On May 19th, 2023, the Valley of Words, Literature, and Arts Festival partnered with Shourya India, a Marketing and Communications Agency, to host a captivating book discussion event at the VoW Cafe - Library-Studio-Gallery. The event centered around 'The Rise of the BJP,' a book written by the Hon'ble Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. This insightful discussion shed light on the remarkable journey and accomplishments of one of India's most influential political parties. Attendees were immersed in an engaging dialogue that explored the party's internal workings, decision-making processes, implementation strategies, and policy execution. Bhupender Yadav, a distinguished Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of Parliament from Rajasthan provided meticulous research and analysis, delving into the BJP's struggles against rival ideologies and political challenges that ultimately propelled it to the forefront of national politics. Celebrate the Word — and beyond! To learn more about the annual Valley of Words Literature and Arts Festival based in Dehradun, visit www.valleyofwords.org #ValleyOfWords #LiteratureAndArtsFestival #BookDiscussion #TheRiseOfBJP #BhupenderYadav #IndianPolitics #EngagingDialogue

ABOUT THE EVENT This month’s edition of ‘Afternoons with an Author’ brings to us the fascinating story of a simple village boy who works as a diamond cutter to support his family and then goes on to be a leading tycoon in the global diamond industry, author Govind Dholakia. Govind Dholakia’s biography 'Diamonds are Forever, So are Morals' has been published by Penguin Random House India. Written in a storytelling style it gives the reader an unique insight into the author’s success story from rags to riches, the unseen force and valuable experience. The book is an insightful journey into the world of diamonds and how moral ethics in business led the author to build and lead a multi-billion empire. With a brilliant foreword by Lord Bhiku Parekh and endorsements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and others, the book serves as a source of inspiration for all who aspire to grow with trust and ethics. Our Lead Discussant Lipika Bhushan is an award-winning publishing professional. Lipika is the founder of MarketMyBook, a leading publicity and digital marketing agency for writers and publishers. In the last 16 years, Bhushan has worked with almost all the leading writers, politicians, business heads, sportsmen not just in India but the across the world. A published author and poet Lipika is at present writing a short story in Hindi and a chapter book on a historical hero, for children. The session was moderated by Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Festival Director of Valley of Words.

The February edition of ‘Afternoons with an Author’ will discuss Supriya Newar’s latest collection of verse 'Kolkata Classics' that captures the essence of the city via vivid imagery and gentle humour. Poetry brings Supriya joy and her latest book ‘Kolkata Classic’ is the author’s ode to her hometown Kolkata. It depicts the nuances of the city which gives it character. Supriya Newar charms us with her keen observation and expression of a city she calls home. The city lends itself effortlessly to poetry where its vivid colours, confusions and its conundrums find mention in the twenty-four verses penned by her. The author will be in conversation with Sandip Roy a well-known novelist, podcaster and columnist based in Kolkata. He hosts the Sandip Roy Show for Indian Express and his dispatches air on public radio in San Francisco every week. He is a columnist for Mint Lounge, The Hindu and other publications. A veteran of lit fests, his award winning debut novel is Don't Let Him Know. The discussion will be moderated by Dr Sanjeev Chopra Author, Historian, Policy Analyst, Columnist and Festival Director of Valley of Words.