The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) has announced the IAAC Literary Festival 2025, to be held November 15–16 at International House, New York City. Marking a landmark edition, the festival will unite celebrated authors, thinkers, and storytellers from around the world to explore South Asia’s literary and cultural richness — from ancient myths and mysticism to modern identity, innovation, and global citizenship. IAAC Founded by the Indo-American Arts Council, the IAAC Literary Festival is New York’s leading platform celebrating Indian voices in world literature. It brings together established and emerging authors across genres, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange. The 2025 edition continues IAAC’s mission to champion diversity, amplify underrepresented voices, and spotlight Indian excellence on the global stage. “Across borders and generations, Indian literature continues to redefine the global imagination. The IAAC Literary Festival is where those voices meet — bold, questioning, and alive with possibility,” said Preethi Urs, Director of the IAAC Literary Festival. All festival sessions are free and open to the public, except the keynote session by Sadhguru on Sunday, November 16.
Festival Highlights
Sunday, November 16 | Davis Hall, International House
Sadhguru – “Death: A Yogi’s Guide to Living, Dying and Beyond”
Spiritual leader and bestselling author Sadhguru will explore one of life’s deepest mysteries — the meaning of death and how awareness of mortality enriches life. The talk will be moderated by Chandrika Tandon, Grammy-winning musician and philanthropist. (Ticketed session) Following the keynote, Sadhguru will unveil Yakub Mathew’s new book, Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025, followed by a discussion with the author and a distinguished panel. Admission to this segment is free.
Devdutt Pattanaik – “Escape the Bakasura Trap”
Renowned mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik will reinterpret the Bakasura legend as a metaphor for modern greed and excess. The session will be moderated by Mathew Veedon, IAAC Board Member.
Saturday, November 15 | International House
Megha Majumdar – “A Guardian and a Thief”
Author of A Burning, Megha Majumdar returns with her acclaimed new novel, a finalist for the 2025 National Book Award and an Oprah Book Club pick. Moderated by Mitra Kalita, journalist and CEO of URL Media.
Padma Venkatraman – “Safe Harbor”
Award-winning author and oceanographer Padma Venkatraman will present her moving verse novel about an immigrant girl’s search for belonging, in conversation with Ramya Ramana, former NYC Youth Poet Laureate.
Pooja Bavishi – “Malai: Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors”
Founder of Malai, Pooja Bavishi, unveils her vibrant cookbook celebrating ice cream infused with South Asian spices.
Sunita Kohli – “The India Cookbook: From the Tables of My Friends”
Designer and author Sunita Kohli shares recipes and stories from across India. Both Pooja and Sunita will be in conversation with Simi Shah, founder of South Asian Trailblazers.
Archana Maniar – “Dry Spells”
Debut author Archana Maniar explores identity, family, and belonging in her novel Dry Spells. Moderated by Jafreen Uddin, Executive Director of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop.
Stephen Huyler – “Transformed by India: A Life”
Cultural historian Stephen Huyler reflects on his life-changing experiences in India, moderated by Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, Chairman of IAAC.
Industry Panel – “From Page to Premiere: Adapting Books for the Screen”
A behind-the-scenes look at adapting South Asian stories for film and TV with Priya Doraswamy (Lotus Lane Literary Agency) and Reena Singh (TV producer).
Amish Tripathi – “The Chola Tigers”
Bestselling author Amish Tripathi presents his latest historical epic set in the Chola Empire, moderated by Makarand Paranjape, noted scholar and poet.
Arjun Mahatta – “Maha Kumbh: A Spiritual Odyssey”
Photographer Arjun Mahatta captures the scale and devotion of the Kumbh Mela in his new photo book. Moderated by Josheen Oberoi, VP and Director at DAG New York.
Meenakshi Ahamed – “Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of Indians in America”
Journalist Meenakshi Ahamed examines the rise of Indian-Americans in technology, medicine, and policy.
Vik Malhotra – “A CEO for All Seasons”
McKinsey Senior Partner Vik Malhotra shares leadership lessons across the four phases of a CEO’s career. Moderated by Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning historian.
Vasant Dhar – “Thinking with Machines”
NYU Stern Professor Vasant Dhar explores the future of AI and human-machine collaboration, moderated by Mukul Devichand, Editor, AI Initiatives at The New York Times.
Poetry Panel (Curated by Ravi Shankar)
Featuring poets Usha Akella, Srinivas Mandavilli, Amit Majmudar, Yuyutsu Sharma, and Sunayana Kachroo, followed by Matwaala Mehfilm, a film showcase celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Param Vir – “Twelve Buddhist Tales”
Acclaimed composer Param Vir discusses his upcoming opera based on Buddhist stories from the Pali Canon. Moderated by Jamshed Bharucha, neuroscientist and educator.
