Festival Directorate
The fountainhead of the Santiniketan Literature Festival is Arindam Roy (India), the US-based Anumita Roy, and Arunima Das (India), who bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table.
Arindam Roy
Chairperson,
Santiniketan Literature Festival
Arindam Roy: A Storytelling Stalwart
- Veteran Journalist: With over 40 years in newsrooms, Arindam Roy has witnessed and reported on a vast array of events. His experience as Managing Editor, Correspondent, and Bureau Chief for renowned publications like the Associated Press, Times of India, and Hindustan Times has honed his keen eye for stories and his ability to communicate them effectively.
- Prolific Author: Arindam isn’t just a consumer of stories, he’s a creator as well. He has contributed chapters to various publications, co-authored a novel (“Rivers Run Back”), and even participated in five Coffee Table Books (CTBs): one from Italy, another from Marg, Mumbai, and three from The Times Group.
- Content Catalyst: Arindam’s expertise extends beyond writing. His involvement in the Content Development of a CTB for the Allahabad High Court, brought out by The Times Group, showcases his ability to curate and develop engaging content. Earlier, he contributed seven chapters to two CTBs of The Times Group.
- Publisher: He published six international anthologies of poems [Kavya Kumbh Publishing Consultant (KKPC)].
Anumita Roy
Director,
Santiniketan Literature Festival
Anumita Roy: An Artist with a Cause
- Creative Visionary: Anumita Roy’s artistic heart finds expression in her evocative poems and captivating short stories. She paints word pictures that resonate with readers.
- Champion for Advocacy: Anumita’s passion extends beyond literature. As a mother of children with high-functioning autism, she is a strong advocate for special needs issues, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire change.
- Global Citizen: Anumita’s experiences growing up in various countries have instilled in her a global perspective. This enriches the festival’s discourse and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
- Literary Leader: Anumita co-founded Different Truths, a platform dedicated to promoting diverse voices and perspectives. Her leadership in the literary community is invaluable to the festival.
- Co-Publisher: She co-published six international anthologies of poems [Kavya Kumbh Publishing Consultant (KKPC)].
Arunima Das
Associate Director,
Santiniketan Literature Festival
Associate Director,
Santiniketan Literature Festival
Arunima Das: A Champion for Accessible Education
- Lifelong Learner & Visionary Leader: Arunima Das embodies the spirit of a curious learner, passionate about creating dynamic learning spaces. As the Founder-Director of World Wings School, she strives to build an inclusive environment where hands-on activities ignite a love for learning and equip students with the skills to excel in our ever-changing world.
- Over Three Decades of Experience: Arunima brings a wealth of knowledge gleaned from over 30 years in education. Her impressive career spans leadership roles such as Chief Knowledge Officer at Nalanda Learning Systems and Zonal Academic Head East at Zee Learn Limited. These experiences honed her expertise in curriculum design, administration, and ensuring academic excellence across a vast network of schools.
- Teacher, Administrator, Volunteer: Arunima’s dedication extends far beyond titles. She has served as a teacher, inspiring young minds, and as an administrator, ensuring the smooth operation of educational institutions. Her commitment to social good is evident in her volunteer work with NGOs, and various educational and social organisations, like CINI Asha, Emmanuel Ministries, Nishabd Angikar Welfare Association, and others.
- A Keen Eye: Beyond her dedication to education, Arunima is a person of many talents. Her sharp eye for detail finds beautiful expression in her photography, capturing the world around her with a unique perspective. An avid bibliophile, she finds solace and inspiration in the written word. Her intensely perceptive nature allows her to see challenges from new angles and craft creative solutions.
- Winsome and Inspiring: Those who know Arunima describe her as a winsome person with a warm and charming smile. Her positive energy and enthusiasm are infectious, motivating those around her.