New Delhi:The Asian Literary Society (ALS) successfully hosted its 7th ALS LITFEST 2025 today at DELNET,New Delhi,in a vibrant gathering that celebrated literary achievements and fostered connections among writers, scholars,and literature enthusiasts from India and internationally.
The day commenced with an inspiring welcome address by ALS Founder,Mr.Manoj Krishnan,followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and chanting.
The distinguished Guests of Honour gracing the event included Dr.Amarendra Khatua (Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs),Mr.Rajagopal Palani Swamy (Journalist & Cultural Ambassador),Dr.Laxmi Shankar Bajpai (Author & Poet),Ms.Mamta Kiran (Author & Poet), and Prof.Udayanath Sahoo (Chair Professor of Odia Studies,Jawaharlal Nehru University).ALS dignitaries,Ms. Anita Chand (Administrator),Ms.Kiren Babal (Ambassador,ALS),and Ms.Vandana Bhasin (Editor, ALSphere Magazine)also lent their presence,alongside writers hailing from various parts of India,Singapore,and Canada.
A highlight of the LITFEST was the prestigious Book and Women Awards 2025,which recognized outstanding literary contributions.
Awardees included Dr.Minal and Manpreet Chadha for the Indian Women Achievers Awards (Literature),and Jyothy Sreedhar for the Indian Women Rising Star Awards (Literature).
In the book categories,winners included Dr.Minal for Samay Ke Darpan Mein (Best Poetry Book-Hindi), Vaishali Chandorkar Chitale for Whispers of Immortality (Best Debut Poetry Book-English),Jyoti Prateek for The Borrowed God & Other Stories (Best Fiction Book – English),and Dr. Alpna Das Sharma for Mahajaya:
The Battle for Dharma (Best Debut Fiction Book – English). Indrani Chowdhury’s Brown Gal in the Rain secured the Best Poetry Book (English) award,while’Gul’ Rakesh’s Maa Ke Honth won Best Debut Poetry Book (Hindi).
The event also celebrated young literary promise, with certificates of appreciation presented to children who participated in a poetry workshop organized under ALS mentorship initiatives.
Several noteworthy books by ALS community writers were launched during the fest, including Impressions & Celebrations by Ishrat Umar, Gulabi Dhoop by ‘Gul’ Rakesh,Abhivyakti by Smriti Srivastava,Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr.Mathew K.M.Puthiyidom, Avadhut by Barkha,ALS 2024:An Anthology of Short Stories and Poems, Sahitya Manjusha 2024, and the ALS Art & Photography Coffee Table Book.
Adding to the literary ambiance, soulful poetry readings were delivered by Mr.Manoj Krishnan,Dr.Shehla Ahmad, Dr.Minal,Ms.Kiren Babal,Ms.Vandana Bhasin,Ms.Smriti Srivastava,and Ms.Anita Chand.
Concluding the successful event,writers were felicitated, and a vote of thanks was extended.Notably,Mr.Manoj Krishnan announced that the Asian Literary Society will be hosting its next major event in Singapore,signaling the organization’s continued commitment to expanding its global presence and fostering literary exchange across borders.
The 7th ALS LITFEST 2025 underscored the Asian Literary Society’s dedication to nurturing creativity, celebrating diversity, and promoting literary excellence within the global literary community.
