speakers for RALFF 2025
The RALFF speakers will include some of the most celebrated names from the worlds of film, literature, and the arts. Each speaker brings unique insights and experiences to the festival, creating an atmosphere of learning and inspiration
Dr. Narendra Tripathi
Dr. Narendra Tripathi serving as the Head of the Departments of Electronic Media, Management, and Language, as well as the Director of Radio Samvad 90.8 FM at Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism and Mass Communication. He is a distinguished leader in the field of media and education.
Mukesh Pandey
Mukesh Pandey, a dynamic industrialist and owner of a Rolling Steel Plant, is now stepping into the world of literature as an upcoming author, blending business expertise with inspiring storytelling.
Satya Lakshmi Valluri
An alumna of Miranda House, Delhi University, Satya Lakshmi Valluri is a freelance editor with over ten years of experience in the field. She has edited both fiction and non-fiction works written by different authors. The books have been published by lead publishing houses like Tara Press, The Write Place, Leadstart Corporation, Become Shakespeare.com and Notion Press among others. Prior to turning to editing, she was an educator, having worked in prominent schools for more than fifteen years. During her stint as an educator, she held various academic and administrative posts.
Lakshmi Valluri has also curated and edited two bilingual anthologies Festivals A Ray of Hope and Revolutionaries of India 1857-1947. Currently, she is working on a third anthology titled Sita to Abhaya: Have Things Changed? Along with her husband Ravi Valluri, she runs a website called RustleofWords.
Ravi-Valluri
Ravi Valluri, CEO of Chhattisgarh East Railway Ltd and Chhattisgarh East-West Railway Ltd, is a retired IRTS officer and recipient of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal. A faculty member with the Art of Living, he is also a published author of fiction and non-fiction works, contributing regularly to The Pioneer, The Hans India, and The Daily Guardian.
Dr. Sanjay Alung
Introducing Dr. Sanjay Alung: a retired IAS officer, esteemed author, poet, and distinguished authority on Chhattisgarh’s history and culture. With over a dozen books to his name, his extensive research has become essential reference material for scholars. Honored with the Saraswati Sahitya Samman, Dr. Alung’s passion for unearthing and illuminating the rich heritage of Chhattisgarh is evident in his writings, which delve into the state’s unique history, culture, and traditions.
His dedication to preserving and promoting Chhattisgarh’s legacy continues to inspire and educate readers and researchers alike.
Bhagwat Jaiswal
The Administrator with a Cultural Soul! Upper Collector Of CG Govt, Bhagwat Jaiswal is not just a dedicated administrator but also a passionate writer and cultural advocate. His work reflects a deep love for Chhattisgarh’s rich heritage, blending governance with storytelling. Beyond his administrative role, Bhagwat Jaiswal is recognized for his contributions to literature and culture.
He has authored books such as “Kotwar“, which delves into the life of a village guard, and “Interview“, a guide for competitive exam aspirants. Known for his creative expressions and collaborations with artists like Ruchi Sharma, he actively promotes the region’s traditions through literature and social media. From shaping policies to preserving culture, Bhagwat Jaiswal is a name that embodies leadership, art, and legacy.
Azeem Uddin
Azeem Uddin is a Dhruv-Ratan Awardee, Amazon-acclaimed bestselling author, public speaker, and one of India’s top 1000 super speakers recognized by Success Gyan. A seasoned professional in the IT domain, Azeem is also a life strategist, guiding others through transformative thought, inner awakenings, and impactful storytelling. His literary works, including Deep Realization, The Perfect Goodness of Ghost, and Unbelievable Transformation, reflect his brilliance in weaving wisdom into the world. With numerous certifications attesting to his expertise,
Azeem stands among the intellectual elite. Dedicated to humanitarian causes, he strives to uplift those around him while constantly expanding his skills and knowledge. With righteous intentions and an unwavering commitment, he is on a remarkable journey to achieve greatness.
Birju Rajak
He holds a postgraduate degree in cinema with a specialization in film and video editing from the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. With a career spanning 25 years, his journey in the industry has been both diverse and enriching. As a Bollywood editor, he has worked on films such as Blackboard vs Whiteboard, Mid Day Meeal , Dark Shadow, and many more. His filmography also includes notable contributions as an Associate Editor for films like Jagga Jasoos, Humshakals, Shahid, Tasveer 8×10, Dongri Ka Raja, Welcome to Sajjanpur , and Stanley Ka Dabba. Additionally, he has edited various music videos, web series (Bhaukal for MX Player), and documentaries (Panni and Chhau Dance), showcasing his versatility across Hindi and non-Hindi films, shorts, and OTT platforms.
Currently he serves as an Assistant Professor in Postproduction at the School of Cinema, where he shares his extensive knowledge and expertise in film and video editing with aspiring filmmakers.
Cecilia Diaz Gomez
Cecilia Diaz Gomez is a noted poet and translator from Mexico. A master in intercultural learning environments, she has served as an interpreter-translator for the Secretariat of Indigenous Peoples and Neighborhoods and Indigenous Resident Communities in Mexico city and is currently an interpreter-translator at Barbier Transcending Translations. She has collaborated in the revision and translation of books such as Notes on the Capitalist Hydra, A Dog Named Xu and The Little Prince. She has coordinated projects for native people and indigenous migrants with cross-cutting approaches in human rights, gender violence, drug addiction, interculturality and education.
She is a member of the collective Nichimal Vayuchil, has published her poems in handcrafted books and in some issues of the magazine Conmocion.
Kiran Bhat
Kiran Bhat is a global citizen formed in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, to parents from Southern Karnataka, in India. An avid world traveler, polyglot, and digital nomad, he has currently traveled to over 130 countries, lived in 18 different places, and speaks 12 languages. His list of homes is vast, but he considers Mumbai the only place of the moment worth settling down in. He currently lives in Melbourne.
Meer Ali Meer
Meer Ali Meer is a well-known poet and lyricist from Chhattisgarh, recognized for his impactful contributions to Chhattisgarhi literature and music. He has gained significant attention for his poems, which often reflect the rich culture and traditional aspects of the region. One of his most popular songs is “Nanda Jahi Ka Re,” which resonated deeply with people across different communities in Chhattisgarh.
Meer Ali Meer also uses his platform to inspire youth, encouraging them to engage in creative and constructive activities. He integrates themes like traditional sports into his poetry to motivate young people to step away from screens and connect with their roots.