, International Dublin Literary Award, Neev Book Award, JCB Prize and Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize. Shekhar provides a unique perspective on the Santhal community and Indian society through his writings, making him a notable voice in contemporary Indian literature. His noted works are The Mysterious Ailment of Rupi Baskey, The Adivasi Will Not Dance: Stories, Jwala Kumar and the Gift of Fire: Adventures in Champakbagh, My Father’s Garden and I Named My Sister Silence.

Harikrishnan is an Indian screenwriter best known for his work in Kutty Srank: The Sailor of Hearts (2009), Odiyan (2018) and One Heart: The A.R. Rahman Concert Film (2017). His debut in screenwriting co-written with P. F. Mathew for Kutty Srank earned him the National Film Award for Best Screenplay. 

Harisha Chennangod
Born in 1984 in Kasaragod, Kerala, India; lives and works in Baroda
Completed BFA in Painting from CAVA College, Mysore
Master’s in Museology at MSU, Baroda

Exhibitions

• Solo exhibiiton: “Layers of Memories”, Gallery Ekami, Kannur (2023)
• ‘10X10’, Gallery Threshold, Delhi (2010)
• ‘Interlude-1’, Faculty of Fine Arts Exhibition Hall, MS University of Baroda (2018)
• ‘Experiment with Light and Color’ project, Conflictorium Museum, Ahmadabad (2020)
• ‘A Walk Across Grids’, AkaraArt, Mumbai (2020)
• ‘Lokame Tharavadu’, curated by Bose Krishnamachari (2021)
• ‘HOME – An Irrevocable Condition’, Pepper House, Kochi Muziris Biennale (2021)
• “Dtale Archist(l)”, Gallery Dtale, Bengaluru (2024)
• “All Is Flux, Nothing Stays Still,” RizQ, Abu Dhabi (2024)

Artist Statement

My artistic practice explores the tension between order and chaos, expressed through layers of vibrant colors, intricate lines, and deliberately constructed space. The horizontal and vertical lines in my works reflect life’s complexity, while the 12 to 18 layers I build up evoke a sense of textile weaving – an interplay between structure and fluidity. Observation of nature deeply inspires my bold color palette, which aims to evoke emotions, energy, and wonder. The layered in-between spaces in my paintings are as important as the lines themselves, representing the unknown and creating rhythmic movement for the viewer’s imagination. My hope is for viewers to be drawn into these layers of memories, contemplating the chaos and finding beauty through their own interpretations of the piece. My visual language unfolds the complexity of life without organic forms, using minimal lines and forms that mimic threads on a loom, fraying at the edges to reveal the quiet periphery of existence.

Hartosh Singh Bal is the executive editor at The Caravan and an adjunct faculty member at the Jindal School of Journalism & Communication (Sonipat). Previously, he served as the political editor at OPEN magazine. Hartosh Singh Bal co-authored A Certain Ambiguity, which won the Association of American Publishers Award for best professional/scholarly book in Mathematics. His second book, Waters Close Over Us, is a travelogue with socio-political commentary. Hartosh Singh Bal has also worked with The Indian Express, Tehelka and Mail Today, and is recognised for his incisive commentary on Indian politics and society.

Hena Kim studied Korean language and literature at the University of Cheong-ju. She also practices Ashtanga yoga and has studied yoga philosophy in Mysore, India. Since 2010, she has published several novels and one yoga essay book. She has won the Today’s Writers Award 2010 and the Soorim Literature Award 2016. Her first novel, Jerry, was the winner of Today’s Author Prize 2010. Her second novel, Junk, was longlisted for the Dong-In Literature Prize 2013. The third novel, The Goldstar Phone, was awarded the Soorim Literature Prize in 2016. Most recently, she has published the novel, We on The Chamundi Hills. She has also published two books of short stories titled The Blue Tangerine in 2018 and The Deepest Breathing in 2022. Hena currently lives in Seoul.

Honey Reza is a playback theatre artist and facilitator with over a decade of experience crafting impactful learning experiences through the medium of theatre. She focuses on using various forms of theatre to enhance learning and development. She believes in the transformative power of art as a problem-solving tool, empowering individuals, communities and organisations to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Through engaging workshops, she has had the privilege of collaborating with dynamic companies to help teams approach problems with fresh perspectives. She leads the TiE (Theatre in Education) programme at the Sri Kumaran Group of Institutions (Bangalore), where she helps young minds express themselves through storytelling. On stage, she has had the joy of collaborating with some of the country’s top theatre groups, bringing a diverse range of characters to life in various productions, advertisements and music videos. As a voice-over artist, she has lent her voice to captivating audiobooks available on Amazon Audible, further enriching her artistic repertoire.

Indhu V. S. is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker from Kerala, known for her debut feature 19(1)(a), which she wrote and directed. Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, the film premiered on Disney Plus Hotstar to critical praise, winning the FIPRESCI Award at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and Best Debut Director at the 46th Kerala Film Critics Award. With over a decade of industry experience, Indhu has been a director, writer, and mentor. She is now working on her second feature while serving on prestigious juries and film selection committees.

Indu Antony

Born in 1982; she works out of Bangalore and Kerala

Medical doctor turned multi-disciplinary artist 

Exhibitions

Solo

• 2023 Museum of Art and Photography, Bangalore
• 2022 1Shanti Road, Bangalore
• 2021 Blueprint12 Gallery, Delhi
• 2019 Ada Slaight Gallery, Ontario, Canada
• 2017 Kashi Art Gallery, Fort Kochi, Kerala

Group

• 2024 TAF x 079 Gallery, Ahmedabad
• 2022 India Art Fair
• 2022 Photo Australia, Footscray
• 2021 Monash Art Gallery, Australia
• 2021 Lokame Tharavadu, Kerala
• 2020 Feminist Art Collective, Ontario, Canada
• 2017 Queer Asia Photo Exhibition, London
• 2015 Embody by Pix, Sri Lanka

Achievements

• 2022 Artist Book of the Year, Hello India Art Awards
• 2021 International Public Art Award shortlist, China
• 2020 Al Kazi Foundation Photobook Grant Runner-up
• 2011 Toto Award for Photography

Artist Statement

Do objects offer solace in times of loneliness? I’ve been collecting abandoned chairs for over 20 years, finding them on the roadside and in scrap shops around Bangalore. These empty chairs, which now occupy my home, serve as a metaphor for human connection, standing in for the presence of others in my solitude. Having lived alone for 21 years, they have become my people. My work also explores the presence of gendered bodies in public spaces, as seen in my long-standing project Cecilia’ed. Central to my practice is community engagement. Along with fellow artists, I co-founded Kanike, a community art center fostering artistic expression and belonging.

Prof. J Devika is a prominent Malayali historian, feminist, social critic and academic in Kerala. She has authored numerous works on gender relations in early Kerala society, specialising in the region’s history and contemporary developments in gender, politics and culture. Her research interests include migration, cosmopolitanism, local self-government, Malayalam literature and contemporary politics. Devika, who holds a Master’s in Modern History from Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) and a PhD from Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam), has been affiliated with the Centre for Development Studies (Thiruvananthapuram). She is actively engaged in translating Malayalam works into English.

Jacob Abraham is an acclaimed Malayalam short story writer, novelist, radio personality and columnist. His debut short story collection Tattoo earned him prestigious accolades like the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Geetha Hiranyan Endowment Award and the Karoor Award. Jacob Abraham has received numerous awards, including the P Ayyaneth Memorial Award and others. He currently heads the Radio Malayalam Project at Malayalam Mission. His works, translated into multiple languages, include Kumari, Marangalkkidayil Oru Monastery and Vishamavrthangalil Vishudhar.

Born in 1983 in Keezhillam, Perumbavoor, Kerala, India, P.S Jalaja completed her BFA and MFA from Govt RLV College Tripunithura, Kochi. Over the years she’s been a part of a myriad of solo shows, group shows, art fairs and biennales. She was a participating artist of the first edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. she was a part of the biennale Arte Dolomiti, Cibiana di Cadore, Italy in 2016. Prague Biennale, Indian Pavilion Czech Republic 2011, Art Gwangju, South Korea, 2010. In 2019 and 2009 she received the state award from Kerala Lalitha kala Academy. Her selected exhibitions include, the State Exhibition of Art, Lalitha Kala Academy, Kerala 2019, Long Story Short, curated by Kanika Anand, Palett Art Gallery, New Delhi 2017, Feedback Loop, curated by kKanchi Mehta  Mumbai in 2016, Walking on the Planet, curated by Pietro Gagliano, Italy in  2015, People without memory People without future, curated  by Sumesh Sharma Italy in 2013, Being in Her Shoes-Celebrating Women’s Creativity, Kalakriti Art Gallery, Hyderabad 2015 and many more. She was one of the curators of ‘IDAM’ Art Exhibition,Dubar Hall Art Gallery presented by kochi-muziris Biennale and Kerala Lalitha Kala akademi in 2022-23

Jaya P S is an artist associated with Kochi Biennale Foundation.

Jayakrishnan is a prominent artist, writer and translator. He writes columns that introduce world literature, especially works from Spanish and Portuguese, in Malayalam periodicals. He has translated works such as Pedro Paramo and published a book titled Latin American Nadodikathakal. He also writes stories, poems and literary articles. He made his literary debut with the novel titled Chitrakathayil Avante Bhoothangal which marked the beginning of his distinct storytelling style.

Jayamohan is a seasoned broadcast journalist with over 20 years of professional experience. He began his career at Indiavision after obtaining a Master’s degree in Journalism from Kerala University. His expertise spans programme production, anchoring, reporting and news desk management. He is particularly renowned for the satire show Thiruva Ethirva in Manorama News. Jayamohan has been recognised with four Kerala State TV Awards, including Best Anchor (2011) for Thiruva Ethirva, Best Current Affairs Show (2012) for Face Booked, Best Show for Children (2013) for Nallapadam and Best Interviewer (2021) for his conversation with historian Manu S. Pillai.

As a child, Jeet Thayil travelled extensively through much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia with his father. Later he worked as a journalist in Bombay, Bangalore, Hong Kong and New York. Since the 2000s, Jeet Thayil has written essays, poetry and short fiction in renowned publications, including the New York Review of Books, Granta, TLS, Esquire, The London Magazine, The Guardian and Alexander. Narcopolis, the first installment of his Bombay Trilogy (followed by The Book of Chocolate Saints and Low), was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and became an unexpected bestseller. His poetry collection These Errors Are Correct won the Sahitya Akademi Award and his musical collaborations include the Opera Babur in London. His latest novel is Names of the Women. He is the editor of The Penguin Book of Indian Poets. His upcoming work, I’ll Have It Here, will be published by HarperCollins in November 2024.

Jeevan Job Thomas is an Indian essayist, novelist and screenwriter known for his impactful contributions to Malayalam literature. Since 2006, he has written essays for prominent Malayalam magazines. His 2013 publication Rathirahasyam is a comprehensive exploration of human sexuality, weaving together insights from anthropology, evolutionary psychology and cultural history. In 2015, Jeevan Job Thomas ventured into fiction with his debut psychological thriller novel Nidramoshanam. His nonfiction work, Maranathinte Ayiram Mukhangal, delves into the concept of death, from cellular demise to the potential end of human civilization, integrating political history, cultural philosophy, cellular biology and evolutionary theory. In 2014, Jeevan Job Thomas wrote a thought-provoking article based on the murder of an elderly woman in Kozhikode, highlighting how the legal system unjustly transformed an innocent youth into a criminal.

Jeevesh Gupta is an environmentalist and social activist who works in the areas of disability and climate change. Jeevesh left his corporate career in 2010 and has been a social change agent for over a decade. He has been a co-founder and active member of many groups and movements, including the Extinction Rebellion and Delhi Drum Circles to save more than fifty thousand trees in the seven GPRA Colonies of Delhi. He runs a trust called Campaign for Differently Abled, whose motto is ‘Let’s see what they see and show them what we see’. He writes for a community magazine called Samvada, blogs actively on i-jeevesh.blogspot.com and is an active contributor to Mainstream Weekly.

Jerry Pinto is a poet, children’s writer, journalist and translator. His book Helen: The Life and Times of an H Bomb won the Best Book on Film at the 54th National Film Awards. In 2016 his first novel Em and the Big Hoom won the Sahitya Akademi Award. Asylum and Other Poems and Surviving Women are his collections of poems. His writings deal with mental health, political life, gender perspectives and family relationships. Among his translations, Daya Pawar’s autobiography Baluta and Vandana Misra’s The Salt Doll are his other notable works. He received the Hindu Literary Prize and the Windham Campbell Prize for his writings.

Prof. Jisa Jose is a writer in Malayalam. She currently serves as the Principal of Kunnamangalam Government Arts & Science College (Kozhikode) and previously held the position of Vice Principal at Government Brennen College (Thalassery). Prof. Jisa actively contributes to various periodicals, writing stories and articles reflecting her diverse interests. Her literary works span a range of genres, with notable titles including Swantham Idangal, Mudrita, Dark Fantasy, Pranayathinte Pusthakam, Aananthabharam, Irupatham Nilayil Oru Puzha, Muktibhahini and Pushpakavimanam. Additionally, she has contributed essays and thoughts on new media and contemporary literature, as seen in Puthunovel Vayanagal and Navamadhyama Chinthagal.

Jobeth Ann Warjri is a writer, teacher and researcher from Laitkor (Meghalaya). She received her doctoral degree from the University of Hyderabad. She is a two-time recipient of the Zubaan Research Grant for Young Researchers from the North- East and was the 2020 winner of the Book Review Literary Prize Short Story Writing Competition. Currently, she teaches writing at Vidyashilp University (Bangalore).

John Griffiths is a talented actor who began his professional journey in 1977 when Gareth Armstrong cast him in Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood at the Kenneth More Theatre. Since then, John has performed this iconic play numerous times, including radio broadcasts for the BBC, a production at the National Theatre and the grand opening of Cardiff’s Millennium Centre.

Johny Lukose is a renowned journalist and media personality. He graduated in English Literature from K E College (Mannanam) and pursued postgraduation at CMS College (Kottayam). He began his career as a district columnist for Malayala Manorama in 1983 and subsequently rose to News Editor in Thiruvananthapuram. In 2006, he was appointed as News Director of Manorama News. Lukose is widely known for hosting Nerechovve, an interview programme with over 500 episodes. He has received more than fifty prestigious awards, including honours from the State Government.

Jomy Josy Maliakal is a stand-up comedian and lawyer. She aptly blends comedy with her law background.

Jomy Thomas is the Chief of the Bureau at Malayala Manorama’s national bureau in Delhi, with over three decades of experience in print journalism. He writes the weekly column India File on key political and social issues, focusing on Parliament, law, religion, environment and political economy. He has reported on major events like the Afghanistan and Ukraine wars, and international summits. His translations include Da Vinci Code and Slumdog Millionaire, and he has edited works such as Njangalude Delhi, Zachariayude Yesu and Arundhati Roy: Kruthiyum Kazhchappadum.

Jose Panachippuram is an acclaimed journalist, short story writer and novelist. He serves as the Editorial Director of Malayala Manorama and Editor-in-charge of Bhashaposhini. Known for his novel Kannadiyile Mazha, which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2005, Jose Panachippuram has also been the creative mind behind Manorama’s iconic Kunchukkuruppu cartoon for over thirty-four years. His column, Tharangangalil, holds the record of the longest-running column in Malayalam. With over thirty published books, he has also received the P Kesavadev Literary Award in 2007.

Joseph Annamkutty Jose is a writer, actor and radio personality known for his inspirational storytelling and motivational talks. He is a graduate of Christ University and SCMS Cochin School of Business. His viral video I Am the Change catapulted him into social media fame, where he now has over a million followers. His bestselling books include Buried Thoughts and Daivathinte Charanmar. Joseph Annamkutty Jose, host of Stories on Radio Mirchi, was recognized as one of the 75 Cultural Brand Ambassadors by India’s Ministry of Culture in 2022.

Joshua Sailo is an anti-disciplinary artist, allowing his experience as a dancer and choreographer to branch out into various forms of expression through music, illustration and visual design. His creative practice and research are autobiographical in nature, exploring themes of identity and power from counter-hegemonic perspectives. Embarking on a new multi-media project, Joshua is currently reexamining Mizo ‘folk’ practices to devise new systems of composition, placing emphasis on the body as a living archive for storytelling.

Joy Alukkas is an Indian businessman and the Chairman & Managing Director of Joyalukkas Group, a global leader in jewellery retail. Founded in 2001, his company expanded to include luxury showrooms worldwide, including the iconic Gold & Diamond showroom called Diamond Cave in Chennai. Alukkas’ business ventures also span fashion (Jolly Silks), money exchange (Joyalukkas Exchange) and real estate (Joyalukkas Lifestyle Developers). In 2023, Forbes listed his net worth at $4.4 billion. He has received numerous accolades, including the Business Excellence Award (2016) and recognition as India’s richest jeweller.

Jyothiraj Mayampilly
Born in 1970, Velur, Thrissur, Kerala, India
National Diploma in Fine Arts, Thrissur Government College of Fine Arts (1994)

Exhibitions / Camps

• 2023 Ahalia Painting Camp, Ahalia Heritage Village, Palakkad
• 2022-2023 IDAM, curated by Gigi Scaria, as part of Kochi-Muziris Biennale
• 2021 Lokame Tharavadu, curated by Bose Krishnamachari, Alappuzha
• 2019 National Exhibition of Contemporary Art (BODY), curated by Johny ML, Thiruvananthapuram
• 2018 State Painters Camp, Kerala Lalithkala Akademi
• 2018 Kerala Lalithkala Akademi Annual Art Exhibition, Durbar Hall
• 2018 Renowned Artist Group Show, Chithrasala Art Gallery, Thrissur

Artist Statement

Art serves as a powerful medium to express our worldview. In my work, I explore how art can shape social constructs, reflecting contemporary society’s identity. I am particularly focused on the preservation of ecosystems and the coexistence of all species, which I believe is a fundamental human duty. Inspired by the biodiversity and natural environment around me, I strive to capture its purity in my creations. The traditional agricultural practices of my rural community, along with the lives of farmers and farm workers, also deeply influence my art. Their daily struggles and stories are an essential part of our cultural heritage, which I aim to preserve through my work. My art is an expression of my beliefs and observations, encouraging viewers to think critically about the world around us.

K C Narayanan is a distinguished author and news editor renowned for his contributions to the Malayalam language. He has worked extensively in prominent newspapers in Kerala. His published works, Mahabharatham Oru Swathanthra Software and Malayaliyude Rathrikal, showcase his extensive knowledge and insights. A respected figure in Malayalam literature, Narayanan continues to inspire aspiring writers and editors.

K. C. Venugopal is an Indian politician and senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). Known for his effective organizational skills, he is currently serving as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), in charge of organizational matters, a significant role within the party. Venugopal has a long history in Indian politics, having begun his career as a student leader. He was an active member of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and later served in various capacities within the INC, including as the Member of Parliament from Alappuzha in Kerala.

He has held key administrative roles and contributed significantly to the Congress party’s activities, often working behind the scenes to strengthen the party’s organizational structure and connect with grassroots supporters.

K K Rema is an activist-turned-politician, currently serving as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Vadakara constituency in Kerala. She represents the Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI) and was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2021. Rema became a prominent figure after the demise of her husband Shri. T P Chandrasekharan, the founder of the Revolutionary Marxist Party. She is a courageous advocate of justice focusing on issues of political violence and women’s rights in Kerala.

K K Shailaja is an Indian politician and former Health Minister of Kerala, known for her leadership during the Nipah and COVID-19 outbreaks. A member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), she currently represents the Mattanur constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Before entering politics, Shailaja worked as a high school Physics teacher. Her efforts in public health earned her global recognition, including the UN Public Service Day honour (2020) and the CEU Open Society Prize (2021). She is the author of My Life as a Comrade, detailing her political journey.

KM Madhusudhanan

Born in 1956 in Alappuzha, Kerala, India

BFA (Painting) from Fine Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram, and MFA (Print Making) from the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University, Baroda, Gujarat.

Selected Exhibitions:

• Everything 2008, Willem Baars Project, Amsterdam (2008)
• Through the Bioscope, Gallery OED, Kochi (2008)
• Chaos in Order, Hanoi, Vietnam (2008)
• Expressions at Tihar, Ojas Art, New Delhi (2009)
• Relative VISA, Bodhi Art Gallery, Mumbai (2009)
• The Logic of Disappearance – A Marx Archive, Kochi–Muziris Biennale (2014-15)
• Penal Colony, Venice Biennale, curated by Okwui Enwezor (2015)

Awards for Films:

• Self Portrait (Short Fiction, Hindi, 2001) – recognized by MoMA
• History is a Silent Film (Short Fiction, Silent, 2006) – recognized by MoMA
• Bioscope (2008) – Kerala State Film Awards; Mannheim-Heidelberg International Festival, Germany; SAIFF, New York; OSIAN Cinefan International Film Festival; National Award (Special Jury Award)

Artist Statement

As both an artist and filmmaker, I explore the transformative power of images, especially the moving image, and their impact on human history. My work spans films, drawings, paintings, video art, and sculptural installations, engaging with themes of war, colonization, and India’s film history. I’m particularly drawn to the borders—physical and ideological—that shape our world. In my feature film Bioscope (2008), I examined the arrival of cinema in colonial India, reflecting my interest in the intersections of history and art. Projects like The Marx Archive: The Logic of Disappearance deeply explore the complex historical and political issues, influenced by Marxist and Buddhist philosophies. My practice continuously explores human experience and how history, politics, and imagery shape our collective consciousness. Works like The Birth of the Kauravas and The Death of Iravan reflect mythological themes of transformation and ritual, adding further layers to my artistic exploration of India’s cultural narratives.

K P Ramanunni is one of the leading short story writers and novelists in Malayalam. After completing his higher education at the University of Calicut and the University of Mysore, he joined the State Bank of India where he retired voluntarily. He also served as the Editor of prominent Malayalam newspapers. Apart from short stories and novels, he is also a regular writer on socio-political and cultural issues. He has also served as a member of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Advisory Board and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. Currently, he is the Administrator of the Thunchan Memorial Trust, Tirur. He has received numerous awards, including state and national Sahitya Akademi Awards, the Vayalar Award and the Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award. His noted works include Sufi Paranja Katha, Charama Varshikam, Jeevithathinte Pusthakam, Daivathinte Pusthakam, Vidhathavinte Chiri, Purusha Vilapam, Prakasamparathunna Aankutti, Tanthappratheyyam, Kriminal Kuttamakunna Rathi, Shirshasanam and Oru Viswasiyude Mathethara Chinthakal.

K.P. Reji

Born in 1972, Kerala, India

BFA from Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda (1998); MFA in Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda (2000)

Exhibitions:

Solo  

• Zen Gallery, Eramallur, Kerala (1999)
• Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2000)
• Time and Space Gallery, Bangalore (2001)
• Just Above My Head, The Guild Art Gallery, Mumbai (2006)
• With a Pinch of Salt, Nature Morte, New Delhi & The Guild Art Gallery, Mumbai (2009)
• Retrospective, The Guild in collaboration with the Madhavan Nair Foundation (2022)
• The Good Earth: K.P. Reji, curated by Suman Gopinath, Kerala Museum (2022-23)

Group

• Contextual Cosmologies, College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram (2023)
• Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Kochi (2012)
• Tolstoy Farm: Archive of Utopia (2011)
• Multitudes, Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, Bangalore (2009)
• Are We Like This Only, Vadehra Art Gallery, Delhi (2005)
• Annual Exhibition, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi (1999, 2000)

Achievements:

• Awarded Sanskriti Award for Young Artist by the Sanskriti Foundation, New Delhi (2007)
• Featured in Vitamin P3: New Perspectives in Painting (2016) 

Artist Statement

As an artist, I am captivated by the interplay between the individual and their external environment. My work reflects this relationship, often revealing political undertones. While the figurative forms in my paintings may appear bold and naïve, they carry deeper psychological and socio-political narratives. I strive to explore the complexities of human behavior, using imagery that is at once enigmatic and deceptively simple. My canvases become a space where external realities and inner consciousness intersect, creating a dialogue between the visible world and the mind’s hidden contours.

K Paul Thomas is the co-founder, Managing Director and CEO of the ESAF Small Finance Bank. As a renowned social entrepreneur, he founded ESAF in 1992 as a non-profit society, focusing on organising neighbourhood women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote socio-economic transformation in some of India’s most backward regions. He has received awards and recognition for his work in the microfinancing sectors including the Best Local Management Award for 2022-23 by AIMA and the Circle of Excellence Award by PFRDA. It was his extensive work with the Indian Farmers Fertilizers Co-operative Ltd (IFFCO) that led to the formation of microfinancing institutions under ESAF societies.

Dr. K S Ravikumar is a renowned writer, translator and teacher. He served as the Head of the Malayalam Department and Dean at Kalady Sanskrit University, subsequently holding the position of Pro-Vice Chancellor there until he retired. Dr. Ravikumar has authored and edited numerous literary critiques. He has published hundreds of articles, including research papers. Dr. Ravikumar has held various prestigious positions, including membership in the General Council of the Sahitya Akademi and the Advisory Committee for Malayalam Language at the National Book Trust.

K S Venkitachalam is a distinguished literary critic and translator from Kerala. He has translated several books from Tamil and English, including notable works like Kamba Ramayanam, Agraharathile Poocha and Oo… America. His translations span writers such as Jayakanthan, Perumal Murugan and Kamal Haasan. Venkitachalam received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award and the Nalli-Thishai Ettum Award in 2017. A member of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi’s Translation Selection Committee (2019), his translations also include Ente Gita by Devdutt Pattanaik and Ente Ammayude Prachodanathmaka Jeevitham by Shehnas Hussain.

Koyamparambath Satchidanandan, a luminary in Malayalam literature, has enriched the Malayalam literary field over five decades through his diverse writings, translations, critiques and artistic leadership. Born in Kodungallur, he studied at Christ College (Irinjalakuda), Maharaja’s College (Ernakulam) and the University of Calicut’s Malayalam department. After a long career as a lecturer, he retired voluntarily as a Professor from Christ College. He managed to bridge the gap between Malayalam readers and world literature by continuously translating poetries of iconic international writers like Pablo Neruda and Mahmoud Darwish. A versatile writer, he has authored poetry, plays, travelogues and critiques which often deal with social justice, human rights and environmental causes. He has edited the Indian Literature Journal and served as Secretary of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and Kendra Sahithya Akademi. A five-time Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award winner, he has received numerous honours, including the Ulloor Award, Odakkuzhal Award, Vayalar Award, Ezhuthachan Puraskkaram, Mathrubhoomi Literary Award and a Senior Fellowship from the Central Department of Culture. His contributions have been widely recognised in Indian and foreign languages. He is presently serving as the President of Kerala Sahitya Akademi. His noted works include Indian Sketchukal, Ezhuthachan Ezhutumbol, Vikku, Sakshyangal, Marannuvacha Vasthukkal, Tathagatham, Gandhi, Kurukshetram, Janathayum Kavithayum, Anantharam, Samskarathinte Rashtreeyam and Sahityavum Pratirodhavum.

Dr. K Sreekumar is a distinguished journalist and acclaimed writer of children’s literature, working predominantly in the Malayalam language. His notable literary works include Naradan, Friday Five, Nammude Naadodikkathakalum Aithihyangalum (a three-volume collection), Ganapati, Karnan, Kunjirama Circus, Kuchelan, Lalithangi, Unnikkatha, Viddi! Kooshamandam, Sebastiante Kunju Kunju Baagavathar and Malayala Sangeetha Nadaka Charithram. Dr. Sreekumar’s contributions to literature have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, the Bheema Bala Sahitya Award, the Abu Dhabi Shakti Award, the SBT Literary Award and the State Media Award for General Reporting.

Sudheesh 

Born in 1971 in Kozhikode, Kerala, India; lives and works in Kerala.

He holds a two-year diploma in painting from Universal Art School, Kozhikode, Kerala, India, and a five-year national diploma from the Government College of Fine Arts, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Exhibitions

Solo

1997 Akademi Art Gallery, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

2003 Little Water Colour Works, Kashi Art Gallery, Fort Kochi, Kerala, India

2007 Myths Of Unspoken Biospheres (with Jeetender Ouha), Guild Art Gallery, Mumbai, India

2014 Khalwath (with N.V. Santhan), Darbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi, India

2018 Media Study Centre, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

2019 Parables From Island Cherala, Akademi Art Gallery, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Group

2006 Eka Art Gallery, Fort Kochi, Kerala

2022 Leaving Silence Behind, Chola Art Gallery, Chalakudy, Kerala

2023 Idam Group Show, part of Kochi Muziris Biennale

2023 Yet Here We Are, In the Middle of A Stanza, Durbar Hall Art Centre, Kochi, Kerala

Achievements

Kerala Lalithakala Akademi State Award (1993, 1999, and 2003)

Artist Statement

In my recent body of work, I focus on the intimate and often overlooked moments of daily life, drawing from personal experiences and the world around me. The current series centers on the interior scenes of modern Kerala family life, highlighting the weight of loneliness and the subtle undercurrents of stress within contemporary living. These works are deeply personal, using family members and close friends as models to capture these moments with precision and emotional depth. Through the techniques of magical realism, I blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. Light and shadow shape the mood, while nuanced color tones evoke both the warmth and tension of domestic spaces, offering a contemplative view of modern life.

Kabani C is a renowned translator, writer, editor and curator of translation discourses, with over fourty book translations to her credit. Her work spans a wide range of celebrated authors, including Amoz Oz, Salman Rushdie, Perumal Murugan and Paulo Coelho. Among her most prominent translations are Benazir Bhutto’s Daughter of the East, Perumal Murugan’s Keezhalan and Salman Rushdie’s Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights. Kabani has also translated APJ Abdul Kalam’s Squaring the Circle and several works by Paulo Coelho, including By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept. The translations of The Archer and The Spy of Paulo Coelho by Kabani were published even before their English release. Kabani’s contributions to the field of translation have earned her several accolades, including the Turkish Consulate’s Translation Grant for Nazim Hikmet’s Life is Good Brother and the Thulika Award from the Samatha Collective. Alongside her translation work, Kabani has authored Kadalas Oru Maram, a collection of environmental essays and has edited numerous literary works. In addition to her literary pursuits, Kabani is a committed advocate for gender justice, serving as a board member of Samatha, a women’s collective. Her research focuses on the intersection of translation and gender, underscoring her dedication to social and academic engagement.

Ms Kaikasi V S is an Assistant Professor of English at Govt. Arts and Science College Mankada (Malappuram), with over a decade of experience teaching English language and literature. She has received numerous accolades, including the ‘Best Young Educationalist’ Award and ‘Most Inspiring Teacher under 40’. A prolific writer, her bilingual poetry and translations have appeared in various anthologies and journals, including The Kali Project and Indian Literature. She has also translated Khyrunnisa A’s Howzzat Butterfingers into Malayalam. Additionally, she has conducted interviews with literary luminaries such as Arundhati Roy, Anita Nair and Jaisree Mishra.

Kalpetta Narayanan is a renowned Indian novelist, poet, essayist, columnist and literary critic in Malayalam literature. His notable works include the novel Ithramathram, which was adapted into a film and the poetry collection Oru Mudanthante Suvishesham. Kalpetta Narayanan is a recipient of prestigious awards such as the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Literary Criticism, the Basheer Literary Award and the Ayyappan Puraskaram. His studies, including Kavithayude Jeevacharithram and Ente Basheer, contribute significantly to literary criticism. He is also known for his columns in various prominent Malayalam newspapers. 

Kani Kusruti is an acclaimed Indian actress and model recognised for her powerful performances in film and theatre. She gained attention with Kerala Cafe (2009) and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress in 2020 for her role in Biriyaani, a performance that also earned her international acclaim at the Moscow International Film Festival. Kani has also performed in All We Imagine as Light, which competed at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, winning the Grand Prix. A versatile performer, Kani has collaborated with renowned theatre companies like Footsbarn and starred in notable stage productions. With roles across Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films, she continues to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema and global theatre.

Kannan Sundaram is the Managing Director and Publisher of Kalachuvadu Publications, which he founded in 1995. He also serves as the editor of its monthly journal, Kalachuvadu, focusing on culture and politics. An advocate for Tamil literature, he aims to promote its translation into various languages while fostering an inclusive international Tamil identity. Kannan Sundaram has participated in prestigious programmes, including the International Visitor Programme to the US and the Frankfurt Book Fair fellowship. He has authored several books on Tamil media, culture and politics, with articles published in various publications. In 2022, he received the Chevalier Award (Ordre National du Mérite) from the French government.

Kavery Nambisan is a surgeon and novelist from Karnataka. After her surgical training in the United Kingdom, she spent most of her surgical career in rural India, in parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. She has served as a governing council member of the Association of Rural Surgeons of India. Kavery started writing in the early years of her surgical career and has balanced these passions ever since. Her novels include The Scent of Pepper, The Story that Must not be Told and A Town Like Ours. Her medical memoir, A Luxury Called Health was published in 2021 by Speaking Tiger Publications. Her new work, Rising Sons (Penguin Random House) will be released in January 2025.

Kavita Upadhyay is an independent journalist and researcher based in Uttarakhand. Her primary focus areas are related to politics and policy-making associated with the environment and climate change. She consistently writes about the interlinkages between infrastructure development and natural disasters in the Indian Himalayan region. She received her Masters in Water Science, Policy and Management from Oxford University (England) and is an alumna of Uttarakhand Technical University (Dehradun) and the Asian School of Journalism (Chennai). Currently, Kavita serves as a research assistant for a project related to rivers at Oslo Metropolitan University (Norway). She worked as a journalist in India for six years with prominent newspapers. Kavita Upadhyay is also a mentor for Indian start-ups working on environmental issues. In 2022, she received the Grove Karl Gilbert Award from the American Geographical Association for her research on climate change and disasters.

Keerthy R

Born in November 2001, in Thrissur, Kerala, India

BFA from Govt. College of Fine Arts, Thrissur (2024), specialized in sculpture

My artistic practice primarily focuses on ceramic figures, exploring themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the human experience. Without intentionally centering on specific groups, my sculptures naturally capture the delicate balance between strength and fragility, particularly in individuals facing life’s challenges under societal scrutiny. I aim to highlight the quiet resilience in people who continue to persevere despite adversity.

One of my notable works, The Sweet Slumber, depicts a young figure resting on a brightly glazed ceramic tree—a symbol of innocence and comfort. The vibrant colors contrast with shadowy figures in the background, representing the unseen forces and complexities that shape early life. This piece evokes themes of protection, vulnerability, and the hidden struggles behind a seemingly peaceful scene.

In A Life of Resilience and Wanderlust, I created a portrait of strength and endurance. The figure embodies a character who has survived life’s trials, with each texture and detail expressing the weight of unseen burdens. The work features an almirah as a metaphorical container for memories, challenges, and stories that have shaped the character’s journey, symbolizing the resilience required to carry these experiences.

Through my ceramic sculptures, I subtly explore the resilience needed to navigate life’s pressures, offering a commentary on the silent strength required to thrive in a world that can often be unkind to the vulnerable.

Keith Antony Sequeira is an actor, musician and singer who has been a part of performances and shows such as Aladdin (Disney’s Indian Broadway Style Musical), Lockdown Musical (his one-man musical show), Yeh Ballet (Netflix film), Made in Heaven (Amazon Prime, second season), Jugaadistaan (Lionsgate’s play) and Toothpari (the Netflix series). He has also appeared in ads for brands like iPhone11, Spotify, Lays,  PhonePe and Nykaa. He also teaches performing arts at various schools for annual days and other celebrations.

B Kemal Pasha is a retired judge of the Kerala High Court. He began his legal career in 1979, practicing in Kollam, and went on to hold various judicial positions across Kerala, including District and Sessions Judge in multiple districts. Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court in 2013, he became a Permanent Judge in 2014. He also served as Registrar General of the High Court and was a member of the Kerala Judicial Academy’s Board of Governors. Justice B Kemal Pasha retired upon reaching superannuation on 24 May 2018.

Dr. Khadija Mumtaz is a prominent Malayalam author known for her powerful narratives that explore social and cultural issues. A medical doctor by profession, Khadeeja Mumtaz is best recognised for her critically acclaimed novel Barsa which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. She began her literary career with Athmatheerthangalil Munginivarnnu, initially as series and later published as a book in 2004. However, it was Barsa that brought her widespread recognition, both critically and popularly. The novel is praised for its bold yet humorous critique of the constraints faced by Muslim women, positioning it as a milestone in Malayalam literature.

Kim Doyoon is a fiction writer, librettist and critic from South Korea. She participated in the  International Writing Programme (IWP) in 2017. She wrote several stories under her pen name and published the first novel Vanished in 2023 under her real name. The novel Vanished was selected as an ‘ACFM selection’ at the Busan International Film Festival 2022, has received offers to be made into films from many production companies and is scheduled to be published in Thailand. She also won an award for short stories titled Piano Prism and Scorched Woman. Her second novel Seiren, Fisherman’s Daughter is selected as a ‘Recommended Story’ by STORYUM and is about to be published. Prominent themes in her works include white-collar crime, ancient legends and history, hybrid cultures and science fiction. In common, her works focus on complex human psychology and dilemmas, and the crimes that result from them. Kim’s libretti Vandal Sara and Seiren were awarded the Arko Create Prize and had showcases. She worked with many classical musical artists and dancers and published three books about performing arts.

Kiran Jacob

Born in 1985, in Moolavattom, Kottayam, Kerala, India; lives and works in Kottayam.

BFA from Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, Mavelikara (2008); MFA in Sculpture from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (2010)

Exhibitions

IDAM, curated by Gigi Scaria, as part of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2022-23)

Green Conversation, organized by Athachi Group, Palakkad (2022)

Confluence, Idom Gallery, Kottayam (2021)

Volcanic Effect, Gurgaon, Haryana (2013)

Phantasm: How Real and Other, Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi (2012)

LOVERS, Hyderabad (2011)

Art Exhibition, Zakir Hussain Art Gallery, New Delhi (2010)

Artist Statement

As an artist, I draw inspiration from the natural world, captivated by its complexity and beauty, from the tiniest life forms to sweeping landscapes. My work reflects on the environmental and social challenges we face, particularly climate change and inequality, and how masculine societal values often play a role in these problems. I explore the relationship between nature and human experiences, especially how cultural norms shape our perceptions of beauty and ugliness. A central theme in my art is finding beauty in unexpected places, even within decay and imperfection, which I believe deepens our connection with the world. To me, this involves embracing imperfection and discovering beauty in the unexpected – exploring the textures and patterns within decay and ruin, while celebrating how nature reclaims and transforms these spaces over time.

KiteLife Foundation, a non-profit organisation, connects people around the world through kites! The foundation conducts workshops, notably KiteKraft, a hands-on session where participants can make and fly kites on their own. Whether you’re 5 or 55, anyone can fly kites. Led by expert Kitist Rajesh Nair, each session unfolds in four engaging phases: Icebreaker, Assembling, Pasting and Flight. With over five hundred KiteKraft workshops conducted across India and internationally, you can also get the chance to fly your unique kite. Join the fun and experience the thrill of kite-flying at Kozhikode on November 2nd.

Koleka Putuma is a powerful voice in South African literature, known for her evocative poetry and theatre work. Her debut poetry collection Collective Amnesia has been well received globally, offering a touching reflection of post-colonial South Africa. Koleka’s writing explores themes of love, the continuing pains of apartheid and patriarchy. It also reflects the systemic struggles of natives in the contemporary decolonising age. As a theatre practitioner, she has adapted her works for theatrical performances, including Hullo, Bu-bye, Koko, Come In, UHM, Woza Sarafina, Mbuzeni and No Easter Sunday For Queers. Her talent has earned her numerous accolades, including the National Poetry Slam Championship and the PEN South Africa Student Writing Prize. In 2019, OkayAfrica recognised Koleka as one of the most influential women, acknowledging her impact on African culture and beyond. She is also the Founder & Director of Manyano Media (2019), a multidisciplinary creative company that empowers and produces stories by black queer women.

Kunal is a Mumbai-based independent lighting designer, photographer, stage manager and actor. He has worked with some of the best theatre and event companies, and festivals across India giving him a rich and varied experience of handling action-packed environments and working with different people.

Violinist, composer and creator of the Global Fusion concept, Dr L Subramaniam has performed and recorded Carnatic Classical Music and Western Classical Music. He has also composed for and conducted orchestras, scored for films and collaborated with a wide range of some of the greatest musicians from different genres of music. He completed his MBBS from Madras Medical College and has been awarded many honorary doctorates for his contribution to music. He obtained his doctorate on Raga Harmony for Orchestral Compositions which was later published as a book. He is the founder-cum-director of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (the biggest music festival in India) and the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts, a premier institute for musical education. He is also the founder chairman of the Lakshminarayana Global Centre of Excellence (Bengaluru) with his wife Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam.

Born in 1986 in Kerala; works between Mumbai and Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram.

Self-taught artist who completed her apprenticeship under German artist Bernhard Martin at the Summer Academy in Salzburg.

Exhibitions/Residencies

Solo 

• Custom brand collaboration with Rémy Martin, Bungalow 9, Mumbai, India (2019)

Group 

• International Artists Collective, Copenhagen (2016)
• What is a Picture? International Summer Academy of Fine Arts, Salzburg, Austria (2017)
• Transitions Project, a found object collaboration with artists from Copenhagen, Canada, Texas, Paris, Switzerland, and India (2017)
• The Body Dialogues, Kochi Muziris Biennale Collateral, Fort Kochi (2018)
• Hanging by a Thread, Lokame Tharavadu, Alleppey, India (2021)
• SEE.SAW.SEEN, Kochi Art Week, Kochi, India (2021)
• Hanging by a Thread (I&II), Delhi (2022)
• Artist in Residence, India Art Fair, Delhi (2023)

Artist Statement

In my practice, I explore themes of identity, loss, and restitution through the traditional kasavu, a fabric collaboratively developed with the weaving community in Balaramapuram, Kerala. I am particularly drawn to the complexities of cloth and body politics, investigating how material intersects with socio-cultural structures and gender codes. For me, the body becomes a symbolic surface where hierarchies are inscribed, and the kasavu is an umbilical cord that connects me to my heritage. I aim to reconfigure the kasavu into a universal cloth, offering the body as a site for redemption and transformation. In my work ‘Not cut from the same cloth’, I explore how the body and cloth intertwine, embodying class, caste, and economic divides through deconstructed forms and contrasting materials.

Lakshmi Parvathy is an accomplished journalist with over twelve years of experience. She began her career as a radio host at Superhits Red FM before moving to Radio Mango. Currently, she is a key contributor at Manorama Online, where she also hosts insightful interviews. Her notable achievement includes hosting the popular podcast programme Aynu? which has garnered significant praise and recognition. Lakshmi’s excellence in podcasting was further acknowledged when she won the prestigious India Audio Summit and Awards for her Podcast show.

Dr. Latha Nair, a renowned Professor of English literature and linguistics, has over three decades of experience in teaching, research and academic leadership. A former Head of Department and Dean of Research at St. Teresa’s College (Kochi), she was instrumental in securing its NAAC A++ accreditation. Dr. Latha is a WISCOMP Saahas Prerna Award recipient for her work in gender justice, LGBTQI advocacy and psycho-social support for students. Her research spans science fiction, gender politics and sustainable education. She remains an influential mentor, scholar and public speaker across India and internationally.

A prominent storyteller & novelist, is best known as the author of the bestseller ‘Kanjaav’. His works have garnered significant recognition, with one of his stories winning the prestigious K. Saraswathiamma Award and his novel earning the S.K. Pottekkatt Award. Recently, his latest book, ‘Mammootty Kandu Kandu Perukunna Kadal’, featuring an introduction by renowned actor Mammootty, was published by Manorama Books as part of Hortus Editions series.

RJ Lishna became Kerala’s first private FM radio jockey when she joined Radiomango 91.9 in 2007. Since then, she has hosted the popular breakfast show Kozhikode Superfast on Radio Mango Kozhikode for seventeen years without a single break. She has won the prestigious New York Festival Award for Best Music Personality Show and received four Golden Mikes Awards for her various campaigns.

M A Rahman is a writer, director and activist from Kasaragod (Kerala). Along with his lectureship, he has directed 12 documentaries, including Basheer: The Man and Endosulfan: Paradise for the Dying. As a dedicated advocate of endosulfan victims, he wrote Oro Jeevanum Vilappettathaanu, which won the Odakkuzhal Award in 2016. M A Rahman has authored several books, including fiction, non-fiction and social commentary, in addition to articles on literature and ecological conservation in various magazines and newspapers. His short story collection Kithab Mahal was very well received. He won several accolades including national and state film awards.

M B Rajesh, the Minister for Local Self Governments, Rural Development and Excise in Kerala, represents the Thrithala constituency. He served two consecutive terms as the Member of Parliament for Palakkad. A graduate in Law from the University of Kerala and an MA in Economics, he worked as a lawyer and journalist before joining politics. He published Charithram Avare Kuttakarennu Vilikkum, Agolavatkaranathinate Virudha Lokangal and Agola Sampathika Prathisandhiyude Manangal.

Among the contemporary music directors in Malayalam films, M Jayachandran stands out with his unique style of furnishing music with a flavour of Carnatic style. Though he holds a degree in engineering, since childhood his passion was towards music. He was fortunate to learn music from esteemed musicians like Attingal Hariharayyar, Neyyattinkara Mohanachandran and Perumbavoor G Raveendranath. Later, he also had the opportunity to train under the legendary figures of Malayalam cinema namely M B Sreenivasan and Devarajan Master. Jayachandran, who consistently excelled in Carnatic music at university youth festivals, made his entry into the film industry as a playback singer in the 1992 movie Vasudha. Known for composing emotionally rich songs with a classical touch, he has won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director five times and a National Award once. He has also received awards for his contributions as a playback singer. He is a regular presence in many television music programmes that aim to discover young talents.

M K Raghavan is an Indian politician and a Member of the Lok Sabha representing the Kozhikode constituency. A member of the Indian National Congress (INC), he has served as General Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and serves as Secretary of the Congress Parliamentary Party. He also serves as Chairman of the Divisional Railway Monitoring Committee for the Palakkad Division. He is known for his active parliamentary role and advocacy for Kerala’s development.

M Mukundan, known as the ‘storyteller of the Mayyazhi’, has contributed numerous literary works in Malayalam. Through novels such as Haridwaril Manikal Muzhangumbol and Delhi, he explored identity crises prevalent in the post-independence period. These novels made him an icon of the agitated youth of the seventies. He has attempted various literary experiments, not only in themes and premises but also in literary styles. Mukundan has received numerous literary accolades, including the National and State Sahithya Akademi Awards, JCB Prize, the Mathrubhumi Award, the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters (from the French government), the Vayalar Award, Crossword Book Award and the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram. He has also served as the President of Kerala Sahitya Akademi. His noted works include Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil, Daivathinte Vikrithikal, Adithyanum Radhayum Mattu Chilarum; Avilayile Sooryodayam; Aakashathin Chuvattil; Kilivannu Vilichappol; Keshavante Vilapangal, Delhi Gadhakal and Pravasam.

Mohiyuddin Nedukkandiyil Karassery is a writer, linguist and social-political commentator who immortalised the name of his village Karassery (in Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode district). For over four decades, M N Karassery has been a prominent figure in the socio-political spheres of Kerala. Having conducted research in Malayalam under the guidance of Prof. Sukumar Azhikode, he has authored over seventy books on various subjects. He has also served as the editor of Malayalam journals such as Sahithyalokam and Malayalavimarsham. He regularly publishes articles on secularism, communalism, civil rights, literature and Muslim personal laws. His stance on subjects like politics in Islam and Sharia law has often sparked strong opposition from Muslim organisations. The documentary film Noottandinte Sakshi, for which he wrote the script, has won state and national film awards. His books have often ignited widespread discussions and introduced new perspectives within the Muslim community. M N Karassery has been honoured with several awards, including the K M Seethi Sahib Memorial Award, N Mohanan Award and Sambasivan Award. His noted works include Vivekam Pakam Cheyyunnathu Eth Aduppilaanu?, Ummamarkku Vendhi Oru Sankaṭaharji and Vargheeyathaykku Ethire Oru Pusthakam.

M P Ahammed is the founder and Chairman of the Malabar Group of Companies. He established Malabar Gold and Diamonds in 1993, which has grown into one of the world’s largest retail jewellery brands with over 250 showrooms across nine countries. The group also ventures into real estate with Malabar Developers and retail electronics through Eham Digital. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its footprint globally, with notable projects like the eco-friendly Mall of Travancore. Ahammed is also involved in organic farming through the Green Thumb brand.

M P Lipin Raj is a civil servant, columnist and short story writer. He is the brand ambassador of the Walk with a Civil Servant, an NGO dedicated to free civil service training. Lipin Raj received UNICEF’s ‘Youth Leadership Award’ in 2009. His first short story collection is Golden Frog and other prominent works include A Phoenix with a Broken Wing, Theenmeshakkurimanm, Elimination Round, Padam Onnu: Athmavishwasam and Thenurumbine Theneechayakkam. He received the prestigious Padmarajan Award for his novel Margareeta in 2024.

Dr. M P Mujeebu Rehiman is a Professor and Head of the Department of History at the University of Calicut (Kerala), where he also serves as the Director of the Centre for Malabar Studies. A distinguished historian, he has authored several books on historical writings and South Indian history, and his research appears in numerous journals. He has presented papers at international and national conferences and is an active member of key historical associations. His notable works include Charitramezhuthinte Charithram, Malabar in Transition and The Other Side of the Story: Tipu Sultan, Colonialism and Resistance in Malabar.

Madhu Kapparath 

Born in 1967 in Desamangalam, Shoranur, Kerala. Majored in English Literature from National College, Mumbai. Currently lives in Delhi and elsewhere.

Publications

• Pooja, LL Forlaget, Sweden (2004).
• I Indialand: A portfolio of early photographic work featuring poems by Bengt Berg, Heidruns Förlag, Sweden (2007).
• The Penguin Book of Indian Poets: Twenty-five portraits of poets, edited by Jeet Thayil, Penguin India (2023).
• A selection of 25 portraits of poets appeared in The Penguin Book of Indian Poets (2023).

Long-Term Personal Projects

• Documenting the shipbreaking community in Alang.
• Investigating the nature of male-centric rage associated with Delhi.
• Mapping Kerala’s Nair community in the transition from its matrilineal past.

Artist Statement

I am a photographer working in the documentary tradition, engaging with themes of identity and alienation among individuals and communities in India’s rapidly changing social landscape. Over the past three decades, my works have been featured in major publications both in India and internationally. As an editorial photographer focused on humanitarian issues, I have documented various urban and rural challenges across India. My editorial work has appeared in renowned publications such as Gentleman, Asiaweek, Outlook, India Today, Mint (WSJ India), Marie Claire, Femina, and Forbes India. Additionally, a portfolio of my early photographic work is showcased in I Indialand (2007), featuring poems by Swedish poet Bengt Berg. My long-term personal projects include documenting the shipbreaking community in Alang, exploring male-centric rage in Delhi, and mapping the Nair community’s transition from its matrilineal past.

Mahesh Narayanan is an Indian film director, screenwriter, editor and cinematographer primarily working in Malayalam cinema. He has also contributed to Tamil and Hindi films. He made his directorial debut with Take Off, winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director. His acclaimed works include C U Soon and Malik. He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director for his film Ariyippu. Known for his editing in Vishwaroopam and Vishwaroopam II, Mahesh has worked across multiple genres and formats, establishing himself as a versatile filmmaker.

Majeed Sayed completed his education at Thalayolaparambu Govt. Boys High School and Devaswam Board College. Now residing near Shimoga (Karnataka), he balances his life between farming and writing. Majeed Sayed regularly contributes stories and articles to various publications and his literary works reflect his deep storytelling abilities. He is the author of the novel Chembilammini Kolacase, the short story collection Penvaathil and Akhila Lokha Aadu Company. 

Dr. Malavika Binny is an intersectional feminist, historian and traveller. She did her doctoral research in History at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi). Currently, she serves as the Head of the Department and Assistant Professor in the Department of History at the University of Kannur. Her research focuses on the histories of medicine, science, gender, environment Dalit history and ancient South Indian social history. Dr. Malavika has made notable contributions to academia, serving as a Steering Committee Member for the Global Alliance at SRM University (Chennai). She was also a member of the Board of Studies for BA History in 2018 and 2020. She established the History Association and Gender Study Circle at SRM University and the Gender Studies Club at Christ University, promoting inclusive education and innovative teaching methodologies. In addition to her academic work, Malavika Binny actively writes for various publications and utilises her social media platforms to advocate for marginalised communities and raise awareness of social injustices in India.

Mandira Nayar is a journalist with two decades of experience, specialising in books, history, culture and foreign affairs. A former Deputy Bureau Chief at The Week, she has also worked with The Hindu and The Telegraph and contributes to Scroll.in and The Wire. Mandira researched about the First World War while she was a Charles Wallace Fellow. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication from Sophia Polytechnic (Mumbai) and a History degree from Delhi University. She is passionate about uncovering the past and writing about its cultural significance.

Mani Shankar Aiyar is an Indian politician, author, former civil servant and a senior leader in the Indian National Congress. He frequently contributes to publications like The Week. Aiyar’s notable works include How To Be A Sycophant (1990), Rajiv Gandhi: The Great Computer Scientist of India (1991) and Remembering Rajiv (1992), reflecting his interest in political commentary. His books, such as Knickerwallahs, Silly-Billies and Other Curious Creatures (1995) and Confessions of a Secular Fundamentalist (2004), highlight his secular outlook, while A Time of Transition (2009) and The Rajiv I Knew: And Why He was India’s Most Misunderstood Prime Minister explores India’s political shifts under Rajiv Gandhi.

Manikandan Pattambi is an acclaimed Indian actor known for his work in Malayalam television, stage and film. He rose to fame with his portrayal of Sathyasheelan in the popular sitcom Marimayam on Mazhavil Manorama. Manikandan has also earned recognition for his roles in films such as Sufiyum Sujatayum, Mukundan Unni Associates and Super Sharanya. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Kerala State Television Award for Best Comedian (2011) and Best Actor (2009). With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a versatile talent in Malayalam entertainment.

Manoj Kuroor is a novelist and poet. His notable publications include Nilam Poothu Malarnna Naal, Murinavu, Manalppava, Uthamapurushan Katha Parayumpol and Coma. His research on folk rhythms in modern Malayalam poetry earned him a doctorate. Manoj is an Associate Professor at NSS Hindu College (Changanacherry) and has contributed significantly to Malayalam literature. He has received the Kunchu Pillai Memorial Award, SBT Poetry Award, Kerala Sahithya Akademi Kanakasree Award, Radio Mirchi Lyricist of the Year Award and Padmarajan Award.

Manoj Thekkedath is a journalist with Malayala Manorama since 2000 and currently serves as an Assistant Editor in Kozhikode. Holding an MA and BEd, he is an accomplished writer, having published works such as Laptopile Avakasham (poetry collection), Jeevithakathapusthakam (personal portraits), Jani Nakulan Joseph, Rapparudeesa, Malakhamarude Avakashangal (novels) and Sports Gallery. He has received the Kadathunattu Madhaviyamma Poetry Award, G V Raja Award for Best Sports Book, Rajeevan Kavumpayi Media Award and Farm Journalism Award.

Manu Joseph is a teacher and an acclaimed children’s writer. His works have been featured in various publications. Notable works include Kadalinod Katha Paranjorunaal, Oru Dhayavadhathinte Ormakk and Cheettumeen. Kuttishankarante Yathrakal and Paralukal Paranja Katha are his works that come under children’s literature.

Marek Bieńczyk is a prominent Polish writer, essayist and literary historian, known for his deep exploration of themes such as memory, melancholy and human existence. Bieńczyk has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary Polish literature, with his work often reflecting a blend of literary and philosophical inquiry. His first novel Terminal (1994) is a profound exploration of human emotion and existential reflection, showcasing his distinctive narrative style. This novel laid the foundation for Bieńczyk’s reputation as a writer capable of delving into complex emotional and intellectual territories. Beyond his fiction, Bieńczyk is also celebrated for his essays, most notably Książka twarzy (2012), which earned him the prestigious Nike Award, Poland’s top literary honour. His essays often combine literary critique with personal reflection, making his work both intellectually engaging and deeply personal. In addition to his writing, Bieńczyk is a renowned translator of French literature, further contributing to his influence in the literary world. His works are characterized by their introspective nature, blending literary prowess with philosophical depth, making him a distinctive figure in Polish literature. His notable works include Terminal; Melancholia. O tych, co nigdy nie odnajdą straty (Melancholy. Those Who Never Recover What They’ve Lost); Tworki and Książka twarzy (Book of Faces)

Words. Sports. Coffee. People. News. Banana fritters. History. Books. More books. Rahul Dravid. Trivia. Sailing. Fried sardines. Rain. Puns. Candid snaps. Screwdrivers. @mathewtgeorge. Sunsets. Existential question: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck would chuck wood?

Meera Gopinath is a skilled translator who masterfully captures the essence and originality of the source text, preserving its spirit and intent. She is one of the few creative women translators in Malayalam literature today. A teacher by profession, she is currently settled in Bengaluru. Her translation of Visudhapapangalude India by Arun Ezhuthachan as Sacred Sins: Devadasis in Contemporary India has been well-received and widely acclaimed.

Mehak Jamal is a filmmaker and writer from Srinagar (Kashmir) with a deep passion for telling stories from her homeland. A 2022 South Asia Speaks Fellow, she has been recognized as an emerging voice in the region. Her film Bad Egg premiered at the 19th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart, winning the Audience Award and later screening at various international film festivals. A graduate of the Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology in Bangalore, Mehak is now based in Mumbai. Her debut book, Lōal Kashmir, will be published by HarperCollins India in January 2025.

MEHJA V S
Born in 1996 in Alappuzha, Kerala, India

BFA (Painting), College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (2018); MFA (Painting), Kala-Bhavana, Visva-Bharati Central University, Santiniketan, West Bengal (2020); Qualified UGC NET in Visual Arts

Exhibitions

• KBEXHIBIT, Annual Exhibition by the Students of Kala-Bhavana (2021)
• Degree Show, College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram (2018)

Scholarship

• Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Scholarship for Students (2019-20)

Artist Statement

I often find myself immersed in my surroundings and the natural world, experiencing a profound connection with nature. This immersion is a deeply meditative process that forms the foundation of my painting practice. In this series, I focus on ordinary landscapes, intentionally selecting commonplace scenes to infuse with dramatic quality. The human figure within these pieces reflects my own presence, adding an additional layer of drama to the composition. By highlighting these mundane moments, I aim to reveal the beauty and significance found in everyday life. The interplay between the ordinary landscape and my figure invites viewers to explore identity and perception, encouraging them to seek meaning in overlooked moments. My work celebrates the extraordinary aspects of the commonplace, prompting reflection on our experiences within these shared spaces.

Rather than centering on human nature, my paintings delve into our collective memories with nature, exploring a longing for peace amid its inherent melancholy. Each piece evokes an indescribable feeling, capturing tranquility and introspection, ultimately transcending the chaos of our everyday lives.

Prof. Mrinal Kalita received Sahitya Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2021 for his seminal debut Bakul Phular Dare, an overnight bestseller. The book has gone on to redefine the coming-of-age novel in Assamese and is now in its forty-second edition. The work was read in thirty-two episodes on the novel reading programme of All India Radio, Guwahati, in 2020 and has been made into a feature film. A professor of Mathematics by profession, Mrinal’s short stories have been translated into English, Hindi, Odia and Bengali. Jooj, one of Mrinal’s stories for young adults, has also been included in the syllabus of CBSE and SEBA. Recently, Ajantrik (Not A Machine), was published in Translations: South & South East Asia, Issue 3 of adda – the prestigious online magazine run by Commonwealth Writers, the Cultural Programme of the Commonwealth Foundation. Mrinal’s short-story collections include Anuxilon (Practice), Ajantrik Anuxilon (Non-mechanical Practice) and Mrityur Xipare (Beyond Death). His nonfiction oeuvre features Godfatheror Haat Aru Satanor Mogoju (Godfather’s Hands and Satan’s Brain), Gonitor Bornil Jogot (The Colourful World of Mathematics) and Okopote: Mor Aru Prithivir (Candidly Me: The World and I).

Muhammed Niyas Ashraf is a historian associated with GITAM University (Bengaluru). His PhD research, conducted at the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies, Freie Universität Berlin, explores Arabic-Malayalam devotional poetry among 19th century Malabar Muslims in the Indian Ocean Littoral. He was a DAAD visiting fellow at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) in 2019. Muhammed Ashraf’s broader research interests include print and literary culture in the Indian Ocean, vernacular textual traditions and Islamic intellectual history.

Mythri Prasad Aleyamma is a critical geographer who focuses on the politics of labour, migration and urban transformation in contemporary India. She was a post-doctoral fellow at the Center for Place, Culture and Politics of the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She received her PhD from Centre for Development Studies (Thiruvananthapuram). Her research traces the different types of recruitment of migrant and local labour in Kerala that reflect political contests and settlements between trade unions, corporate construction companies and recruitment agencies. Analysing the tension between the mobility of labour and the mobility of capital, she considers the role of the post-colonial sub-national state in the production of a social space anchored around infrastructural building. Another strand of Mythri’s research focuses on the politics of indigeneity in Arunachal Pradesh in the North-East of India in the context of urban land governance, dam building and migration. She has published articles and essays in Antipode, Contemporary South Asia, Contributions to Indian Sociology, Society and Space magazine and Economic and Political Weekly.

N E Sudheer is a prominent writer with over two decades of experience in literature, politics and culture. Advocating for a world free from religion and deities, he is recognised for his contributions to secular discourse. In addition to literary reviews, Sudheer frequently contributes political and social commentary to various Malayalam magazines. His interviews, similarly, have gained immense popularity. Additionally, he has appeared in independent films, including Women’s Day. Known for his strong opinions on social media, Sudheer’s work reflects his unwavering commitment to secularism and democratic values.

N.N. Rimzon
Born in 1957 in Kakkoor, Kozhikode, Kerala, India; lives and works in Thiruvananthapuram.

BFA (Sculpture), University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (1982); MFA (Sculpture), MS University, Baroda (1984); MFA (Sculpture), Royal College of Arts, London (1989).

Exhibitions
Solo

• Art Heritage Gallery, New Delhi, India (1991)
• Gallery Foundation for Indian Artists, N.N. Rimzon, Amsterdam, Netherlands (1993)
• Bodhi Art, Liminal Embodiment, Seven Oceans and the Unnumbered Stars, New York, (2007)
• Talwar Gallery, Forest of The Living Divine, New Delhi (2016)
• Talwar Gallery, I Thank You Once Again, New York (2016)
• Talwar Gallery, The Round Ocean and the Living Death, New Delhi (2020)
• Works on Paper, Kashi Art Gallery, Kochi (2005)

Group

• Pond Near the Field, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Kochi (2016)
• Talwar Gallery, As the Wind Blows, New York (2021)
• Talwar Gallery, From Three, Two, New York (2023)

Artist Statement 

My artistic journey encompasses various media, including installation, sculpture, painting, and drawing. My early formation, influenced by minimalism and conceptualism, distinguishes my work from the narrative traditions of Indian painting. I explore the intricate relationship between art and life, driven by a deep respect for materials. My creations balance recognizable representation with an enigmatic quality, where the figures often evoke a sense of mythological significance. Themes of fecundity and divinity recur throughout my work, reflecting my fascination with the connections between the natural world and the human figure. In my more narrative-style paintings, I explore the tensions between the figure and its environment. While my pieces may seem figurative, they carry deeper representations, addressing spiritual, political, and social concerns. Ultimately, I aspire for my art to possess a healing quality, inviting viewers to engage with its layered meanings.

N S Madhavan is a renowned Indian writer in Malayalam literature, celebrated for his novel Lanthan Batheriyile Luthiniyakal (Litanies of the Dutch Battery) and iconic short stories like Higuita, Thiruthu and Vanmarangal Veezhumpol. Known for exploring the complexities of modern life, he has won numerous awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for both story and novel, the Muttathu Varkey Award and the Crossword Book Award. His work Higuita was adapted into a play and his novel has been translated into English, garnering critical acclaim internationally. His stories represent the uncertainties, ambiguities and tragedies of the modern world.

Nalini Ramachandran is always looking for interesting stories to tell – of glorious goddesses, daunting demons, stealthy shapeshifters, wondrous wildlife, inspirational innovators and ordinary objects. Her works, both fiction and non-fiction, have appeared in a range of formats: comics and graphic novels, newspaper articles and magazine features, school textbooks and coffee-table books, animation scripts and film screenplays. She is the author of Gods, Giants and the Geography of India, Kuki’s Birthday Gift, The Boy with a Hundred Questions and multiple other children’s books.

Nandana Amba is an artist associated with Kochi Biennale Foundation.

Nandini Nayar is a prolific children’s writer, educator and curriculum developer with over seventy-five published books, including more than thirty picture books. She has written extensively for newly independent and confident readers, with her short stories featured in The Hindu, Sakal Times and magazines like Tinkle and Hoot. Her works are recognised by the CBSE and the Parag Honour List. Passionate about storytelling, Nandini Nayar also conducts creative writing workshops, school visits and readings, inspiring aspiring writers of all ages. Her picture books have been published in multiple countries, including India, the USA and the UK.

Nandini Ramnath is a film critic and reporter with the online daily Scroll.in. She has previously worked with The Indian Express, NDTV, Time Out Mumbai and Mint. Her essays have been published in Women in Film (volumes 1 and 2) and The Swinging Seventies.

Nandita is a comic book artist, pianist and violinist trained in Western classical music at the London College of Music. She has written three full-length graphic novels for Young Adults and one full-length graphic novel The Song of the Sky Tree for adult readers. Apart from this, she has also written short graphic narratives for various anthologies like Comix India and Verite. Her book Rain Must Fall won the Neev Literature award in The YA category in 2022. Her book The Piano: Story of a Friendship was on the Parag Honour List 2020. Her book Starry Starry Night was on the Parag Honour List 2023 and longlisted for the Valley of Words Awards 2024. Nandita likes to have conversations with animals and children (in that order) more than adults. She has had many great adventures which she doesn’t want to disclose because some things should remain that way.

Neelima Parvathi is a senior Sub Editor at Malayala Manorama. She holds a postgraduate degree in English and Comparative Literature from Pondicherry University and a diploma in Journalism from the Kerala Press Academy. She began her career as a reporter for The Times of India and contributed to Nature, Scroll and India Water Portal, among others. Her areas of interest include gender, environment, literature, films and children’s writing. She has edited the children’s book What a Funny, Funny Sight and UPSC Prelims Winner reference book for Manorama Books.

Neha Bhat is a licensed sex and trauma therapist who practices psychotherapy from an art-based, spiritually focused, creative-wellness perspective in India and the US. She has worked in sexual assault trauma care at global institutions such as the University of Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Rush Medical Centre and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Neha employs trauma-focused therapy in a depth-based, multicultural context for people who have either survived or perpetrated sexual violence and teaches therapists to use art as a tool to navigate a complex world. In addition, Neha is the author of Unashamed: Notes from the Diary of a Sex Therapist.

Neil Flory became a children’s writer when his son asked him for a bedtime story. His first picture book The Short Giraffe was nominated for Book of the Year at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. He now lives in Goa, where he spends his time writing kids’ stories, adult novels, comics and screenplays; and making music, art and pottery.

Nimmy Raphael is a versatile actor, dancer, drummer, and model known for her roles in Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two, Joram, and Kottayam. Trained in Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi at Kerala Kalamandalam (1995-2001), she has been a resident artist at Adishakti since 2001, where she practices and teaches their unique theatre methodology. Nimmy has directed the play Urmila and designed lighting for Impressions of Bhima since 2008. A recipient of the APPEX Fellowship (2010) and Vinod Doshi Fellowship (2015), she has created acclaimed works like Nidrawathwam and Bali, performing nationally and internationally across Asia.

Nishanth M V is a journalist with Asianet News, renowned for his episodic commentary on contemporary issues affecting Kerala. He is best known for his popular show Gum, where he humorously dissects societal issues, exposing the irony and fallacies in the news and information reaching the public. With a sharp and witty approach, the show sheds light on contradictions often hidden beneath the surface of everyday narratives. His take on the Hema Committee Report controversy garnered over ten million views, underscoring his influence in visual media. Nishanth’s immersive vocal delivery and clever editing convey social realities, making his commentary engaging and impactful. He received the 2019 State Television Award for his directorial work Sinking Island in Best Environmental Science Movie category.

Prof. Nivedita Menon is a prominent writer and professor of political thought at Jawaharlal Nehru University. She is an internationally renowned feminist scholar. Nivedita Menon is notably vocal in her opposition to nuclear power and has critically analysed portrayals of the Kashmir conflict both within and outside India. She condemns the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and advocates against the Uniform Civil Code. In her impassioned 2016 speech during the JNU protests titled Nation, a Daily Plebiscite, Nivedita Menon delved into issues of nationhood, nationalist ideals and Kashmir’s integration into India. Despite controversy and backlash, Nivedita Menon remains steadfast in confronting societal violence and defending her convictions. Her noted works include Power and Contestation: India since 1989; Seeing Like a Feminist; Recovering Subversion: Feminist Politics Beyond the Law; Gender And Politics In India and Sexualities.

Niyas Backer is an Indian actor known for his roles in the popular Malayalam sitcom Marimayam and movies like Queen, To Noora with Love and Ammakkoru Tharattu.

Nusrat F Jafri is a Mumbai-based cinematographer with over twenty years of experience in filmmaking. Born in Lucknow, she completed her schooling at La Martiniere Girls College, graduated from Delhi University and earned her Master’s in Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia. She has worked on notable projects like Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz and Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare. She won the IPTDA Award for Best Cinematographer for her short film Pilibhit. Her debut nonfiction book, This Land We Call Home, was released in April 2024.

Poovankery Francis Mathews is a renowned Malayalam writer and screenwriter, admired for seamlessly incorporating socio-political changes into his work. His short stories were regularly published in major Malayalam periodicals. His first novel Chaavunilam is considered a ground-breaking work that reshaped the narrative style in Malayalam literature. Other notable works include Iruttil Oru Punyalan, Adiyalapretham (Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award) and Kadalinte Manam. He has also published short story collections, including Pathimoonnu Kadalkaakkakalude Upama (Vaikom Muhammed Basheer Award), Chila Pracheena Vikarangal (Akbar Kakkattil Award) and Muzhakkam (Kerala Sahitya Academy Award for Story and O V Vijayan Literary Award). P F Mathews began his screenwriting career with the documentary Keep the City Clean. He has written scripts for over ten television serials, including Shararanthal and Daivathinte Swantham Devootty. His screenwriting for Malayalam films includes Kutty Srank, Ee.Ma.Yau and Athiran. His screenplay for Kutty Srank earned him the National Award for Best Screenplay and Ee.Ma.Yau received several international awards.

P H Kurian is an accomplished Indian Administrative Service officer with a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and three years of research experience at the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore). He joined the IAS in 1986 and has held key positions in Orissa and Kerala. Kurian served as the Controller-General of Patents, Trademarks and Designs and was recognised as one of the 50 ‘Most Influential IP Personalities’ by Managing IP magazine. Formerly Principal Secretary for Information Technology in Kerala, he is currently the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) Chairman, promoting transparency in the real estate sector.

P K Rajasekharan is a distinguished literary critic, journalist and teacher, instrumental in introducing world literature to Malayalam readers. His acclaimed serialised columns Vakkinte Moonnamkara was later published as a book. His works, including Pathu Novelistukal, Andhanaya Daivam and Ekantha Nagarangal are pivotal in Malayalam literary criticism. Rajasekharan has received several awards, such as the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Pitrukhadikaaram, the Vilasini Award and the Narendra Prasad Award.

P P Ramachandran is a distinguished Malayalam poet, known for his minimalist and evocative verse that transforms the mundane into the profound. A significant voice among the Malayalam poets of the 1990s, his poetry collections, including Kanekkane and Randaayi Murichathu (Cut into Two), have earned him prestigious accolades like the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the P Kunhiraman Nair Poetry Award. A high school teacher in Ponnani (Malappuram), Ramachandran also runs Harithakam, a web magazine dedicated to new Malayalam poetry. His work, translated into multiple languages, is praised for its subtle exploration of everyday life and its layered silence and disquiet.

1. R. Satheesh

Born in 1970, Kerala
BFA in Painting, Government College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum

Exhibitions
Solo

Lalithakala Akademi, Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi, Kerala (1992, 1995, 1997)

FRENETIC, Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Mumbai (2019)

Group

11th Annual Open Exhibition, Royal Overseas League, London (1994)

Group Show, Herwitz Gallery, Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad (1997)

Niraporul, Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi, Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi (2011)

Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2018-19)

Lokame Tharavadu, curated by Bose Krishnamachari, Alleppey (2021)

RED, Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Mumbai (2021)

Terrain, Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Mumbai (2024)

Achievements

National Scholarship for Young Artists, Ministry of Human Resources, Govt. of India (1998)

Honourable Mention Award, Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi (1997-98)

Scholarship for Young Artists, Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad (1997)

Research Grant, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (1995)

Artist Statement

My works do not fit neatly into categories of abstraction or figuration. Instead, they flow and transform, much like natural forces such as floods or landslides, which often inspire my imagery. The relentless, muddy waters of an overflowing river, carrying objects, animals, and even snakes, reflect my view of life’s fluid, ever-changing nature. While everything is present in my art, much of it remains elusive or out of focus, capturing the sense of things being beyond control. This fluidity, along with recurring themes of animals, humans, and fragmented body parts like hidden eyes, defines my evolving style. Over time, my compositions have become more spacious, shifting from crowded, dense forms to a greater embrace of openness. My socio-political concerns, especially regarding climate change and environmental imbalances, are also frequently present in my work.”

P Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir in Kerala, represents the Kalamassery constituency. He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2015, earning the Sansad Ratna Award in 2016 for his outstanding parliamentary performance. A member of the CPI(M) Kerala State Committee, Rajeev began his political activism in the Students Federation of India. He is also a lawyer and author, with his book Bharanaghadana: Charithravum Samskaravum receiving the Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award.

P Raman is a renowned poet and teacher. He is known for his postmodern poetry that delves into themes of language, memory and society. His literary journey, which began with Kanam, spans over two decades, with works like Rathri Pantrandarakku Oru Tharattu earning prestigious honours, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and Deshabhimani Literary Award. His early poems appeared in Puthumozhivazhikal and Yuvakavithakoottam. Raman is also a skilled translator (Maayapponnu) and critic (Kavinizhalmala).

P S Sreedharan Pillai is an Indian politician, attorney and author, currently serving as the 19th Governor of Goa since 2021. Previously, he served as the Governor of Mizoram (2019–2021) and as the Kerala State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (2003–2006, 2018–2019).  P S Sreedharan Pillai is also a prolific author with several published books, including works on politics, law, history and literature. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by ASBM University (Bhubaneswar).

Palagummi Sainath is one of the most prominently read and recognised journalists in India. In his journalistic career spanning more than four decades, he has extensively written articles capturing the challenges faced by rural India. His writings on caste discrimination, farmers’ protests and rural poverty have influenced related policy making. He served as the Chief Editor of the Mumbai-based Blitz magazine and the Rural Affairs Editor of The Hindu newspaper. He is the author of the celebrated book Everybody Loves a Good Drought: Stories from India’s Poorest Districts. In 2014, he founded an online platform called PARI (People’s Archive of Rural India), aimed at highlighting the social and economic inequalities in India. Sainath is an alumnus of Loyola College (Chennai) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi). He is also a teacher at various universities, including the Asian College of Journalism (Chennai). He has received several national and international awards and fellowships, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Ramnath Goenka Journalist of the Year Award. The Last Heroes: Foot Soldiers of Indian Freedom is his other notable work.

Paul Zacharia is a prominent writer in Malayalam literature who has made significant contributions in various genres including short stories, novellas, travelogues and children’s literature. Known for his rebellious voice in both public life and in his writings, Zacharia entered the literary world alongside other experimental writers like O V Vijayan, Madhavikutty and Kakkanadan in the late 1950s. He has authored over fifty works in both fiction and non-fiction categories. Zacharia’s career also includes over twenty years of experience in the publishing and media sectors, based in Delhi. His short story Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum was later adapted into the film Vidheyan by auteur Adoor Gopalakrishnan. In the realm of travelogue, Zacharia’s contributions through works like Oru African Yathra and Sanchara Pusthakam are significant. He has been recognised with several prestigious literary awards, including the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. His noted works include Enthund Visheshum Pilathose (novel), Theevandikkolla, Unni Enna Kutti and Oridath (short stories).

Payal Kapadia is a filmmaker and artist based in Mumbai. She is an alumna of the Indian Film and Television Institute (Pune). She worked in advertising and assisted a video artist in Mumbai. Her directorial debut was through a short film made during the FTII days. Her second short film Afternoon Clouds was the only Indian film that was selected for the 70th Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Her productions were showed in festivals in Thiruvananthapuram, Amsterdam, Berlin, Edinburgh, San Diego, Bogota, Mumbai, Singapore and many others. She won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Her noted productions include Watermelon, Fish and Half Ghost; Afternoon Clouds; The Last Mango Before the Monsoon; And What Is the Summer Saying; A Night of Knowing Nothing and All We Imagine as Light.

Payal Kapadia loves words for the stories they tell, even more for the stories they carry inside them. She studied English Literature at St Xavier’s College (Mumbai) and MS Journalism at Northwestern University (Chicago). Writing for news outlets in the USA, Hong Kong, Japan and India, she was drawn to offbeat tales of unsung heroes and lost causes: a painting pachyderm; the last Japanese soldiers of Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army; and historic homes going under the hammer. Her debut novella Wisha Wozzariter won the 2013 Crossword Book Award for Children’s Writing and features in the 101 Indian Children’s Books We Love! compilation. Her bestselling books include the well-loved Horrid High series, a children’s biography of B.R. Ambedkar, Twice Upon a Time and Maidless in Mumbai. Payal now lives somewhere in Mumbai, in a flat among flats in a high-rise among high-rises on a street among streets. But she can see the sea from her window and sometimes it is big enough to swallow the sky and the clouds tumble into it. On those days, she writes.

Perumal Murugan is the star of contemporary Tamil literature. An award-winning writer, poet and scholar, he has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success for his vast array of works. His novels have been translated into English to immense acclaim, including Current Show, Pyre, Seasons of the Palm (shortlisted for the Kiriyama Prize) and One Part Woman (shortlisted for the Crossword Award, longlisted for the inaugural National Book Award for Translation and won the prestigious ILF Samanvay Bhasha Samman). A Lonely Harvest and Trial by Silence (parallel sequels to One Part Woman) were shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Fiction 2019. A Lonely Harvest was also longlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2019. Songs of a Cowardis a collection of his poetry written in exile. His debut novel was published in English as Rising Heat in 2020, nearly three decades after it was first published in Tamil. He won the 2023 JCB Prize for Fire Bird.

Pooja Priyadarsini is a Project Assistant on the project Visuality, Cityscapes and Public History: Ways of Thinking Contemporary Kerala at the Kerala Council for Historical Research (Thiruvananthapuram). She is an alumna of Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi).

Dr Pradeep Chakravarthy is a graduate of the London School of Economics (UK) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi). He has a PhD in history. An award-winning student, he has more than two decades of work experience, especially in learning and development. His mission is to help people understand present and future behaviour by understanding the past. Pradeep’s corporate experience (TVS, Cognizant, Infosys and McKinsey) aids his consultations on helping individuals and organisations change behaviour, based on history. He has authored nine books with a focus on the culture of Tamil Nadu and how history can help us improve performance at work. He has published more than two hundred articles in magazines and newspapers, mostly on history and its relevance to our lives today. He has recently opened ‘Anantya in The Village’ (a heritage hotel in Alwar Tirunagari, Tamil Nadu) where heritage immersion tours are conducted for children.

Prakash Bare is an Indian actor, producer, technologist and social activist. He has appeared in several critically acclaimed films in Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi and English, known for standout roles in Ivan Megharoopan, Oraalppokkam and Sufi Paranja Katha. Prakash has co-produced films under Silicon Media, garnering state awards and international recognition. He is a co-founder of GDA Technologies, a pioneer in electronic design services, and Sinergia Media Labs. As a social activist, he is involved in the Endosulfan campaign in Kasaragod, advocating for victims. Prakash Bare also leads theatre initiatives with the BlueOcean Theater group.

Prakash Magdum is a distinguished professional in the field of film preservation and writing, currently serving as the Director of the National Film Archive of India. After graduating from Willingdon College, Sangli (Maharashtra), he went on to join the Indian Information Service. Magdum has held various notable positions, including Registrar of the Film and Television Institute of India (Pune) and spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence. He has authored several articles on film preservation and has published two notable books namely The Mahatma on Celluloid: A Cinematic Biography and Women in Indian Cinema (co-authored with Binayak Bhattacharya). Magdum’s work showcases his expertise and passion for preserving India’s cinematic heritage.

Praveen Chandran is an Indian author known for his diverse work spanning children’s literature, adult fiction and non-fiction. His notable works include Apoornathayude Oru Pusthakam, Chhayamaranam, Samayamapini and Unnoonniyum Kanakkile Bhoothangalum.

Preeti Shenoy is a well-known Indian author whose works have gained widespread recognition. Her books explore themes such as mental health, gender inequality, socioeconomic divides and relationship dynamics, resonating with a broad readership across the country. She has represented India at several international literature festivals, including those in Birmingham, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi and her work has been featured by major media outlets. She has received several awards, including the Popular Choice Fiction Award from The Times of India’s AutHER Awards in 2021, and the Most Popular Self-Help Book of the same year from Amazon India. She was also named ‘Indian of the Year’ in 2017 and received the Business Excellence Award from the New Delhi Institute of Management. In addition to writing, Preeti is a motivational speaker, delivering talks at organizations such as KPMG, ISRO, Walmart, Infosys and Accenture. She is also an artist and fitness enthusiast, with interests in portraiture, illustrated journals, travel, blogging, and yoga. Her creative work extends to short stories and poetry, published in magazines such as Conde Nast and Verve, and she previously wrote a weekly column for The Financial Chronicle. Her noted works include Life Is What You Make It, When Love Came Calling, All The Love You Deserve, It’s All in the Planets, A Hundred Little Flames and Why We Love The Way We Do.

PRITI VADAKKATH
Born in 1971 in Kochi, Kerala; lives and works in Munnar, Kerala

Bachelor’s Degree in History of Fine Arts, Stella Maris College, Chennai (1992); Diploma in Accessory Design, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi (1995)

Exhibitions
Solo

• Four Times Five is Twelve, The Viewing Room, Mumbai (2010)
• Reliving the Past with All My Might, Kashi Art Gallery, Kochi (2011)

Group

• Lokametharavadu, curated by Bose Krishnamachari, Alleppey (2021)
• A Place at the Table, Taos Art Gallery, Kochi Muziris Biennale 2022-23
• In The Dusky Path of a Dream, curated by Meena Vari, Rizq Art Initiative, Abu Dhabi (2023)

Achievement

• Winner, De Beers Indian Jewellery Design Award (1996)

Artist Statement

The resilience of the Shola Grasslands – their drying out, burning in manmade fires, and quick regeneration – has profoundly influenced my artistic practice. My Shola Grasslands series is both an emotional reflection and a tribute to the diverse grasses and plants thriving through seasonal cycles. Living amidst the Shola landscape in Udambanchola, Munnar for the past two years has deepened my connection to nature, informing this body of work. My varied life experiences, from my design background to my love for horticulture and ecology, along with my role as the primary caregiver to my 22-year-old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder, shape my art. Working with charcoal, watercolour, and acrylic, I explore human relationships, environmental connections, and the pressing need to mend the ecological rift caused by human actions.

Priya A S is an acclaimed Indian writer and translator working in Malayalam. She has authored numerous short story collections, children’s literature, memoirs and translations. Her notable works include Manjamarangal Chuttilum, Chithrasalabhangalude Veedu and the translation of Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things titled Kunju Karyangalude Odeythampuran. Priya has received multiple honours, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize and the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar. She is celebrated for her contributions to both adult and children’s literature, earning recognition for her distinctive voice in Malayalam literature.

With over eighteen years of experience, Priyanka is one of the most sought-after storytelling and drama teachers in the country. She has trained at the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA, Berlin) and is a Certified Drama Facilitator & IB educator. She is the founder of the Small Tales Academy and has conducted over five hundred storytelling and workshop sessions across the world for various schools & organisations, some of them being The American School of Bombay, Aditya Birla World Academy, Bangalore International School and Stamford American School (Singapore).

Pushparaj Deshpande is a distinguished political activist, writer and intellectual. He is a regular contributor to several national dailies. As a former LAMP fellow with PRS Legislative Research, Pushparaj has edited the esteemed Rethinking India and Reshaping India series. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Samruddh Bharat Foundation. Pushparaj has had the opportunity to work with various organisations, including Rajya Sabha TV and the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies. He is also a prominent figure within the Indian National Congress. He was also one of those who walked the entire stretch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. His noted works include Bharat Jodo Yatra: Reclaiming India’s Soul and The Great Indian Manthan: State, Statecraft and the Republic.

R Rajasree is an acclaimed Indian novelist writing in Malayalam and currently teaches at Government Brennan College (Thalassery). She holds a PhD in Malayalam, with early works focusing on detective fiction and the portrayal of female protagonists. Her novel Kalyaniyennum Dakshayaniyennum Perulla Randu Sthreekalude Katha, originally written as Facebook posts and published in 2019, won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022. Her other works include Nayikaanirmmathi Vazhiyum Porulum, Apasarppakaaghyanangal: Bhavanayum Rashtreeyavum and Aathreyakam.

Radhika Oberoi is the author of two novels, Stillborn Season (2018) and Of Mothers and Other Perishables (2024), longlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature this year. She has also written book reviews and essays for a variety of publications in India and abroad, including World Literature Today, Mekong Review, Business Standard, The Indian Express, scroll.in, and Outlook magazine. She has an MA in Creative Writing, Prose Fiction, from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Radhika Seshan retired as Professor and Head of the Department of History at Savitribai Phule Pune University (Pune). She is now a Visiting Faculty at Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts (Pune). Her area of specialisation is Medieval Indian History, within which she has concentrated on economic history, especially maritime and urban history. She is the author of three books, Trade and Politics on the Coromandel Coast (Primus Books, 2012), Ideas and Institutions in Medieval India: 8th to 18th Centuries (Orient BlackSwan, 2013) and The Constructions of the East in Western Travel Narratives: 1300-1800 (Routledge, 2020). In addition, she is the editor/joint editor of eleven books, including Indian Ocean Histories: The Many Worlds of Michael Naylor Pearson, jointly edited with Rila Mukherjee(Routledge, 2019/20), Wage Earners in India 1500-1900: Regional Approaches in an International Context, jointly edited with Jan Lucassen, Sage (Sage Series on Politics and Society in India and the Global South), 2021, and most recently, Connecting the Indian Ocean World – Across Sea and Land, jointly edited with Ryuto Shimada (Routledge, 2023). She has numerous research papers to her credit in national and international journals. Empires of the Sea: A Human History of the Indian Ocean World is her latest book.

Rafeeq Ahammed is a poet, lyricist and novelist. His lyricism, deeply rich with myriad emotions, vivid imagery and lucid wordings made him a much sought-after lyricist in the Malayalam film industry. Since his first film Garshom, he has written lyrics for over six hundred films so far. He has won the Kerala State Award for Best Lyricist five times. Along with his offerings as a lyricist, he regularly writes poems in leading Malayalam literary magazines. He has been recognised with awards such as the Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award, Odakkuzhal Award, Ulloor Award and Vyloppilli Award. Rafeeq Ahammed has also written a novel titled Azhukkillam. His noted works include Swapnavangmoolam, Parayil Paninjath, Aalmaram, Cheettukalikkar, Sivakami and Gramavriksathile Vavval.

Rahul Bhatia is an award-winning journalist and author known for his incisive analysis of India’s political and social issues. His book The Identity Project: The Unmaking of a Democracy critically examines India’s democratic shifts. As a True Story Award winner and Harvard Radcliffe Institute fellow, he has written for The Caravan, The Guardian, The New Yorker and Reuters. His investigative work highlights themes of identity, accountability and technology’s impact on governance. Rahul Bhatia co-founded the Peepli Project, mentors writers, and has received the Ramnath Goenka and Red Ink awards for his contributions to journalism.

Rajan Mehta is the author of the Bestselling book Backstage Climate and an ALI fellow from Harvard University, where he focused on Climate Change and Circular Economy. He has been a serial tech entrepreneur and has built two successful companies. Earlier in his career, he worked with companies like Motorola and Nortel, both in India and overseas and is currently focused on building Climate Ventures Partner and Climate Action Labs to accelerate our response in avoiding a climate crisis.

Rajat Chaudhuri is an eminent Indian novelist and short story writer. He received critical acclaim and captured the imagination of readers with his works like Hotel Calcutta and The Butterfly Effect. His works deal with themes such as climate change, biotechnology and urbanism. Apart from six books on two languages in fiction and translation, he has also created narratives for video games. He is also engaged in initiatives concerning sustainability and the environment through different international organizations and regularly contributes articles to prominent newspapers on environmental issues. Calculus and Amber Dusk are his other notable works.

Rajeev Sivashankar is a novelist and short story writer known for his contributions to Malayalam literature. Currently serving as an Assistant Editor at Malayala Manorama in Kottayam, Rajeev resumed his literary career at 45 and has since published five novels and multiple short story collections. His notable works include Thamovedam which explores the rise of an anarchist cult in Kerala, Pranasancharam which is a philosophical exploration of materialism and Kalpramanam addressing environmental issues in Kerala.

Dr. Rajeevan Kunnath is a researcher and writer on issues associated with West Asia and minorities. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Islamic & West Asian Studies at Kerala University. Rajeevan obtained his PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) for his research on Gulf immigration within the Muslim community. Previously, he taught at Malayalam University (Tirur). His MPhil thesis, titled Democracy in a Plural Society: A Case Study of Lebanon was later published as an article titled Politics of Resistance Versus Politics of Accommodation.

Rajiv Eipe is an award-winning illustrator and animator based in Bengaluru. He studied Painting at the Sir J J School of Art (Mumbai) and Animation Film Design at the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad). Eipe’s versatile work spans picture books, comics and animation, using diverse media including digital, crayon and paint. Notable works include Kitchen Trouble, Maithili and the Minotaur series and The Sweet Shop Wars. He co-runs Plankton Collective, an animation studio and won the Big Little Book Award for Best Illustrator in 2020. In his free time, Eipe enjoys birdwatching and spending time with his wife and pets.

Ram Madhav is an influential Indian politician and author, known for his role as the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has been a member of the National Executive of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since his teenage years and also served as its National Spokesperson. Ram Madhav has authored over twelve books, including The Hindutva Paradigm and Uneasy Neighbours: India and China after Fifty Years of War. He is also the President of the India Foundation, focusing on Indian polity issues and challenges.

Rana Safvi is a renowned writer, scholar and translator. She is a passionate believer in India’s unique civilizational legacy and pluralistic culture which she documents through her writings, podcasts and videos. She has published nine books so far on the culture, history and monuments of India. These are Tales from the Quran and Hadith and the Delhi trilogy which includes Where Stones Speak, The Forgotten Cities of Delhi and Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi. She has translated both the editions of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s seminal work on Delhi, Asar-us-Sanadid and Dastan-e-Ghadar, and four accounts of nineteenth and twentieth century Delhi from Urdu to English as City of My Heart and A Saint, A Folk Tale and Other Stories: Lesser-Known Monuments of India.

Born in 1958 in Pulanur, Kerala; lives and works in Kochi.

Education
BFA in Sculpture, College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram (1982)
MFA, M S University, Baroda (1988)

Exhibitions
Solo

• Kashi Art Gallery, Kochi (2006)
• NCPA, Bombay; presented by Bombay Art Gallery (2007)

Group

• Radical Group Show, Town Hall, Calicut; Fisherman Village Art Camp, Kerala (1988-1989)
• ‘Silent Scream’, live installation against war at Durbar Hall Ground, Kochi (2003)
• ‘Double-Enders’, traveling show (2005)
• 10th Anniversary Exhibition, Kashi Art Gallery, Kochi (2007)
• ‘Santhal Family’, organized by MuHKA Antwerp, Belgium; curated by Grant Watson (2008)
• Lokame Tharavadu, curated by Bose Krishnamachari, Kochi Biennale Foundation (2021)

Public Sculpture Projects

• Sculpture Veli (Fence) at Parapanagadi Beach, Kerala (1996)
• Sculpture for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady (2001)
• ‘Nandhi’ for the courtyard of Kashi Art Gallery, Kochi (2003)