Afternoons with an Author

Afternoon with an Author with Sarfaraz Alam, Vaishali Raghuvanshi & Anjum Sharma

The June edition of ‘Afternoon with an Author’ will host author – academician – poet Sarfaraz Alam to discuss his latest poetry collection ‘Naqshanama.’ Naqshanama is a collection of 144 poems on maps. However, the book is not only about maps. In fact, at the core of the book is humanity where the poet imagines drawing alternative maps of the world. Simultaneously, he stresses the need to create alternative view of the world through maps. He is fully convinced that efforts to make the world an egalitarian, just and peaceful place should begin with the politics of representing the hidden realities of the world through maps. He also believes that only that map can be considered genuine that stands for the socially and spatially marginalised people. The author will be in conversation with our Lead-Discussant Dr. Vaishali Raghuvanshi an Assistant Professor of Political Science at MMV, Banaras Hindu University and is a well-acclaimed author herself. The session with be moderated by Anjum Sharma who teaches at the Delhi University. Anjum has been interviewing literary personalities in the popular program 'Sangat'.

Afternoons with an Author: 26th March | General PJS Pannu & Tobby Simon

March edition of ‘Afternoons with an Author’ brings an interesting topic to the forefront: AI or Artificial Intelligence compiled essays in a book-form: ‘The Power of Future Machines.’ Joining us to give an insight into the world of AI is co-author Lieutenant General PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, former Deputy Chief of Intergated Defence and a second generation officer in the Indian Army. The General will be in conversation with Tobby Simon Founder and President of Synergia Foundation. Along with other fields Tobby has years of experience in bio security, cyber security, aerospace and defense, energy security, advanced technologies, conflict resolution and inter¬national affairs. The Power of Future Machines’ is an interesting collection of essays by experts from various fields such as military, strategic affairs, physics, geopolitics and policy. These essays are their thoughts on AI. The book discusses how Artificial Intelligence will affect policy making and further effect humanity at large. It explores the deep impact AI will and does have on us which makes this anthology a fascinating read. The discussion will be moderated by Dr Sanjeev Chopra Author, Historian, Policy Analyst, Columnist and Festival Director of Valley of Words.

Afternoons with an Author | "And that is why....Manipuri Myths Retold" ~ L Somi Roy

In the first month of 2022, take a journey of firsts as your favourite LIVE event Valley of Words' (VoW) "Afternoons With An Author" brings alive the vibrancy of North East. This edition of the online conversational extravaganza toplines noted novelist L. Somi Roy in conversation with seasoned journalist Madhu Gurung. The enlightening session will be moderated by VoW founder Dr Sanjeev Chopra. On the agenda is unfoldement of magical tales, allegories and more from Manipur as the author L. Somi Roy reveals anecdotes from his treatise - "And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold".  The discussion, inter alia, will delve into the inspirations, backstories, tales and travails in the discovery of Manipuri mysteries as unfurled in the author's book on the intrigue surrounding the culture, life and times of India's North East in general and Manipur in particular.  Among the most awaited 'hearables' and talking points will be the premise of the 12 magical tales from Manipur featuring in Roy's compilation.