Category Archives: sessions-2023

Preeti Shenoy

Writing is second nature to Preeti Shenoy. The author has enthralled readers across the country for over a decade, writing 15 books in 14 years while raising her two children. Several of her novels, including Life Is What You Make It, The Secret Wish List, A Hundred Little Flames and The One You Cannot Have, are bestsellers. At a recent session of An Author’s Afternoon organised by Prabha Khaitan Foundation, while in conversation with Swati Gautam, the Founder and CEO of Necessity, Shenoy spoke of her journey as a writer, the themes of her books, the trend of self-publishing and more. Arnab Chatterjee, the Regional Manager of Taj Bengal, Kolkata, delivered the welcome note.

Bashabi Fraser

At a recent session of An Author’s Afternoon, Prabha Khaitan Foundation welcomed professor, poet and scholar Bashabi Fraser for a cosy discussion about her new book, Habitat, her life’s greatest influences, and more. Fraser was in conversation with Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director of the British Council in East and Northeast India.

Sadaf Hussain

Consultant chef, author, avid storyteller, podcasting pro, TEDx sensation and MasterChef consultant – Sadaf Hussain wears many hats. His magnetism in the kitchen and love for all things food have catapulted him to the top of the culinary space, where he has been wowing taste buds and winning hearts. The author of Daastan-e-Dastarkhan: Stories and Recipes from Muslim Kitchens even has a new book out, Desi Delicacies.

Neerja Chowdhury

In the world of journalism, Neerja Chowdhury is a renowned figure, celebrated for her insightful commentary and analytical prowess. An award-winning columnist, she has left an indelible mark on Indian journalism. Prabha Khaitan Foundation recently organised a session of An Author’s Afternoon with Chowdhury. The conversation was expertly guided by Vidya Gajapathi Raju Singh, Ehsaas Woman of Chennai, leading to a thought-provoking and enlightening discussion for the audience. Anindita Chatterjee, Executive Trustee of the Foundation, welcomed the gathering.

Navtej Sarna

A diplomat with a wealth of experience across nations, Navtej Sarna weaves his experiences into his writings. A columnist, an author and the longest-serving spokesperson of the Indian foreign ministry, he was hosted by Prabha Khaitan Foundation in a session of An Author’s Afternoon. Esha Dutta, the Foundation’s Honorary Convenor of North-East Affairs, was in conversation with the author. Arnab Chatterjee, the general manager of Taj Bengal, delivered the welcome note.

Koel Purie Rinchet

There comes a point in everyone’s life where “no matter how ambitious you are or how successful you are, something has to give. And something does give. It is always a juggle.” Koel Purie Rinchet — actor, producer, TV presenter, mother and newly-turned author, couldn’t have put it better.

Samantha Kochharr

As a writer, a significant part of oneself is reflected in one’s book. With growth, certain reactions become ingrained, influenced by teachings and experiences from the earliest stages of life. This ongoing process, extending from the prenatal stage to the present, shapes us. However, a pivotal moment arrives when introspection compels us to question if our actions genuinely define our essence. Samantha Kochharr reached this juncture after her father’s passing.

Satyarth Nayak

Gracing the occasion of An Author’s Afternoon, a venerable initiative of Prabha Khaitan Foundation, author Satyarth Nayak spoke extensively on the route he embarked upon towards writing. The engaging conversation, moderated by Isha Gupta Vaish, Ehsaas Woman of Mussoorie, allowed the audience to understand how and why Nayak has come to be a literary force to be reckoned with.

Anita Krishan

Anita Krishan has carved a niche for herself in the world of storytelling. The author of the bestselling short story collection, Ghosts of the Silent Hills, has crafted widely popular books such as Despite Stolen Dreams, Tears of Jhelum, and Fluffy and Me.

Vani Tripathi Tikoo

Children possess the magical ability to let their imagination fly them to an unknown world. Their nascent dreams of escapades seem unrealistic in an adult’s world. Their minds are a creative powerhouse that adults often tend to slight. To celebrate young minds’ innate powers of imagination and observation, Prabha Khaitan Foundation organised a special session of An Author’s Afternoon at Taj Bengal with the actor and teacherturned-author, Vani Tripathi Tikoo, whose debut book, Why can’t Elephants be Red?, is an adventurous journey into the mind of a two-and-a-half-year-old little girl, Akku. In an enriching conversation with the national award-winning director, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Tikoo underpinned our limitations in fathoming young minds and their countless narratives.