MISSION & VISION
To give a voice of hope, love, strife and strength to the writers of the Himalayan terrain, especially Kumaon. Himalayan Echoes also aims to inculcate reading, writing and oratory skills in the hill folk as well as people in other parts of India, through various initiatives in the fields of art, culture and literature.
ABOUT US
A unique confluence of words and powerful ideas in a most scenic setting, Himalayan Echoes: C.A.L.M produced by Porcupine Media Pvt Ltd, brings together award-winning writers from India and across the world, as well as a distinct local flavour with established and fresh voices from Uttarakhand.
Unlike other such events, the festival is defined as much by the strength of its voices as with the intimate size of its gathering and the magical charm of its setting. It offers an opportunity to learn and enjoy one-to-one interactions with authors and experts in the fields of ecology, socio-cultural studies, art, music, cinema, sport and wildlife.
OUR ADVISORS
Ambreen Khan believes that the world only seeks innovative minds. She dabbles with diverse work interests - that offer her opportunities to keep her self motivated and moving ahead! In her current role – as the communications head for The Indian Express- she also attempts to craft & curate programmatic campaigns that give their readers a wider range of information. Based out of Delhi, she is also associated with IHCL for collaborations & brand makeover.
An alumni of the University of Allahabad, has been an important part of Indian Advertising over the last two decades. He has seen and been part of the changing face of Indian Advertising, contributed immensely towards rejuvenating and giving a fresh perspective to Indian Advertising, not just in India, but also for Indian brands in the UK, South America, Sri Lanka, and other countries. Spending over 2 decades in India’s leading advertising agencies he began his career with Lintas (Lowe).
Writer, publisher and festival director, Namita is a literary genius from Kumaon and has authored over 20 books. Her acclaimed debut novel, Paro: Dreams of Passion, was published in 1984. The latest book, The Blind Matriarch, has been described as her most ambitious novel till date. Gokhale is the founder and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Janhavi Prasada is the founder of Himalayan Echoes of which she has directed 6 editions so far. She is also keen on doing more micro-festivals in Kumaon. Her multifaceted interests include conservation and propagation of local culture, cuisine, heritage and all aspects of the environment. Her graphic novel for young adults on Mahatma Gandhi, Tales of Young Gandhi has also been translated in Hindi. She has also launched a spice beverage brand, White Mountain Collectives, from Kumaon, for developi
Kapil hails from the world of advertising and represents his award winning company - Tree Design as a co-founder in New Delhi. But his heart is also set in the mountains of Kumaon where he spends his out of office days in peace and serenity. His understanding of brands and giving them shape and life is borne from that serenity. He is also committed to the cause of working for social change in the remote regions and making a value driven impact in peoples lives.
MOUNTAIN KEEPERS
Ankita Singhal is a lawyer, currently practicing in Allahabad, appearing in the High Court and other forums. A keen traveler, she is also an active member of Sahyog, an NGO which works towards the protection of child rights and women empowerment.
Tanvi Chug is a graduate of Dartmouth College where she studied Creative writing and Globalization studies. She consulted with a global consumer- insight firm in New York City, whilst also writing for Vice Media. Presently she contributes as a arts and culture writer, a content curator in the digital marketing space and a mental health counsellor. She has participated in the Edinburgh Fringe festival as well as assisted on the Emmy award winning Netflix show- Delhi Crime.
Areeb Khan, is our youngest team member currently pursuing his studies in Hospitality Management at the Kumaon University (The Hermitage) Nainital. He is highly creative and has a keen eye for photography.
Pakhi Pande is currently pursuing her master's in English from Kumaun University and has done her bachelor's in French and English from Delhi University. She likes to teach young kids in her free time. Apart from reading, she enjoys occasional treks and walks in and around the hills.
Nikhil is an interior space and equipment designer. He spends his time in Kumaon and is a keen walker in the forests, trekker and a storyteller.