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In a special episode of Media Dialogues With Storyboard18, parliamentarian Bansuri Swaraj spotlighted the economic promise of emerging sectors like gaming and emphasized the role of India’s youth in shaping the nation’s political future. Meanwhile, former diplomat Lakshmi Puri reflected on generational divides, personal storytelling, and her novel The Swallowing Sun.

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The festival also featured a compelling conversation between biographer Dr. Thomas Mathew and Storyboard18 Editor Delshad Irani, delving into Ratan Tata: A Life, a biography that unpacks the legacy and leadership of one of India’s most iconic industrialists.

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From Tata’s legacy to tech-led politics: Highlights from Storyboard18’s Delhi Literature Festival 2025

At the 2025 edition of the Storyboard18 Delhi Literature Festival, a quietly powerful conversation unfolded between biographer Dr. Thomas Mathew and Storyboard18 Editor Delshad Irani. The subject was not simply a book, but a legacy - Ratan Tata: A Life, a published biography that offers an intimate lens on one of India’s most reserved yet revered industrialists.

Over the course of the discussion, Mathew unraveled the story of a man defined less by his wealth or position than by restraint, resilience, and a deep-seated ethical compass. Ratan Tata, who helmed the Tata Group for over two decades, emerged in the conversation not as a tycoon, but as a man still shaped by childhood trauma and a profound sense of moral duty.

His parents’ separation when he was just six years old left emotional wounds that, Mathew suggests, never fully healed. Raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata - a woman of stern but compassionate principles - young Ratan absorbed values that would come to define his life and leadership. “She would even slide apology notes under his door if she felt she had erred,” Mathew recalled, highlighting the household’s quiet adherence to dignity and humility.

These formative experiences, Mathew noted, explain Tata’s emotional reticence and ambivalence toward long-term relationships, despite several meaningful connections. “Each time he took two steps forward, he took two steps back,” Mathew said, pointing to the shadows of abandonment that followed him into adulthood.

Religion, too, was a matter of introspection rather than display. When questioned about why he refrained from donning the traditional Parsi headwear, Tata’s response was characteristically understated: “Why do I need external manifestation?” For him, faith remained internal - a guiding framework of “good thoughts, good words, good deeds.”

One of the most scrutinized chapters of Tata’s career - the launch of the Tata Nano - was also among the most philosophically revealing. Though often labeled a commercial failure, the compact car project was, according to Mathew, never about margins. “Nano wasn’t about profits. It was about purpose,” he said.

The vehicle, aimed at providing affordable and safe transport to India’s middle and lower-income families, spurred what industry observers called the “Nano Revolution.” Its legacy - frugal engineering - has since influenced domains far beyond automobiles, including aerospace and medical technology. Today, Nano prototypes sit in design museums around the world, serving as artifacts of innovation rooted in human need rather than corporate ambition.

Mathew also addressed the internal turbulence that followed Tata’s retirement. Reflecting on the appointment of his successor, Cyrus Mistry, Tata later acknowledged a critical lapse. And that was his decision to stay out of the selection process. “I wanted others to feel comfortable… I should have been there,” he told Mathew.

Mistry’s tenure was marked by underperformance across key companies, and, more consequentially, a diminished capacity for the Tata Trusts - which own a controlling stake in Tata Sons - to carry out their philanthropic mission. Disturbed by what he viewed as a drift from the Group’s founding ideals, Tata intervened. “He’s a man of ethical moorings,” Mathew said, noting that the Tata Code of Conduct, introduced in the 90s, predated many similar frameworks in global corporations.

Long dogged by questions about his bloodline, Tata’s identity within the broader Tata legacy was finally affirmed through meticulous research by Mathew. Tracing the lineage back to Bhikka Tata, the biographer confirmed that Ratan Tata is the only chairman of the conglomerate both by name and by blood to its founder, Jamsetji Tata.

Yet despite his stature, Tata lives without ostentation. No diamonds. No extravagant lunches. “Opposite his house, there’s a shabby little pizza joint,” Mathew said with a chuckle. “That’s where he used to get his lunch sometimes. Just pizza and French fries.”

The  world often confuses visibility with value. But Ratan Tata’s life offers a different kind of measure. One that favors purpose over power and integrity over image.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/nalanda-love-letters-ratan-tata-ideas-and-ideals-intersect-at-storyboard18-delhi-literature-festival-64432.htm">Nalanda, love letters, Ratan Tata: Ideas and ideals intersect at Storyboard18 Delhi Literature Festival</a>

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/gaming-is-a-new-avenue-for-indias-economic-strength-says-bansuri-swaraj-at-dlf-2025-64393.htm">'Gaming is a new avenue for India's economic strength,' says Bansuri Swaraj at DLF 2025</a>



Ethics over empire: At Delhi Lit Fest, Dr. Thomas Mathew peels back the layers of Ratan Tata

Authors, poets, emerging writers, and public figures gathered at Bikaner House for the Storyboard18 Delhi Literature Festival, where themes of memory, innovation, and public life converged in a series of eclectic and thought-provoking sessions.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/literary-luminaries-diplomats-and-policymakers-gather-for-delhi-literature-festival-64311.htm">Read more: Literary luminaries, diplomats, and policymakers gather for Delhi Literature Festival</a>

Among the notable speakers was Bansuri Swaraj, senior advocate and Member of Parliament, who urged young Indians to embrace public service and spoke optimistically about the economic potential of the country’s burgeoning gaming industry. Reflecting on personal legacy, she paid tribute to her mother, the late Sushma Swaraj, the former External Affairs Minister widely remembered for her accessibility and commitment.

“My mother always had time for everything in her life and was a brilliant time manager,” Swaraj recalled. In a poignant anecdote, she described how Sushma Swaraj, after a long day of work, once returned home near midnight to fulfill a promise to her daughter’s friends. “She woke us up with ice cream from India Gate, determined to keep her word,” she said. “That left a mark on me for life.”

The day’s events unfolded with a broader meditation on the intersection of creativity and technology. Author and columnist Ravi Shankar Etteth opened a session on artificial intelligence and artistic expression, discussing his book Rhapsody Road: Poetic Journeys Through Dreams with podcaster Lipika Bhushan. Etteth explained how he harnessed AI tools to create evocative illustrations for his poetry and even composed music to accompany his verses. “Sometimes it took minutes,” he said. “Other times, a full day. But AI allowed me to visually interpret the emotional timbre of my poems.”

The session concluded with a live demonstration — Etteth played three original songs derived from his poetry, a performance that drew warm applause from the audience.

History and memory remained central themes throughout the day. Diplomat and poet Abhay K discussed his recent work Nalanda — How It Changed the World, an exploration of the ancient university’s influence on global thought. “It wasn’t just a center of learning,” he said. “It was the birthplace of the university as we know it.” He detailed Nalanda’s contributions to fields as varied as medicine, alchemy, and public health, noting its continuing relevance in contemporary debates on knowledge and heritage.

In another session, former diplomat Lakshmi Puri explored the personal and political in her novel Swallowing the Sun, inspired by her parents’ love letters exchanged during the Indian independence movement. In conversation with CNN-News18’s Rahul Shivshankar, Puri spoke of the novel’s focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment through the journey of its protagonist, Malti. “It’s a story of resilience, love, and the fight for identity during one of the most turbulent times in India’s history,” she said.

The festival's second day closed with a conversation on the recently released biography Ratan Tata: A Life by Dr Thomas Mathew. Speaking with Storyboard18 editor Delshad Irani, Mathew offered a rare glimpse into the personal ethos of the late industrialist, who passed away in October 2024.

“He wasn’t someone who enjoyed vacations,” Mathew said. “Work was his way of finding meaning.” He described Tata as a man of humble habits, noting his preference for simple meals, often opting for a local pizza joint over luxury dining.

The day’s events offered a sweeping view of the ways in which literature continues to intersect with leadership, legacy, and the human condition - on the page and far beyond it.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/the-modi-decade-political-shifts-and-cultural-recalibration-explored-at-dlf-2025-64307.htm">Read more: The Modi Decade: Political shifts and cultural recalibration explored at DLF 2025</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/gaming-is-a-new-avenue-for-indias-economic-strength-says-bansuri-swaraj-at-dlf-2025-64393.htm">Read more: 'Gaming is a new avenue for India's economic strength,' says Bansuri Swaraj at DLF 2025</a>


Nalanda, love letters, Ratan Tata: Ideas and ideals intersect at Storyboard18 Delhi Literature Festival

Parliamentarian and senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India, Bansuri Swaraj, expressed strong support for the Indian gaming industry at the Storyboard18 Delhi Literature Festival (DLF), highlighting its significant economic potential.

The MP emphasized that the gaming industry could be a major driver for innovation, technology, and economic growth in India. "Seeing the economic potential of gaming as a powerhouse not only in innovation and technology but its potential to be leveraged for strengthening the economic growth of the country," Swaraj said at DLF 2025.

She also praised content creators who promote government schemes and raise financial awareness on social media platforms.

"When I scroll through Instagram reels, I appreciate influencers who create valuable content on topics like government schemes and investments. For instance, reels on Digi Yatra and Digi Locker applications, and those highlighting the benefits of investing in sovereign gold bonds, are particularly useful. I am glad such content is being consumed on social media; supply follows demand."

Bansuri Swaraj, 41, made her parliamentary debut in 2024 after winning the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, following in the footsteps of her mother, the late veteran politician Sushma Swaraj.

According to Bansuri, India needs more young political leaders to turn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' vision into reality by 2047.

"Politics is not an industry or profession; it's a selfless endeavour focused on the welfare of society," Swaraj said at the DLF.
"Politics empowers you to amplify positive change and make it accessible to the masses. It's never about being the game, or about being played. Instead, it is about rewriting the rules."

Emphasizing the significance of youth, Bansuri noted that they are the country's greatest assets. "With 65% of India's population under 35, Swaraj stressed that the demographic dividend should be leveraged not just as human resources, but also as innovators and entrepreneurs who can harness groundbreaking technologies like AI."

Calling herself blessed in politics because of her mother's revered image, Bansuri added she would ultimately be judged on her own work, projects, endeavors, and vision.

She shared an anecdote about Sushma Swaraj's commitment to her promises. "My mother always had time for everything in her life and was a brilliant time manager."

"One day, she promised to get ice creams for my friends who came for a sleepover," Bansuri recalled. "Despite getting stuck with work and coming home around midnight, she woke us up with Kwality Walls ice cream in a plastic bag. She had stopped at India Gate and bought as much ice cream as she could, determined to keep her commitment."

Bansuri said that the incident left a lasting impression on her.

"I think one should honor their words, whether it is to a child, voter, constituent, people of this nation, family or friends. Most importantly, keep the promises you make to yourself," she added.

'Gaming is a new avenue for India's economic strength,' says Bansuri Swaraj at DLF 2025

Against the backdrop of the bustling capital, a confluence of authors, thinkers, and officials convened on Friday for the opening of the Storyboard18 Delhi Literature Festival, a three-day celebration of literature, heritage, and policy discourse.

Inaugurated by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, the festival aims to spotlight the cultural and intellectual forces shaping contemporary India. “Literature is a voice that has a direct connection with the soul,” Mr. Gupta remarked, underlining the festival’s commitment to preserving the country’s artistic and cultural legacy.

The opening day featured a wide array of discussions, from heritage preservation in the digital age to India’s evolving foreign policy and its aspirations on the global stage. In an early panel titled “Delhi as an Art, Cultural, and Heritage Hub: Role of Social Media,” historian and author Swapna Liddle offered a cautionary perspective. While social media has broadened access to historical narratives, she argued, it often privileges visual aesthetics over substance.

“Pretty images dominate,” she said, warning that such portrayals can detract from more meaningful engagement with neglected or decaying heritage structures. She questioned whether modern beautification efforts — such as illuminating historic landmarks like the Qutub Minar — are undertaken with due regard for preservation.

Others offered a more optimistic view. Author Anuradha Jain described social media as “immersive” and praised its potential to galvanize community involvement in heritage conservation. Instagram influencer Sukneett Wadhwa, known online as Cocoqueen, shared that the platform had allowed her to recast Delhi as a “more open, vibrant, and exciting” place. “I can tell a 3,000-word story in just 30 seconds,” she said.

Mural artist Sneha Chakraborty also emphasized social media’s power to elevate artistic expression, while Keshav Chandra, Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council, called for deeper integration of art forms — including photography and puppet shows — into public spaces. He also urged greater recognition for literary works in regional languages. “There are numerous writers who have authored beautiful books, but in regional languages. Such talents should be recognized,” he said.

The festival drew a distinguished roster of guests, including Tim Curtis, Director and Representative of UNESCO India, foreign policy expert Harsh V. Pant, and former diplomats Amarendra Khatua and Anil Trigunayat. In one session, author Arun Anand spoke on the ideology and objectives of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), coinciding with the release of his new book Janiye Sangh Ko.

An awards ceremony capped the day’s proceedings, recognizing excellence across literary categories. Lakshmi Puri received honors for fiction for her novel The Swallowing Sun, while India on the Move by Marya Shakeel and Narendra Nath was recognized in the nonfiction category. Rashmi Narzary (The Whistles of the Siphoong) and D. Subbarao (Just a Mercenary?) were honored for short stories and autobiography, respectively. Noted author Kamlakant Tripathi received a Lifetime Achievement Award, while celebrated children’s writer Ruskin Bond was honored for The Hoopoe on the Lawn.

Foreign policy and trade also featured prominently. Economist Sanjeev Sanyal addressed the implications of the U.S. tariff regime on India, asserting that Indian exports have largely escaped the brunt of protectionist measures. “On a net basis, India is not severely affected,” he said. He added that the government was focused on forging bilateral trade deals, rather than relying on outdated multilateral frameworks.

Panelists including Khatua and Trigunayat echoed the sentiment that India must navigate a shifting global landscape. Khatua outlined a three-pronged strategic vision for Indian diplomacy — short-term stability, mid-term development goals by 2047, and long-term leadership ambitions. Trigunayat emphasized the need for both military and soft power in response to the “collapse” of the old global order. “The world is witnessing a wave of unilateralism,” he said.

Harsh V. Pant described the global system as being in flux, suggesting India could play a pivotal role in shaping the emerging world order.

The closing panel on the day explored India’s Middle East strategy. Aishwarya Pandit, author of Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s country-specific approach in the region. “The Arab world is not a monolith,” she noted. “Understanding these divisions is essential.”

Joining her, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sudesh Verma highlighted the government's civilizational narrative and inclusivity. He characterized the current era as a cultural renaissance. “In India, there is freedom to practice and propagate religion,” he said. “This is a march of civilization, not a march of any one faith.”



Literary luminaries, diplomats, and policymakers gather for Delhi Literature Festival

At the Storyboard18 Delhi Literature Festival 2025, a compelling panel discussion centered on the newly released anthology Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade, featuring author Dr. Aishwarya Pandit, Utpal Kumar, Opinion Editor at Firstpost and News18, and Sudesh Verma. The conversation delved into India’s dramatic transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Published by Westland, Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade offers a comprehensive exploration of India’s political, economic, social, and cultural evolution over the past decade. Through the lens of global experts, political analysts, and policymakers, the anthology provides a multifaceted perspective on India’s shifting governance model, development trajectory, and evolving position on the world stage.

The book, launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in January 2025, reflects on the significant milestones of Modi’s tenure, prompting reflection on both his domestic policies and his foreign diplomacy.

Kumar, reflecting on the decade from 2014 to 2024, characterized it as a historically pivotal period for India, drawing comparisons to other transformative moments in the nation’s past. He argued that the full import of certain events, such as the abrogation of Article 370, would only be fully understood in hindsight. “We’re living through a chapter that future generations will study. Yet, even now, much of mainstream discourse fails to capture its magnitude,” Kumar remarked.

Dr. Pandit highlighted one of Modi’s defining legacies: a recalibrated foreign policy that is grounded in pragmatic national interests, rather than ideological sentiment or historical baggage. She pointed to India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its increasingly strategic engagement with the Middle East as examples of diplomatic maturity. “Prime Minister Modi evaluates responses in light of historical precedents, including the nature of India-Pakistan relations, and responds with informed, nuanced decision-making,” Dr. Pandit explained.

A central theme of the discussion was India’s evolving cultural and civilizational identity, with both panelists noting a significant shift towards embracing the concept of Bharat as opposed to the colonial-era conception of India. This ideological reorientation, they argued, reflects broader changes in the country’s self-perception and global positioning.

The conversation also touched on Modi’s unconventional approach to governance, with both Kumar and Verma emphasizing the Prime Minister’s outsider status and his ability to bypass traditional power structures in favor of efficient, action-oriented leadership. “He brings implementation to the forefront. Where previous governments would deliberate, Modi acts - whether incrementally or through bold, sweeping reforms,” Verma noted.

The panel also examined the tangible impacts of Modi-era policies, particularly those aimed at empowering women. Verma highlighted initiatives such as the Lakhpati Didi program, direct benefit transfers, and the ban on Triple Talaq as key mechanisms of empowerment and grassroots mobilization. “These are not mere welfare schemes; they are instruments of dignity and self-reliance,” he stated.

As the discussion unfolded, it was clear that the panelists shared a conviction: Modi’s tenure, while controversial, has indelibly shaped India’s political landscape, positioning it as a rising global power with an assertive national identity.


The Modi Decade: Political shifts and cultural recalibration explored at DLF 2025

The capital city is set to host one of its most anticipated cultural celebrations — the 13th edition of the Delhi Literature Festival — from May 2 to 4 at Bikaner House, Pandara Road, New Delhi. This year’s theme, 'Delhi Writes: Voices, Visions & Verses', promises to spotlight Delhi's vibrant literary soul alongside powerful national conversations.

The festival will be inaugurated by Gajendra S. Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture & Tourism, in the presence of leading dignitaries, including Rekha Gupta, Delhi Chief Minister; Vijender Gupta, Speaker, Delhi Vidhan Sabha; Kapil Mishra, Cabinet Minister for Culture & Tourism; Keshav Chandra, Chairman, NDMC; and Tim Curtis, Director & Representative, UNESCO India.

Several key sessions intersecting policy, politics and literature will add political and intellectual gravitas to the festival. A special panel on “Demography, Dialogue & Development” will be delivered by Sushri Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament, delving into youth, governance and nation-building. A fireside chat titled “Flowing Through Time: Healing The Yamuna” features Parvesh Sahib Singh, Cabinet Minister, Delhi, highlighting ecological heritage and sustainable futures.

The festival will also witness a no-holds-barred conversation with political commentator and author Dr. Anand Ranganathan, titled “Unscripted, Unapologetic, Unfiltered.”

Over the three days, the festival will host some of India’s finest minds and bestselling authors, including Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri (former diplomat), presenting Swallowing the Sun; Amb. Abhay K, with his national bestseller Nalanda – How It Changed The World; Dr. Aishwarya Pandit, exploring Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade; Ravi Shankar Etteth, Arun Anand, Pavan K. Varma, Taslima Nasrin, Mukul Kumar, and many more.

There is a dedicated session on Hindi Poetry: ‘Itwaar Chhota Pad Gaya’. There will also be a discussion on ‘Can we be strangers again’, national bestseller by Shrijeet Shandilya. Also, Nityananda Misra will talk about his book, ‘Kumbha: The Traditionally Modern Mela’.

The festival will also feature the Delhi Literature Festival Awards 2025, honouring excellence in seven literary categories, and “Writers of the New Century”, an open competition for young writers.

The festival will conclude with a live performance by Meenu Bakshi, presented by Renu Hussain.

Book lovers can explore curated selections at the Kunzum Bookstore, the official Bookstore Partner of the festival. Food and conversation will flow freely at the venue, with gourmet options from Diggin Cafe, L’Opera, Haldiram, and Havemore available on site.

The festival continues its legacy of bringing together thought leaders, literary icons, policymakers and the public to celebrate India’s evolving literary and cultural landscape. The free registration and programme details are available  onwww.delhiliteraturefestival.org

DELHI LITERATURE FESTIVAL