This compelling OCLF session with author and columnist Rrashima Verma explored a powerful idea: history is shaped not only by battles and politics but by the emotions and choices of the people who lived through it. In conversation with literary agent and bestselling author Suhail Mathur, the discussion invited the audience to look beyond headlines and discover the human stories that influence the rise and fall of empires.Rrashima shared how her writing brings depth to historical figures by highlighting their ambitions, fears, relationships, and inner conflicts. She explained that empires are often shaped by personal motives and emotional turning points that rarely make it to official accounts. The session also touched upon her research process and the art of blending fact with narrative to create stories that feel authentic and emotionally resonant.Engaging, thought provoking, and rich with insight, this conversation encouraged listeners to revisit history with empathy and curiosity and to recognise the human hearts that shaped the world.#OCLF #RrashimaVerma #SuhailMathur #History #Books #Storytelling

What truly drives a person to commit a crime? Is it intent, pressure, trauma or the emotional wounds that stay hidden behind every decision?In this insightful session at the Orange City Literature Festival 2025, author and journalist Amrita Mukherjee speaks with Dr. Chanda Sinhababu to explore the human side of crime and justice.Drawing from real experiences and psychological perspectives, the conversation looks at how environment, fear, early emotional patterns and mental conditioning influence young minds. The session also reflects on how society, family and community support can change the direction of a vulnerable individual before wrongdoing becomes their only choice.Engaging and thought provoking, the discussion encourages viewers to look beyond headlines and understand the complex emotions behind crime.Stay till the end for the audience Q and A that adds depth to the theme.#OCLF2025 #OrangeCityLiteratureFestival #InsideACriminalMind #CrimeAndJustice #AmritaMukherjee #ChandaSinhababu #ReadomaniaPublishing

How do tradition, faith, and modern thought come together to shape a creative mind?In this insightful session from the Orange City Literature Festival 2025, poet, author, and visual artist Bhaskar Hande sits in conversation with Dr. Bhumika Agrawal to explore the deep cultural roots behind artistic expression.The discussion traces the evolution of language, the spiritual foundations of Marathi and Sanskrit literature, and how ancient texts like Dnyaneshwari and Amrutanubhav continue to inspire contemporary creativity. Bhaskar Hande also shares his personal artistic journey, from painting iconic Bollywood posters by hand to becoming an internationally recognised cultural voice.The session highlights how art forms such as painting, sculpture, fine arts, and dance reflect devotion, identity, and philosophical depth. It also offers a rare look at how tradition and modernity coexist within creative practice.A thoughtful and enriching conversation for anyone who values culture, language, and artistic expression.#OCLF2025 #OrangeCityLiteratureFestival #BhaskarHande #CreativeExpression #TraditionAndFaith #IndianArt #MarathiLiterature #SakalMediaGroup

This insightful OCLF session with psychologist and integrative health practitioner Koutilya Chhajed explored what it truly means to reset life from the inside out. In conversation with Dr Chanda Sinhababu, the discussion brought together emotional wellbeing, energy awareness, and practical healing tools that anyone can apply.Koutilya simplified the concept of the seven chakras, explaining how each energy centre influences stability, creativity, confidence, love, communication, intuition, and higher awareness. He highlighted how imbalance in these areas often shows up as stress, fear, or emotional fatigue.The session also broke down manifestation as a process of aligning thoughts, emotions, and actions rather than relying on luck. Through real examples, he explained how forgiveness, release, and self-compassion create space for new possibilities.A powerful segment focused on sharing without fear of judgment and the importance of choosing emotionally safe spaces for expression.Gentle, clear, and deeply relatable, the session offered a practical guide for anyone seeking clarity, healing, and a fresh start.#OCLF #Healing #Chakras #KoutilyaChhajed #EmotionalWellness #LifeReset

Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Counsellor Dr Naznin Chimthanawala led this heartfelt session on discovering joy, gratitude and resilience in the smallest moments of everyday life. In conversation with Priyanka Sharma, she explored how mindfulness, emotional awareness and simple acts of appreciation can transform the way you experience your daily routine.Dr Naznin shared insights from her integrative therapeutic practice and spoke about the origins of her book Echoes of Joy, which grew from personal diary entries into a guide on healing, reflection and emotional connection. She emphasised that wellbeing is a conscious practice and that noticing small sparks of joy can ease stress, strengthen relationships and build inner clarity.The session highlighted how gratitude journaling, reframing perspectives and paying attention to quieter moments can significantly improve emotional health. The audience engaged with questions on practical ways to build gratitude and maintain mindfulness in a busy life.This reflective conversation, guided by Priyanka Sharma, encouraged viewers to slow down, notice the beauty in the ordinary and find light in moments that often go unnoticed.#OCLF #EmotionalWellness #Mindfulness #EverydayJoy #EchoesOfJoy #NazninChimthanawala #PriyankaSharma #GratitudePractice #MentalHealthAwareness

Psychologist and motivational speaker Dr Rozina Rana delivered an inspiring session on how small, consistent habits can transform the mind and reshape one’s sense of purpose. In conversation with Dr Sakina Qubbawala, she explored the core ideas behind her book 21 Days to Reinvent Yourself, sharing how personal renewal begins with awareness, discipline and conscious action.Through honest reflections from her own lockdown experience, Dr Rozina explained that starting is often the hardest step, but staying committed is what builds lasting change. She highlighted how journaling, mindful routines and intentional choices help break old patterns and create healthier ones. The conversation encouraged the audience to embrace discipline as a tool for empowerment and to take the first step toward a stronger, more grounded version of themselves.Audience members engaged with thoughtful questions on motivation, habit-building and overcoming laziness. Their participation added depth to the discussion, reinforcing the practical relevance of the 21-day framework.Anchored by Parinaaz Ali, the session left the audience with a renewed sense of clarity and the confidence to begin their own journey toward transformation.#OCLF #DrRozinaRana #ReinventYourself #PersonalGrowth #HabitBuilding #SelfTransformation #MentalWellbeing #DrSakinaQubbawala

Sports psychologist Divya Jain led this powerful session on what it takes to build a champion’s mindset in young athletes. In conversation with student and sportsperson Ananya Amit Gandhare, she explored how mental strength, resilience and emotional balance shape long-term success in competitive sport.Divya explained why young athletes should shift focus from medals to effort, discipline and consistency. She highlighted resilience as the defining quality that separates good performers from great ones, and offered practical insights on coping with pressure, managing anxiety and bouncing back stronger after setbacks.The audience engaged deeply with questions on handling failure, sustaining motivation, balancing ambition with well-being and the role of parents and coaches in creating emotionally safe training environments.The session was anchored by Akanksha Baisware, who added clarity and energy to the discussion.#OCLF #SportsPsychology #YoungAthletes #DivyaJain #ChampionMindset #MentalStrength #Resilience #AthleteGrowth

Scientific astrologer and research scholar Greenstone Lobo delivered a fascinating session on how destiny, planetary cycles and national timelines intersect to shape the decade ahead. In conversation with Dr Meena Rajesh, he introduced the audience to his unique 16 planet astrology system and explained how a scientific approach can deepen the understanding of astrology, numerology and other occult sciences.Greenstone shared how celestial alignments influence personal and national events, and spoke about multiple predictions that have aligned with political, sporting and social developments over the years. His evidence-based method opened a new perspective on how traditional knowledge can be studied with rationality and structured analysis.The audience engaged enthusiastically, raising questions on personal destiny, India’s future, the role of planetary forces and whether numerology can truly influence life paths. The session offered a blend of curiosity, clarity and grounded insight into how ancient sciences continue to be relevant today.Anchored by Akanksha Baisware, the conversation left the audience with renewed interest in the connection between individual journeys and the larger destiny of a nation.#OCLF #Astrology #GreenstoneLobo #ScientificAstrology #India2025 #FuturePredictions #Numerology #ResearchBasedAstrology #MeenaRajesh