Every writer deserves a stage. Write to us and claim yours.
Reach out on anjani.raipat@youthliteraturefestival.com
and let's celebrate the written word together!
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Vadodara's favorite literature fest is back in 2026! Same vibe, bigger energy. The city of culture opens its doors and welcomes Vadodara Literature Festival 2026 with a vibrant lineup of authors, innovators, and thought-leaders from across disciplines. With conversations that unpack the present and imagine the future, the Festival promises a compelling blend of literature, culture, policy, science, and creative arts. With conversations that unpack the present and imagine the future, the Festival promises a compelling blend of literature, culture, policy, science, and creative arts.
Built on the belief that ideas thrive when they meet, this edition creates a powerful space for dialogue, disagreement, and discovery, right in the heart of the city that breathes art.
An evening of sound, soul, and storytelling
Singer, Composer &
Folk Music Icon
Poet, Writer & Storyteller
Sufi Vocalist, Composer & Performer
Nestled in the vibrant cultural hub of Vadodara, Gujarat, Parul University seamlessly blends historical richness with 21st-century modernity. Since its establishment under the Gujarat Private Universities Act, it has swiftly risen to prominence as one of Western India's leading private universities. Remarkably, it is also the youngest university in India to earn the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation.
At the core of this academic institution lies the Faculty of Liberal Arts, dedicated to nurturing exceptional problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. With a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, it engages students with contemporary issues, empowering them to make a positive societal impact and contribute meaningfully to humanity.
Founded in 2011, I.I.M.U.N. is the world's largest youth-run organisation in India, driven by the vision of bringing the world closer the Indian way. The non-profit empowers young minds to engage with global issues through workshops, tours, literature festivals, and conferences, including simulations of bodies like the United Nations and the Indian Parliament.
From pioneering Model United Nations in India to evolving it into a Movement to Unite Nations, I.I.M.U.N. has democratised access to leadership, diplomacy, and problem-solving platforms across schools and colleges, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Today, it also works to make literature festivals a national norm, nurturing a culture of reading and dialogue among the next generation.
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Writing a Prescription for a Healthier Tomorrow
Health journalist specialising in health reporting. She is the author of Phantom Plague.
Medical professional specialising in gynaecology and women's health. She focuses on patient-centred and compassionate healthcare.
Facial plastic surgeon, oculoplasty and reconstructive surgery. He is associated with the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Psychiatrist and national mental health advocate with extensive clinical experience. He has explored themes in The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.
Sport and performance psychologist working with elite athletes at Fortis Healthcare. She works with elite athletes to enhance mental resilience and performance.
A Fire side chat on Youth, Leadership and Success
Founder of the India's International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.), with extensive experience in youth leadership and civic engagement. He is the author of Nothing But The Truth, Young, Wired, and Not Woke, Not Woke: How the Youth of Today are Redefining Success, Love and Self, and An Open Mic.
President of Parul University and a visionary academic leader focused on holistic education and youth development. He has played a key role in building Parul University as a multidisciplinary and globally engaged institution.
Strengthening public welfare through decisive leadership and clear policy
Former Finance Secretary of India and author of The Ten Trillion Dream (Coined), with extensive experience in economic policy and governance.
Former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and author of Great Power Games: From Western Decline to Eastern Ascent.
Former Chief Election Commissioner of India and author of India's Experiment with Democracy: The Life of a Nation Through Its Elections.
Where stories are told and voices are heard
Gujarati author, screenwriter, and journalist known for impactful storytelling. She is the author of Draupadi.
Pastry chef and founder of Le15 Patisserie. She is the author of Aria and the Magic Apron.
Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor, co-founder of Excelan and a key figure behind TiE and Nexus Venture Partners. He is the author of The Groundbreaker and Mahefil with Naishadh.
From Boardroom to Bookshelf
Managing Director of AVA Group and author of You Turn: The Man Behind the World’s Bestselling Ayurvedic Soap, Medimix.
Associate Vice President at Godrej Properties and author of The Time Energy Toolkit: Design Your Life, One Day at a Time.
Vice President and CFO, PepsiCo India, and author of The Career Edge.
Public policy strategist and author of The Art of Conversation.
Celebrating the Languages that shape our Culture
Poet and academician, author of This Kind of Child: The ‘Disability’ Story.
Hindi poet and fiction writer, author of The Master of Unfinished Things.
Award-winning translator of The Master of Unfinished Things.
Perspectives on Bangladesh’s evolving story
Journalist and author of Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution.
Indian diplomat and co-author of Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution.
Bangladeshi journalist and contributor to Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution.
Page turners of the Truth
Assistant Editor at the Print, reporting on rural india and political narratives.
National Health Editor at The Indian Express, specialising in Public Health journalism.
Empowering minds to lead and transform
Entrepreneur and author of People-Powered Startups
Founder of the 10Xer Club and author of Who the F**k Are You.
Strategic advisor and author of Family and Dhandha: A to Z of Succession Planning for Founders and Successors.
The Science and Spirit of Staying Fit
Wellness educator working in Ayurveda, gut health, and holistic healing. She is the author of The Ultimate Healing Code.
Functional nutritionist specialising in metabolic health and lifestyle medicine. She is the author of Brainwashed by Your Gut.
Voices from the frontlines of service and sacrifice
Commissioned naval officer with leadership experience in operational service.
Special Forces doctor specialising in battlefield medicine.
Former Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical).
Indian Army artillery officer and author of Artillery’s Thunder - The Untold Kargil Story.
Crafting Narratives through Stone and Steel
Architect and author associated with Delirious New York.
Author and art dealer associated with The Story of Art.
Managing Director – Creative and Design at Accenture Song.
Samvidhan Pe Charcha
Legal educator and policy professional focused on civic and constitutional awareness. She works to make legal education accessible and impactful.
Co-founder and CEO of LawSikho, focusing on practical and industry-aligned legal education. He works to bridge the gap between academic learning and legal practice.
Advocate and social activist known for her work on gender rights and legal reform. She actively contributes to public interest litigation and legal advocacy.
The craft of meaning, emotion, and expression
Hindi poet, short story writer, and novelist known for emotional depth and narrative sensitivity. She is the author of Kuch Ishq Hua Tha.
Former Indian diplomat and Professor of Diplomatic Practice with a strong academic background. He is the author of Radhaland and Worlds Beyond.
Journalist and author of Anna: 13 Days That Awakened India.
From Ingredients to Inspiration - Daawat - e - Diplomacy
Holistic recipe developer and culinary consultant focused on mindful cooking. She is the author of The 100 Best Curries for Your Instant Pot.
Chef, restaurateur, and culinary curator celebrating regional Indian cuisine. She is the author of India in a Bowl.
Food journalist and editor known for narrative-driven food writing. She is the author of An Invitation to Feast: A Deep Dive Into India’s Culinary Treasures.
Celebrating the stories and voices that shape Gujarat’s cultural soul
Gujarati writer and speaker known for contemporary literary and motivational work. She is the author of Radhakrushnana Prempatro.
Podcast host, audiobook narrator, and writer bringing Gujarati literature to digital audiences. He is the author of Mahefil with Naishadh.
From the pages of balance sheets to balancing life
Technology entrepreneur, Co-Founder and CEO of Incedo, and former COO of Flipkart. He is the author of Winning in the Digital Age, Mastering the Data Paradox, and Human Edge in the AI Age.
Secretary General of CUTS International and author of Supreme Court and the Indian Economy.
Founder of First Global and author of Money, Myths and Mantras: The Ultimate Investment Guide.
Entrepreneur, Author & Content Creator
Former CEO & Co-Founder,
Nearbuy
50th Chief Justice of India
Indian novelist and columnist
Former and 28th Chief of the Army Staff
PVSM AVSM VSM SM ADC
American businessman
Author and former Coal
Secretary of India
"Attending VLF was like stepping into a world where every corner had a new story waiting. The sessions felt honest and refreshing, and I left with more books on my list than I planned. It's easily my favourite weekend of the year now."
"I didn't expect to enjoy a lit fest this much, but VLF had such a chill, welcoming vibe. The speakers were super relatable, and the discussions actually made me rethink a lot of things. I'm definitely coming back next year."
