New York - The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) celebrated a momentous weekend with its annual Literary Festival and Renaissance Gala, held on Nov 9-10. These events brought together luminaries from the worlds of literature, culture, and the arts to present seminal conversations and honor the rich contributions of the Indian diaspora.

Literary Festival: A Celebration of Words and Ideas

The two-day IAAC Literary Festival featured thought-provoking conversations with acclaimed authors, poets, and industry leaders to ‘house-full’ audiences. Highlights included:

- Keynote Sessions: Ambassador Lakshmi Puri discussed her latest work, Swallowing the Sun, with Roopa Unnikrishnan, while culinary icon Asma Khan and tea champion Brook Eddy captivated audiences with stories of their journeys as global ambassadors of Indian cuisine. Anshul Chaturvedi delved into the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in conversation with Swami Sarvapriyananda.
- Marquee Authors: Authors like Sonora Jha, Amitava Kumar and Alka Joshi captivated audiences with their literary journeys and storytelling prowess.
- Children’s Corner: Engaging sessions featuring authors such as Newbery Honor winner Veera Hiranandani and Siddhartha Mallya encouraged young readers to explore their cultural roots and explored the topic of mental health.
- Poetry Slam: Acclaimed Poets from across the globe showcased their artistry and the audience indulged in a spirited slam event, with the winner taking home the grand prize.

The festival also provided a platform for emerging voices and featured insightful discussions on publishing trends, literary representation, and cultural identity.

The Gala: A Night to Remember

Held at The International House, the IAAC Gala was an elegant evening celebrating the achievements of the Indian arts and culture community. Attendees included prominent personalities, philanthropists, and cultural advocates who came together to support IAAC’s mission. The night featured:

- Honoree: Dr. Samin Sharma was recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine and philanthropy.
- Performance: The evening was highlighted by a spellbinding flamenco performance by Nazaré de la Fuente, blending Spanish and Indian Kathak artistic influences.
- Fundraising Success: Generous support from attendees and sponsors raised vital funds for

IAAC’s programs, ensuring the continuation of its impactful cultural initiatives.

Gala Chair’s Note

“These events are a testament to the enduring power of art to connect cultures, inspire creativity, and bring communities together. We are honored to provide a platform for such extraordinary talent and look forward to continuing this tradition,” said Anil Bansal, Gala Chair and IAAC Board Member.

Looking Ahead

“The success of these events underscores the IAAC's role as a bridge between the Indian and global artistic communities. Preparations are already underway for the 2025 New York Indian Film Festival (June 20-22, 2025) and the Zakir Hussain concert at the Tilles Center in April.”, added Rakesh Kaul, IAAC Vice Chair.

For more information about IAAC and upcoming events, visit iaac.us