ORANGE CITY LITERATURE FESTIVAL

What if one minute could reshape the way you think, lead, and live?In this insightful OCLF session, Prof. Debashish Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, explores the transformative power of mindful moments and the core ideas behind his celebrated work One Minute Wisdom. In conversation with Dr. Atya Kapley, the discussion uncovers how sixty seconds of awareness can reset the mind, strengthen emotional intelligence, and improve decision-making in both personal and professional life.The session dives into practical micro-practices that help students, leaders, and lifelong learners build focus, clarity, and resilience. From managing stress to enhancing productivity, Prof. Chatterjee demonstrates how simple, consistent one-minute habits can drive long-term transformation.Watch this conversation to discover how powerful leadership begins with small steps and how mindfulness can shape a more thoughtful, purpose-driven life.

This energising OCLF session featured entrepreneur, investor, and policy thinker Aditya Pittie in conversation with Bhavya Chowdhury, exploring how India can achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat through innovation, confidence, and collective purpose.Aditya shared powerful insights on India’s growth trajectory, highlighting how rapid advancements in technology, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and global reputation position the nation strongly for the decades ahead. The conversation emphasised that development is not only a government-driven mission but a people-driven one, shaped by everyday actions and a mindset geared toward discipline and contribution.A recurring message of the session was the importance of individual responsibility. Aditya encouraged the audience to make small but meaningful efforts in their surroundings, reminding everyone that national progress grows from collective participation.Audience questions added depth to the session, touching upon innovation ecosystems, policy support, youth involvement, and the role of citizens in steering India toward 2047.The session closed with optimism, reinforcing that a developed India is within reach when purpose and participation go hand in hand.#OCLF #ViksitBharat #AdityaPittie #India2047 #Innovation #NationBuilding

The session "AFTER US: Where Technology Ends and Consciousness Begins" featured innovation leader and author Akshay Chopra in conversation with financial consultant Vinita Bahri. The discussion introduced audiences to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, its impact on society and the future of human work in an AI-driven world.Akshay Chopra shared insights from his global innovation experience, reflecting on how AI represents the next major step in human evolution. He spoke about emerging fields such as Grief Tech, the importance of digital boundaries and the need for ethical and conscious use of AI. The conversation also explored job displacement, future workforce strategies and the role of government support systems as technology continues to advance.The audience engaged actively, raising questions about job security, transformation of human lifestyles and the responsibilities of individuals in adapting to rapid technological change. The session concluded with a reminder that while AI expands the limits of technology, human consciousness must shape how it is used.#AkshayChopra #AFTERUS #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Innovation #ConsciousTechnology #VinitaBahri #JaicoPublishing #OCLF #OrangeCityLiteratureFestival #NagpurEvents #LitFestIndia

Author and mythologist Sunita Pant Bansal led this heartwarming session on introducing the timeless wisdom of the Gita to young minds. In conversation with Dr Shakti Sharma, she shared how simple stories can help children understand clarity, courage and decision-making in today’s stressful world.Sunita explained how many young readers find the Gita overwhelming because of its complex verses. By rewriting its core teachings into relatable stories, she aims to address common challenges such as fear, confusion, career pressure and emotional stress. She also spoke about her own journey, from reading the Gita in childhood to interpreting it for young readers who seek guidance and reassurance.The audience asked thoughtful questions about handling stress, making difficult choices and applying Gita principles in daily life. The discussion offered practical insights on building emotional balance and inner strength from a young age.#OCLF #GitaForChildren #SunitaPantBansal #StoriesFromTheGita #YouthWisdom #MindfulnessForKids #OCLF2025

The session "Celebrating Om Puri at 75: Stories That Stay, Songs That Heal" brought together Nandita Puri, Amit Behl, Amborish Roychoudhury and Sharon Prabhakar for a heartfelt tribute moderated by Sharon Prabhakar. The conversation honoured the life, work and humanity of Padmashri Om Puri on his 75th birth anniversary year.The speakers remembered Om Puri not only for his powerful performances in films such as Gandhi, Machis and many international projects, but also for the depth of his character as a friend, mentor and family man. Nandita Puri spoke about his generosity and the many lives he touched. Amborish Roychoudhury reflected on his immense contribution to Indian and global cinema. Amit Behl shared emotional memories of Om Puri’s guidance and kindness during challenging moments in his own career. Sharon Prabhakar dedicated a song in his memory, adding a soulful touch to the tribute.The session also included recollections from Nishant Puri about his relationship with his father, giving the audience a rare glimpse into Om Puri’s loving and grounded family life. The audience engaged with stories about his craft, his motivation and the roles that shaped cinema history.It was an evening of emotion, gratitude and remembrance for a legend whose artistry and humanity continue to inspire.#OmPuri #OmPuri75 #IndianCinema #Tribute #AmitBehl #NanditaPuri #AmborishRoychoudhury #SharonPrabhakar #FilmHistory #StoriesThatStay #OCLF #OrangeCityLiteratureFestival #NagpurEvents #LitFestIndia

In this thoughtful session titled In a World Full of Distractions, Is There True Love or Is It a Failed Concept, Karan Oberoi offers a candid reflection on love, courage, creativity and emotional honesty in today’s fast paced world. Speaking from his experiences as an artist and storyteller, he explores how constant noise, digital influence and social pressure impact the way we connect.Karan shares why courage and imagination shape relationships, how silence can build deeper connection, and why respect must be the foundation of genuine attraction. He also opens up about staying unaffected by public opinion and choosing joy as a way of life.The session encourages viewers to rethink relationships through authenticity, awareness and emotional clarity.#KaranOberoi #LoveInModernTimes #Relationships #EmotionalWellbeing #OCLF #OrangeCityLiteratureFestival #ModernLove #CourageAndCreativity #Chuppi

The session "From Kitchen Warmth to Poetic Wonder: Finding Love, Life and Meaning in Everyday Moments" featured TV host, chef and award-winning author Maria Goretti in conversation with Mithilesh Vazalwar. The discussion traced Maria’s journey from tap dancer to MTV VJ, from travelling the world interviewing cricketers to discovering her love for cooking and writing.Maria shared how real-life cooking experiences, motherhood and the warmth of everyday moments shaped her storytelling. She spoke about the joy of documenting recipes, creating honest food memories and expressing her inner world through poetry. With two books to her credit, one a collection of poems and the other a cookbook, she reflected on how creativity can grow from simple, lived experiences.The session offered a heartfelt look at life’s small joys and the importance of finding meaning in ordinary moments.#MariaGoretti #FoodStories #Poetry #EverydayMagic #CookingWithLove #CreativeJourney #OCLF #OrangeCityLiteratureFestival #NagpurEvents #LitFestIndia

This vibrant OCLF session brought together three powerful creative voices for a heartfelt, nostalgic and deeply engaging conversation. Ila Arun, one of India’s most iconic folk-pop singers, theatre performers and television personalities, joined author Nandita Puri and multidisciplinary artist Sharon Prabhakar for an intimate discussion on Parde Ke Peeche, the biography capturing her extraordinary life.The session opened with Nandita Puri reading evocative excerpts from the book, instantly connecting the audience to Ila Arun’s world of music, theatre, cinema and relentless artistic passion. Rare audio clips were played, tracing her 40-year journey across India’s cultural landscape, bringing alive memories of her powerful voice, stage presence and fearless performances.The afternoon reached a heartwarming finale when Ila Arun sang along to one of her iconic tracks, drawing the audience into a celebratory moment that filled the hall with rhythm, nostalgia and joy.A session filled with emotion, artistry and legacy, Parde Ke Peeche offered a beautiful glimpse into a life lived with courage, commitment and creativity.#OCLF #IlaArun #PardeKePeeche #NanditaPuri #SharonPrabhakar #FolkMusic #Theatre #Biography #IndianArts

This thought-provoking OCLF panel brought together three leading voices on leadership, strategy and organisational transformation. Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai, Abhijeet Mukherjee and Dr Srinath Sridharan joined moderator Dr Puja Bang for a powerful conversation on building leaders who can think deeply, innovate boldly and plan sustainably.Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai connected timeless Chanakyan principles with modern corporate and entrepreneurial challenges, showing how ancient texts continue to guide leadership choices today. Abhijeet Mukherjee discussed innovation as a mindset shift and shared how entrepreneurial thinking builds adaptability. Dr Srinath Sridharan highlighted the role of governance, clarity and structured succession in ensuring continuity across organisations and family businesses.Together, the speakers explored behavioural leadership, decision-making, leadership accountability and the importance of blending tradition with forward-looking strategy. Audience questions added depth, touching on entrepreneurship, business responsibilities and long-term planning.The session closed with a clear message: leadership thrives when ancient wisdom, innovation and succession planning align to create sustainable growth.#OCLF #Leadership #Chanakya #Innovation #SuccessionPlanning #RadhakrishnanPillai #AbhijeetMukherjee #SrinathSridharan #PujaBang

In this powerful wellness session at OCLF, Pranic Healer Arihant Jain introduced participants to the science of inner energy, awareness and manifestation. The session guided the audience through practices that help transform stress into peace, emotions into strength and thoughts into meaningful intentions.Arihant led simple yet profound activities on feeling one’s inner energy, understanding chakras, exploring aura awareness and practicing forgiveness, gratitude and self-healing. The session also introduced Pranic Healing and Twin Brain Meditation, giving attendees practical tools for emotional clarity and personal transformation.#OCLF #ArihantJain #InnerAlchemy #PranicHealing #Meditation #EnergyHealing