New Delhi (India), May 12: Parul University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts hosted an enriching Literature Festival in Vadodara, celebrating the power of literature. The festival brought together renowned authors, including Chetan Bhagat, Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, Irfan Habib, Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, and Ramya Subramanyam, who captivated the audience with their talks. The event featured a diverse range of sessions, covering various genres such as fiction, biographies, travel blogs, and cookbooks. The students of the Faculty of Liberal Arts were among the primary beneficiaries of this platform, along with literature enthusiasts from different parts of the city and state.
Chetan Bhagat, an acclaimed Indian author, columnist, and YouTuber, graced the festival with his presence. Recognized as one of Time magazine’s most influential people, Chetan Bhagat has achieved remarkable success in the global literature industry through his published books, including bestsellers like “One Night Call Center,” “Five Point Someone,” “The Mistakes of My Life,” “Revolution,” and “Half Girlfriend.” In addition to his fiction works, he has authored non-fiction books such as “What Young India Wants” and “Making India Awesome.” Chetan Bhagat is also known for his motivational speeches and has addressed numerous organizations across the globe. His contributions to the entertainment industry were acknowledged with the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award.
Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, the winner of MasterChef India Season 1 and the first author of an official MasterChef cookbook, graced the festival with her presence. She is a renowned author of top-selling cookbooks and has been honored with the First Ladies Award by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Chef Pankaj Bhadouria’s culinary expertise extends beyond India, as she has been chosen as an ambassador by the Spanish government to promote the use of Olive oil in the country. Through her passion for cooking, she founded the Pankaj Bhadouria Culinary Academy, offering professional and certificate courses to aspiring chefs. Additionally, she serves as a brand ambassador for MasterChef Travels, and Cox Kings worldwide and represents brands like Knorr, Taaza Tea, and HUL. Chef Pankaj Bhadouria’s influence extends to television, where she hosts several cooking shows.
Another notable personality at the festival was Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati, a respected director of the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Her impactful journey earned her the Lifetime Achievement Award from US President Joe Biden for her voluntary service. Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati is also a managing editor of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism and the author of the bestselling memoir “Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation.” She has made significant contributions on a global scale, serving on the United Nations Advisory Council.
The festival also featured other prominent figures, such as Sonal Ved, Aakash Ranison, Anuja Chnadramouli, Satyarth Nayak, Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Harjeet Khanduja, Sundeep Singh, Dr. Jaishree Sharad, Parmesh Shahani, Tamal Bandopadhyay, Rishi Piparaiya, and Prachi Garg. Engaging discussions on pressing topics like sustainable eating, the art of storytelling, and the importance of regional languages provided the audience, particularly the students, with valuable insights and fresh perspectives. The Vadodara Literature Festival served as a platform to explore the transformative power of literature and its impact on society.
To know more visit https://paruluniversity.ac.in/
