The first edition of the NaMo GenV Book Festival began on January 16 at the Dr Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, scholars, authors and a large number of young participants. The two-day festival, scheduled for January 16 and 17, aims to create a platform for dialogue on leadership, governance, culture, national security and India’s global role through books written on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Delhi Chief Minister Smt Rekha Gupta attended the event as the Chief Guest. Her presence added political significance to the opening day and set the tone for the festival. Organisers described her participation as a moment that brought leadership, vision and public service together. The event witnessed a heavy footfall, especially from students and young readers, who formed the bulk of the audience across sessions.
According to the organisers, PM Modi is the only global leader on whom more than 400 books have been written. The festival showcases a curated collection of these books while also hosting new book launches and author interactions. The aim is to help readers, especially the youth, understand different perspectives on leadership, governance and India’s transformation over the past decade.
Day One Focuses on Culture, Security and Diplomacy
The first day of the festival featured thematic panel discussions that examined Prime Minister Modi’s impact on India’s cultural revival, national security and foreign policy. A session titled “Modi & Cultural Renaissance” brought together Acharya Pramod Krishnam, Francois Gautier, Sachchidanand Joshi and Sadhvi Pragya Bharati. Journalist and author Mouni Deepa moderated the discussion, which focused on civilisational identity, heritage and cultural confidence in contemporary India.
Another key session addressed national security challenges. Defence and strategic experts Aditya Raj Kaul, Anshul Saxena and Major (Retd) Gaurav Arya discussed India’s security doctrine, counter-terrorism efforts and regional threats. The panel highlighted how security policy has evolved in response to changing global and regional dynamics.
Diplomacy and foreign policy formed the third major theme of the day. Former ambassadors Pankaj Saran and Ruchira Kamboj joined BJP leader Ram Madhav and other strategic affairs experts to discuss India’s growing diplomatic footprint. Speakers underlined India’s assertive yet balanced approach in global forums and bilateral engagements.
During the opening day, two new books titled “Gen V Bano” and “महात्मा” were officially launched. Senior journalist Ashok Srivastava received wide appreciation for conceptualising and organising the festival. Speakers praised his efforts in bringing together authors, thinkers and young minds under one roof.
Day Two Highlights Governance, Economy and Youth Engagement
The second day of the NaMo GenV Book Festival focuses on governance, economics and policy debates. Prominent speakers include Maria Wirth, Salvatore Babones, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Gautam Chikermane and Shashi Shekhar Vempati. These sessions aim to explain governance reforms, economic strategy and India’s long-term development vision in simple terms for a wider audience.
Alongside panel discussions, the festival hosts curated book exhibitions, student debates and youth idea challenges. These activities encourage young participants to engage directly with ideas on leadership and nation-building. Organisers said the strong youth participation reflects growing interest among students in policy, politics and India’s global narrative.
Overall, the NaMo GenV Book Festival has emerged as a vibrant intellectual platform that combines books, debate and dialogue. By connecting authors, policymakers and youth, the event seeks to deepen public understanding of leadership and India’s evolving story in the 21st century.
