11th GLF Registration

People of GLF

THE FOUNDERS AND THE EXECUTIVE TEAM

We are a bunch of literary enthusiasts. Our love for literary activities brought us together to use our diverse abilities to build a lasting literary movement, which is presented as an event.

The spirit of GLF is in its making. The event is a journey, not a destination.

Shyam Parekh

Former resident editor of DNA Ahmedabad for over a decade, this veteran journalist and literature educator has 30+ years of experience. The founding editor of his paper, he played a significant role in launching several newspapers. Shyam was nurturing a secret dream of building a literature festival in Gujarat for years — which materialised in 2013 when GLF was planned. He is the intellectual backbone of the festival.

Jumana Shah

Career journalist and former editor at DNA, Times of India, Ahmedabad Mirror and India Today TV. She has written profusely about politics, environment and social issues — with a body of work spanning political analysis, electoral reportage and social commentary. A Martial Arts exponent, adventure sports enthusiast, certified scuba diver and keyboard evangelist for saving marine life.

Samkit Shah

First-generation serial entrepreneur. Manufactures highly customised engineering products for European markets and runs a translation business in dozens of global languages. Goes on stage as a stand-up comedian when urban life gets difficult. An ardent traveller and effervescent optimist — he achieved the near-impossible of making GLF financially viable edition after edition.

Rajendra Patel

Poet, writer and literary activist. Founder of ‘Pustak Parab’ — the world’s largest free book distribution network — and promoter of the ‘Vanche Gujarat’ movement. Runs a Gandhian-model pharmacy and is associated with several literary institutions in the state. GLF’s guiding Chief Mentor.

Abhishek Jain

Filmmaker, writer and creative thinker. A key member of the GLF creative team who brings his cinematic sensibility and storytelling instincts to shape the festival’s programming and experience. His contribution spans curation, content and creative strategy.

Creative & Advisory Team

GLF is incomplete without its Creative and Advisory Team that makes this journey memorable and adds immense value to the festival. They are Bhargav Purohit and Raam Mori.

In addition, many subject experts and stars — including Aditi Desai, Anjum Rajabali, RJ Devaki, RJ Aarti, Niharika Shah, Paras Jha, Nimitt and Tanvi Karia, Mrs Aruna Mehta — who have contributed to make the festival richer.

But the real soul of the festival is the hundreds of young volunteers who selflessly participate year after year. It is where the magic happens.

THEY MADE GLF POSSIBLE

GLF has been made possible by the generous support of sponsors, partners, associates and individual well-wishers across ten editions. We are deeply grateful to every organisation and individual who backed us — in cash, kind and spirit.

Guides, Supporters, Facilitators and Friends

GLF will always be grateful to the individuals who backed it generously — in cash, kind and support — across editions. They are: