About the Festival

What is the Alliance Literary Festival?

The Alliance Literary Festival 4.0: The Asian Century is one of India’s premier literary and cultural celebrations, hosted by Alliance University, Bangalore. Bringing together distinguished writers, thinkers, and performers from 25+ countries, ALF serves as a platform for intellectual exchange, artistic expression, and global dialogue.

Rooted in the vision of the Alliance School of Liberal Arts, ALF reimagines the university as a hub for literature, culture, and ideas. This year’s theme, “The Asian Century,” explores Asia’s profound influence on global history, economics, literature, and geopolitics. From the Silk Road to modern technological revolutions, the festival highlights Asia’s role in shaping the world’s future.
With thought-provoking panels, keynote sessions, workshops, and performances, ALF delves into topics like economic powerhouses, cultural identity, technology, and diplomacy. It provides a space for engaging with Nobel laureates, renowned authors, diplomats, and emerging voices shaping the literary and cultural landscape.

Join us from February 13-15, 2025, at Alliance University, Bangalore, for an immersive journey into Asia’s literary legacy, creative spirit, and global impact in the Asian Century.

ALF Team

Abhay Chebbi

Abhay Chebbi

Founder & Patron-in-Chief

Mr. Abhay G. Chebbi

Pro-Chancellor, Alliance University

Technophile and an astute entrepreneur are words that best describe Mr Abhay Chebbi- Our Pro-Chancellor. The progressive use of emerging technologies to enhance scalability aiding in enhanced effectiveness has directed the University in becoming a pioneer in academic digitization and under his able guidance, the University transformed the teaching-learning process during the pandemic, to a hybrid model, displaying readiness to embrace change.

Mr Abhay has held several key positions, before assuming the leadership role at the University. The most prominent being his responsibility as Director-Admissions, responsible for student intake across courses for the entire university. Under his able leadership, the university witnessed a steady increase in student intake, both in quality and diversity. During his stint, he also built strong international linkages with prominent global universities in Germany. With an MBA from the University of Michigan, Mr Abhay has mastered the art of sound entrepreneurship coupled with social impact outreach. His efforts to uphold the United Nations's Sustainable Development Goals, witnessed Alliance University being elevated to a founding member status at PACT 2030, an initiative by QS to promote institutional participation in fulfilling the sustainable development goals.

Under Mr Abhay's guidance and with the use of modern cloud structure, artificial intelligence and data mining the university is working towards providing access to high-quality interactive learning through the “Department for Continuing Education”. which will offer certification courses, executive education, and several standalone training programs that will focus on enhancing employability skills that will be delivered by renowned academics and industry practitioners.

Mr Abhay is also passionate about fitness, poetry, travel, and self-development. As an observer, he deeply values life, the interactions that emerge subsequently with people across myriad situations and is mindful of change being the only constant.

Anirudh Sridhar

Anirudh Sridhar

Director

Dr. Anirudh Sridhar

Dean of Thought Leadership, Department of Language & Literature, Alliance University

Dr. Anirudh Sridhar received a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford in 2020. His Ph.D. thesis at the University of Oxford received the highest honours reserved for the thesis in the humanities and recommended for publication with the Oxford University Press. He holds a Master of Arts from University of Freiburg, Germany, and Bachelor of Science from State University of New York-ESF, USA.
 
Dr. Sridhar is the co-editor and co-author with Derek Attridge of ‘The Work of Reading: Literary Criticism in the Twenty-First Century’, a polemical intervention that argues against certain methodological trends in the humanities and for the rehabilitation of close reading.  The book was #1 on the Amazon new bestseller's list in literary theory for June, 2021. 

Dr. Sridhar’s interdisciplinary approach in the humanities with his studies in environmental law and marine biology brings scientific, legal, historical, and philosophical perspective into literary studies. Apart from this, he has taught many interdisciplinary courses at the Universities of Freiburg and Oxford in British and American philosophy and literature.

Michiel Baas

Michiel Baas

Curator

Michiel Baas

 

He uncovers the interplay between AI and modern life in the setting of the dynamic India and Asian megacities.

Michiel Baas is an urban anthropologist, he delves deeply into the fascinating interplay between artificial intelligence (AI), urban life in Indian megacities, the emergence of new middle-class populations, and the dynamics of migration and transnationalism. His most recent research has been a collaborative endeavor, working alongside talented artists and data scientists working with AI in Bangalore, India. He is also an accomplished author, having penned the well acclaimed book "Muscular India: Masculinity, Mobility, and the New Middle Class." This seminal work provides a compelling analysis of the shifting paradigms of masculinity and mobility within the context of India's burgeoning middle class. Additionally, his prolific contributions to the academic community are reflected in his numerous publications in esteemed journals

Core Team

Ravi Chakraborty

Ravi Chakraborty

 

Dr. Ravi Chakraborty

Program Director, MA in English ( Creative Writing), Department of Language & Literature, Alliance University

Dr Ravi Chakraborty is a philosopher interested in restoring philosophy's role in uniting the arts and the sciences.. After a master's in literature at the University of Delhi and a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from IIT Kanpur, Dr Ravi finished his doctoral thesis at IIT Delhi on the philosophical implications of applying mathematical ideas to study literary form. As a founding member of the School of Liberal Arts, he has attempted to further a transdisciplinary worldview through the creation of courses like the Art of Argument, the Story of Mathematics and Great Ideas across Ages.

The same eclectic spirit is central to the creative writing program that he now directs, where he believes that creative writing cannot restrict itself to literary fiction but also critically embrace domains like content creation and science writing. It is this ethos that is reflected in Cosmopolis, the official channel of the school of liberal arts that he maintains.

Puja Raj

Puja Raj

 

Dr. Puja Raj

Assistant Professor, Alliance School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Alliance University

Dr. Puja Raj holds Ph.D. from University of Delhi. Her Ph.D. thesis is on “Women in Counter Cinema: A philosophical Analysis”. She also holds an M.Phil. degree from University of Delhi. She earned her masters from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi and bachelors from Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. She has served as a former Gender Champion for Department of Philosophy, University of Delhi.

Dr. Puja has published research articles in national and international journals. She has presented her research paper in various national and international seminars and conferences. She was one of the core members of organizing team of the first All India Philosophy Graduate Conference (AIPGC). She was also the core team member and representative of Minorities and Philosophy (MAP), Delhi University Chapter in Online Lecture Series cum Certificate Course on Feminist Philosophy.

Dr. Puja has her research interests in the areas of feminist philosophy, gender studies, film studies, feminist film studies, ethics, applied ethics, logic and media ethics.

Sandip Debnath

Sandip Debnath

 

Dr. Sandip Debnath

Assistant Professor, Department of Language & Literature, Alliance University

Dr. Sandip Debnath specializes in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Literature from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Delhi, as well as an MPhil in English from the Department of English at Pondicherry University. His research focuses on exploring the intersection of literature, sociology, and performance within the field of Theatre Studies. Dr. Debnath has conducted extensive research on Badal Sircar and the Third Theatre Movement, examining its growth and ongoing development.

Event Highlights

What Awaits You?

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Key Performers & Speakers

Meet the Stars of the Festival

Javed Akhtar

Javed Akhtar
Screenwriter and Lyricist

Javed Akhtar

Screenwriter and Lyricist

Javed Akhtar is a poet, lyricist, and writer whose words have shaped Indian literature and cinema. His timeless poetry and iconic film lyrics reflect deep emotions and social themes, making them relatable to millions. With a career spanning decades, he continues to inspire through his thoughtful storytelling. Javed’s work is a celebration of language, emotion, and the human experience.

Rajdeep Sardesai

Rajdeep Sardesai
Reporter and Journalist

Rajdeep Sardesai

Reporter and Journalist

Rajdeep Sardesai is a journalist, author, and news anchor who has been a trusted voice in Indian media. Known for his clear reporting and engaging writing, he brings important stories to light and makes complex topics easy to understand. His books and on-screen work reflect a deep understanding of India’s evolving political and social landscape. Rajdeep’s dedication to honest storytelling has earned him widespread respect.

Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble
Former Indian Cricketer

Anil Kumble

Former Indian Cricketer

Anil Kumble is a legendary cricketer and one of India’s finest sports personalities. As a former captain of the Indian cricket team, his determination and skill earned him a place among the greats. Beyond his records and achievements, Anil is admired for his leadership and humility. He continues to inspire as a mentor and ambassador for the sport.

Asako Yuzuki

Asako Yuzuki
Japanese Writer

Asako Yuzuki

Japanese Writer

The Japanese writer has won the All Yomimono Prize for New Writers and the Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize. She has been nominated multiple times for the Naoki Prize, and her novels have been adapted for television, radio, and film. In her Japanese bestseller 'Butter' based on a real-life case, food unites a journalist and a cook turned murderer in a frequently thrilling novel anchored in misogyny.

Anju Bobby George

Anju Bobby George
Former Olympian

Anju Bobby George

Former Olympian

Anju Bobby George is a celebrated athlete and a pioneer in Indian track and field. She became the first Indian to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships, putting the country on the global athletics map. Known for her hard work and resilience, Anju inspires future generations of athletes. She remains committed to nurturing talent and promoting sports in India.

Aiyyoo Shraddha

Aiyyo Shraddha
Comedian and Digital Creator

Aiyyoo Shraddha

Comedian and Digital Creator

Aiyyo Shraddha, also known as Shraddha Jain, is a comedian and content creator who connects with people through humor. Her sketches on everyday life have won her a loyal audience across the country. She brings laughter to her fans by capturing the quirks of daily situations in a fun and relatable way. Shraddha’s work reflects the joy in simple moments.

COMPETITIONS AT ALF 2025
PERFORM AT THE FESTIVAL AMONG STELLARS

COLORS OF ASIA

DANCE COMPETITION

A CELEBRATION OF ASIA'S RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH DANCE, SHOWCASING VIBRANT COLORS, TRADITIONS, AND FESTIVALS.

MIN PERMISSIBLE AGE OF PARTICIPANTS: 10 YEARS

GROUP SIZE: MIN 5 & MAX 10

DURATION: MAX 8 MINUTES

ONE ASIA, ONE SOUND

MUSIC & BAND COMPETITION

A CELEBRATION OF ASIA'S DIVERSE MUSICAL HERITAGE THROUGH A MEDLEY OF FAMOUS ASIAN SONGS, LANGUAGES, AND STYLES IN A MODERN BAND ARRANGEMENT.

MIN PERMISSIBLE AGE OF PARTICIPANTS: 12 YEARS

GROUP SIZE: MIN 3 & MAX 10

DURATION: MAX 8 MINUTES

ASIAN FUSION

FASHION COMPETITION

A CREATIVE SHOWCASE BLENDING TRADITIONAL ASIAN ELEMENTS WITH MODERN STREETWEAR OR HIGH FASHION, CELEBRATING THE EVOLUTION OF ASIAN STYLE IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD.

MIN PERMISSIBLE AGE OF PARTICIPANTS: 15 YEARS

GROUP SIZE: MIN 5 & MAX 10

DURATION: MAX 8 MINUTES

TOTAL PRIZE POOL OF MORE THAN ₹ 1 LAKH
Schedule & Venue

Plan Your Visit

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Testimonials

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Gallery

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Join Us for a Three-Day Global Extravaganza

  • Engage: With world-renowned authors, philosophers, artists, and thought leaders.
  • Experience: A rich blend of literature, music, dance, and art from across the globe.
  • Explore: Our vibrant bookstore, workshops, and panel discussions that challenge perspectives.

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