Cultural Intersections: Mapping India's Cultural Sectors

Asad Lalljee is SVP, Essar Group, CEO of Avid Learning, a public programming initiative and creative platform under the Essar Group, and Curator, Royal Opera House, Mumbai. Prior to relocating to India, Asad worked for 14 years as one of the ‘Mad Men’ advertising executives on New York's Madison Avenue. Asad has transformed Avid Learning into India’s leading cultural hub through international collaborations and partnering with the biggest art platforms in the country. Since the restoration of the Royal Opera House, Asad’a curatorial programming has re-established its reputation as the city’s cultural crown jewel. He is also serving on the Kala Ghoda Association’s Executive Committee and the advisory board of the Mumbai Urban Art Festival for 2022-23. In the midst of the pandemic (April 2020), Asad pivoted from AVID to AVID ONLINE, presenting 240 programs in a year. An early technology trend adopter, he takes a special interest in new media curating programs around NFTs and the cyberfuture.

Lily Pandeya is a Civil Servant, serving as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She comes with a professional experience of over 22 years in various aspects of public administration, human resource management, man power planning and industrial relations. She has worked extensively in the field as well as at the policy making level in the Ministries. In her current assignment, she is looking after International Cultural Relations (ICR), Culture Creative Economy, Public Private Partnership and UNESCO matters related with Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). In her previous tenure she was responsible for setting up of the first of its kind, National Rail & Transportation University under the aegis of Ministry of Railways.  In her career, Lily has attended several seminars and training programs including Advanced Professional Program in Public Administration from Indian Institute of Public Administration, Delhi; Strategic Management Program, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad; Advance Management Program at INSEAD, Singapore; Advance Management Program at The ICLIF Leadership and Governance Centre, Kuala Lumpur; and, Management Development Program in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behaviour at Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI), India. Lily holds an M. Phil in Public Administration from the Punjab University, India; Master of Public Administration from San Diego State University (SDSU), California, USA; and, Master of Arts in History from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. Lily has been recognized by the California State Assembly as distinguished alumni for community and civic engagement. She received V.K.N Menon award for academic excellence from IIPA and John Fowler Award Scholarship from SDSU. She also received Directors’ Gold Medal at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, and Ratan Lal trophy for best probationer at National Academy of Indian Railways, Vadodara among other awards and recognitions. Lily has been a regular guest speaker in several national and international seminars and conferences. She has been a guest faculty in ICLIF, Malyasia’s flagship program ‘Women of the World – Be the Change’; hosted the 1st HR Roundtable of Indian Railways; and, has been a regular speaker and panellist in several seminars, conclaves and talks organized by various PSUs and institutions like National Institute of Personnel Management and Indian Society for Training and Development among others.  She is life member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Alpha Alpha US National Honor Societies as well as Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transportation .Lily has co-authored a Coffee Table Book titled ‘Art and Railways – A Bangalore Saga’ published by National Rail Museum, India in 2014. She enjoys music, haiku poetry and  follows international climate debates.

Sanjoy K. Roy, an entrepreneur of the arts, is Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, which produces over 25 highly acclaimed performing arts, visual arts and literary festivals across 40 cities including the world’s largest free literary gathering — the annual ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival. Roy, a National Award awardee for the film Shahjahanabad: The Twilight Years, is a founder trustee of Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) working to provide support services for street and working children in the inner city of Delhi. In 2011 the White House presented SBT the US President’s Committee of Arts and Humanities Award for an International Organisation.

Sadhana Rao is a research-led writer and curator in the Arts & Culture spaces. She has written on Arts, Film festivals, Music, Crafts, Travel, Literature, &Socio-Economics for leading publications. As a curator, Sadhana works with artists and conservatories across genres to weave narrative-backed lecture demonstrations and performances. Amalgamating pedagogy, artistic diversity and inclusivity, her endeavours find home among myriad platforms, from academic conclaves to the community at large. Building on the plinth of her research and writing experience, Sadhana has been a Contributor, Curator, Speaker and Moderator for music, literature, art and film segments at festivals and platforms including Mahindra Kabira Festival, Cannes Film Festival, AVID Learning, Royal Opera House Mumbai, Think Fest, Bangalore Literature Festival, Bangalore International Centre, Jaipur Literature Festival, FICCI - Creative Industries as well as Corporate summits. With her sustained interest in Arts’ pedagogies, she founded Art Links Learning to create age appropriate curriculum for imparting Music and Arts Intelligence. A Masters in Social Work from Delhi University, she honed her research, consulting and execution skills at the Administrative Staff College of India. Living in Bangalore she continues to be a student of the Arts.

Junhi Han, Chief of the Culture Sector, UNESCO New Delhi. She joined the UNESCO Multisiectoral Regional Office for South Asia based in New Delhi in 2018, after having worked for more than 20 years at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Being specialised in World Heritage conservation and management, from Paris she undertook a number of technical missions for the World Heritage Committee to asesss and monitor state of conservation of WH sites, but also developed/implemented/coordinated a number of UNESCO’ s flagship projects for cultural heritage sites, such as Bamiyan, Herat and Jam (Afghanistan), Moenjodaro (Pakistan) and Koguryo Tombs and Mural Paintings (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), Angkor (Cambodia), the Altai Mountains of Siberia, to quote a few. Since 2018, she has been spearheading prorammes of the UNESCO New Delhi Culture Sector for the South Asian countries.  A curator by training, she has made several publications and authored a number of articles in various journals related to heritage. She is a member of ICOMOS.

Jahnavi Phalkey is a historian of science and technology and Founding Director, Science Gallery Bengaluru. She was awarded the Infosys Prize in Humanities (2023).

Neeraj Sharma, Managing Director and Media Industry Practice Lead (APAC), Accenture Neeraj leads Accenture’s Media & Entertainment industry practice for APAC. He has worked in 19 diverse markets of India, South-East Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, delivering projects in the space of Business Strategy, Revenue Acceleration and New Product design, build and operate for Telecom, Media and Digital Platform companies. His passion aligns well with his profession. Beyond office, he is keen on learning new languages, writing poetry and composing music. He is a GIMA award winning lyricist, currently discovering the craft of Screenwriting.

Arundhati Nag is a prominent actor and theatre personality, who has been involved with multilingual theatre in India for over 50 years. She is the founder and Managing Trustee of the Sanket Trust that runs Ranga Shankara, a theatre in Bangalore. Nag has also been involved in several television and film projects and has received both the Karnataka State Film Award (1985) and the National Film Award (2010). She has been presented the Padma Shri (2010) by the President of India for her untiring efforts and tremendous achievements in the Arts, and also conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Theatre Acting (2008) by India’s National Academy of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Pavithra Muddaya is The Managing trustee of Vimor Handloom Foundation established in 2004 and Chief Curator at Vimor Museum of living textiles the only Living textile museum in India. She has been doing livelihood skill education in weaving hand embroidery for unemployed rural women. She is part of both the Central and State Ministry of textiles, besides participating in many international textile events Awarded by Ashoka Innovators for Public and many other recognitions. Conserving textile Heritage by Empowering Weavers Is Pavithra’s mission. Her work over 47 years has been primarily handloom design development, mentoring weavers, documenting motifs, techniques, oral history and have been creating 5 million-plus employment days since 1974 based on Core values of Integrity, Ethics and WIN for All. The second generation of weavers is being guided by her.  

Tanya Abraham is an art Curator and the founder of The Art Outreach Society/TAOS. She worked as a journalist for International and National publications for 15 years after which she shifted to her passion for the arts. Tanya is the author of two books, one which was listed in New York Times in 2023. Her award-winning non-profit organisation is invested in the arts in Kochi since 2016.   She has a masters in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky, USA and is currently awaiting a doctorate in Practice in Curating from the University of Reading, UK. Tanya serves on the FICCI Tourism and Culture Committee representing Kerala.  

Bijoy Ramachandran founded Hundredhands, a widely recognised architectural practice in 2003 with his partner Sunitha Kondur. He currently serves on the faculty of architecture at the British School at Rome and is the Design Chair for the post-graduate program at BMS College of Architecture in Bengaluru.   Ramachandran has a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree from BMS College of Architecture; he has also attended the Glenn Murcutt masterclass in Sydney. In addition to practicing architecture, he has also produced three documentary films: two on the celebrated Indian architect Sri B.V. Doshi, ‘Doshi’ (2008) and ‘Doshi: The Second Chapter’ (2019); and one on architectural practice in Bangalore, ‘Architecture and the City: A Bangalore Perspective’ (2005).

Sanjeev Pasricha Recipient of various industry level recognitions such as “Best Brand Builder of the Year” by CMO Council Singapore, “Best Event”, “Best Activation All India” and “Samman Award” from Punjab Government for Chamkaur Museum. Notable works: Design and Curation of The Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, in Haryana. A museum dedicated to Epic Kavya Mahabharat. Conceptualisation and Creation of Sound and Light show at Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya, Delhi. Planning and Implementation of Museum based on story of Guru Gobind Singh ji called Dastaan-e-Shahadat in Chamkaur, Punjab. Creation of complete Narrative for Light and Sound Show in Kutch, Gujarat. Design and Visualisation of Light and Sound Show, in Leh.  (the world highest Projection mapping show) Creation of multisensory Sound and light show on Lord Buddha and Buddhist relics at Stupa, in Sanchi. Sanjeev Pasricha has over last 35 years devoted his life to being a guardian of India's sacred culture and protector of ancient traditions of narrating profound stories.  Diving into the depths of our history, unravelling our mysteries and understanding their significance is what has driven all his work. He continues to work tirelessly in this endeavour. By using modern mediums of Projection mapping, surround sound and lasers he narrates stories that preserve and disseminate values, perspectives and life lessons across generations. His 35 years of dedication are akin to a patient sculptor, carving and moulding “Time” and retelling the nation's stories through his own style and mediums.  Understanding these intricacies, like a selfless karma yogi, Shri Pasricha embodies a sense of duty, infusing unprecedented energy into every task he undertakes. Every show meticulously prepared by him is not just a brilliant masterpiece but reflects a continuous stream of our heritage. When Shri Sanjeev Pasricha presents the stories of Mahatma Buddha and Guru Nanak Dev Ji adorned with a magical mix of light and music, it becomes not just a tale of the past but a vibrant and interactive experience. Similarly, in Jyotisar, he mesmerizes devotees by portraying the cosmic and Viraat form of Lord Krishna.  When his production narrates the tales of Rani Abbakka, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Maharana Kumbha and Maharana Pratap these narratives become beacons of light which shine through the fog of history that tends to hide what is forgotten and unspoken. Whether it's the 'Indian Space Journey' beyond the skies or the divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu in Muchukund, every presentation highlights his immaculate craft and expertise. Each display underscores his proficiency in illuminating the extraordinary facets of Indian culture. In Amritsar and Chamkaur, the legacy of Valmiki Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji is not just remembered but relived. Whether it is a gala musical presentation based on 'Shri Ram Charit Manas' or the grand exhibition of 'Ek Bharat' these endeavours are like a sacred confluence where streams of diverse cultures meet. Like a seasoned choreographer Shri Pasricha executes all aspects with precision, passion, grace and skill.  In essence, Shri Sanjeev Pasricha's role can be compared to the tranquil force of the Earth which supports a banyan tree. A force that is unseen but essential. In the grand narrative of India’s story, Shri Sanjeev Pasricha is not merely a character, he is a storyteller, a creator, and an anchor. His work connects ancient India with the new in one single thread. A continuum of culture that is not only evolving but also timeless. In his vision, India is not just a land of deities but a sacred realm where every stone, every river, and every tree holds a story within, waiting to be told. His legacy lies in rekindling trust, reviving long-forgotten stories, and bringing hidden truths buried in the sands of time to light. In doing so, he has not only preserved the intricate tapestry of India's culture but has also woven new threads into it. He has created an art form that is as vibrant as it is timeless. The life and work of Sanjeev Pasricha, a true son of India, is a fitting tribute to the land that shaped him.

Janaka Pushpanathan currently leads British Council’s work in South India, and she has over 20 years of experience in the Arts, Education & Enterprise sectors. Prior to this, she has co-founded education, learning & development, and Ed tech start-ups, which have won the Red Herring Top 100 and the NASSCOM Top 50 awards in the innovation category.  An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore and Project Zero at Harvard University, Janaka is among the top 100 most influential in building UK-India relations and she’s part of the India Inc. list, which is the first ever all women’s power list to celebrate the immense contribution of women from all walks of life driving a glorious future relationship between UK and India. Janaka was the in -post UK lead for the G20 Education track under India’s presidency and is working closely with XHMG departments and MoE (Ministry of Education), Govt of India, on further strengthening bilateral connections between UK and India, in education, research, innovation and skills.   Janaka is a STEM major and is passionate about the arts, equality, girls’ education and the environment and is on the advisory board of women led non-profits, early to mid-stage education start-ups, and the State of Tamil Nadu’s skills and education sectors. Janaka is also a member of the Government formed Task Force for Internationalisation of Higher Education, for the State of Karnataka.   In her free time, Janaka is re-learning Indian classical music and is working towards her goal to sight 50 tigers in the wild, in India, by 2030.

Vikram Bhat is presently serving as the Director at the Bangalore International Centre. Vikram is a passionate educator who has had previous successful careers in Technology at Deutsche Bank and Finance as a Portfolio Trader at Sanford Bernstein in New York.  In Education, his areas of interest are Educational Equity, Holistic Integration of the Arts into School Education & School to Work transition. Vikram most recently was a key member of the Education Task force in Delhi which is transforming Delhi's government schools. His past stints include leadership positions at Dream a Dream, Teach for India and Parikrma Humanity Foundation.  He holds a Bachelors in Electronic Engineering from the University of Mumbai and has a Masters in Computer Science from New York University. For his education career choice, he got himself a B Ed. Degree at age 38 from Christ University. Vikram is an avid film and theatre buff.  

Shilpa Vijayakrishnan is Head of Education & Outreach at the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bengaluru. She has conceptualised and led the education function at MAP since its inception, during the course of which she has curated exhibitions specially designed for younger audiences, as well as designed and delivered programmes for various other audience groups. Former editor of the Tasveer Journal, she has also written for its eponymous print edition Tasveer Journal, as well as the publications Maharanis: Royal Women of India, Gardens of the Mind: Swapak Nayak and Gilles Bensimon and Figures in Time: Bourne & Shepherd. She holds a postgraduate degree in Arts & Aesthetics from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU, Delhi) and has curated online narratives for MAP on the Google Arts & Culture platform on a range of subjects including Women in Hindi Cinema and the Pichwai painting tradition, among others.

Puneeta Roy A Media professional who has worked in Film & Television for over 3 decades, Puneeta produced and directed several Television shows including the iconic program “SHAKTI” on Zee TV, that focused on giving a Voice to disempowered women across the country. Subsequently her interest in Expressive Arts led her to conduct workshops with young people in schools, using Theatre & the Arts as tools for self-exploration and transformation. As Founder & Managing Trustee of The Yuva Ekta Foundation, her vision of Social Justice and Equity translated into the creation of several Expressive Arts’ platforms, through which under- privileged youth share life experiences with their more fortunate peers and learn from each another. From street plays to stage productions – Puneeta has been involved in the entire gamut of Theatre production, from scripting and directing to producing original plays, based on topical social issues.  The Foundation has performed their plays in Glasgow during the Tin Forest International Youth Festival (2014) and the Home Away Festival (2017), at the invitation of the National Theatre of Scotland. For over a decade now, Puneeta has been deeply involved in working on reformative practices with young Offenders, technically called “Children in Conflict with Law”, at various Government Remand Homes in Delhi. Under the project “Threads of Humanity” she hopes to weave a network of partners who would collaborate with her, in helping rehabilitate and reintegrate these boys into mainstream society. Puneeta see young people as potential Agents of positive Social Change & dreams of setting up a Global Youth Citizenship Network, spanning across the planet.

Shah Faesal is a 2010 Batch IAS officer of AGMUT Cadre. He is a Fulbright alumnus and a graduate from prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, USA. Faesal is currently posted on central deputation in the Creative Economy Division of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Meru Gokhale is a seasoned publishing professional with two decades of experience in the literary world. Former Publisher of The Penguin Press Group in India, Gokhale has worked with writers such as  Amitav Ghosh, Ramachandra Guha, Jhumpa Lahiri, Salman Rushdie and Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, among many others. She is the Founder of Editrix.ai, the world's most powerful book editing platform.

Salma Fahim is serving as the Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka. She is a career civil servant in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) with 15 years of experience in varied development fields including rural water supply, sanitation, education, and health. She is the recipient of the Award of Excellence for the implementation of the Employment Guarantee Scheme of the Government of India. In her other roles, she has been a member of a select group of bureaucrats who have successfully implemented the World Bank Project on Water Supply aimed at providing sustainable water solutions to 5 million rural population in the state of Karnataka; ensured 100% screening of all pregnant women in Karnataka: around 1.2 million of them were screened for HIV to ensure early detection, and she has implemented the largest start-up support program in the country in the Information Technology and Biotechnology sectors. She is a part of the incoming Edward S Mason Master’s in Public Administration cohort 2020-2021 at Harvard Kennedy School and is a Fulbright Scholar.

Ms. Uma Mahadevan is a 1992 batch IAS officer of Karnataka cadre who is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood, Govt of Karnataka. She holds a postgraduate degree in English literature and has also authored multiple articles/publications covering sociocultural and arts discourses.  She has served in multiple capacities at the central and the state, prominent among them in the Departments of Agriculture, Women & Child Development, Planning, Education and Health & Family Welfare.  She has also served in the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. She was an active member of the working group who chartered the first Human Development Report for Karnataka.  She has also been a member of the ECCE Taskforce, Government of India. A person known to be an expert in her sector with deep passion for inclusive change.