In this rare public interaction, Dr. Tharoor will share his insights on how India’s foundational document continues to evolve and shape national discourse. Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage with the author during a meet-and-greet and book signing session following his talk.

Date: Sunday, 3rd August 2025
Time: 6:30 PM onwards
Venue: Lower Ground Floor, Phoenix Marketcity Pune

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Kicking off with events in Bengaluru and Goa on May 10, goREADS will feature interactive bookish hangouts where authors across genres, languages, and lived experiences vibe with readers over book talks, creative sessions, workshops, Q&As, and more, all in the social, design-first spaces – goSTOPS is renowned for. Whether you’re a city-dweller looking to meet your literary idol or a traveller craving a plot twist in your itinerary, goREADS promises an experience that’s meaningful, memorable, and creatively inspiring.

The first leg of goREADS brings two powerful voices to the fore. At its tech-powered hostel in HSR, Bengaluru, goSTOPS will host Shinie Antony, prolific author and founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival, for a freewheeling discussion about her books — including Can’t, Eden Abandoned and Hell Hath No Fury — and her experience curating one of the country’s most respected literary events. This scintillating and insightful session will be moderated by esteemed journalist and literature enthusiast Monika Monalisa.

Meanwhile, in Goa, writer Michelle Mendonça Bambawale will take over goSTOPS Vagator with a discussion on her book Becoming Goan, with renowned journalist Sneha Vakharia. This will be followed by a candid Q&A session. Her talk will delve into the deeply personal journey of moving to Goa during the COVID-19 pandemic, rediscovering her ancestry, and finding her place in a city that often plays muse to many.

Sharing her thoughts on the launch of this new literary IP, Pallavi Agarwal, Founder & CEO at goSTOPS, said, “At goSTOPS, we’ve always believed that travel is much more than just ticking off destinations. It’s about discovery, connection, and stories you carry home with you. With goREADS, we’re doubling down on our mission to make travel meaningful. We are creating spaces where backpackers and bibliophiles come together, and where ideas, like memories, are shared long after checkout. This is the kind of community-driven experience that we believe the young traveller is hungry for — something real and refreshingly different.”

Shinie Antony, author and founder of, Bangalore Literature Festival, noted, “Stories are a form of travel, taking our soul from point A to point B. The journey may be emotional, intellectual, or physical, but ultimately all travel is spiritual.”

Michelle Mendonça Bambawale, author, added, “Travel is a transformative experience, and for me, moving to Goa amidst the pandemic was one such event. Through the inaugural goREADS event, I hope to inspire young travellers to read more, write, and document their journeys as they explore new destinations, since good storytelling can only happen when there’s a personal touch to stories.”

goREADS is designed to evolve as a series of year-round literary events that champion diverse voices and encourage authentic expression, be it through spontaneous readings, creative workshops, or literary collabs. By tapping into the storytelling power of literature, goSTOPS is building yet another touchpoint for travellers and communities to engage beyond the usual. It’s what the brand has always done best — turn hostels into hubs for community spirit, creativity, and discovery. 

Because at goSTOPS, every stay has a story, and now, with goREADS, you can hear it read aloud.

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The festival began with a talk by Prof. Khare where he spoke about ‘Bringing words to life’. With a passion for storytelling and an unwavering belief in the power of words, Prof. Khare embarked on a journey to light the imagination of budding writers. The talk was followed by a creative writing workshop where Junior and Senior school students were encouraged to shed their inhibitions to embrace the realm of creativity. Through a series of innovative activities, Prof. Khare guided students to discover more about themselves, encouraging them to find their voices and viewpoints.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Khare said, “The idea of a literary festival at a school like WCIP is wonderful since children here are from different nationalities and it opens up their minds to a world of possibilities beyond nationhood. A festival like this encourages the realm of imagination, thoughts, ideas, and cultures and in doing so, WCIP is providing invaluable service to education because Art changes lives.”

Throughout the week, students will delve into a diverse range of events including spelling bees, extemporaneous speaking, graphic story writing, and a thrilling Wordle Wizard competition. Senior school students will also study the timeless works of William Shakespeare and explore the poetry of Robert Frost. Additionally, the school will host a scholastic book fair, inviting students of all ages to explore a variety of literary treasures and immerse themselves in a world of stories and imagination.

Dr. Manjiri Prabhu, who shared her thoughts with students on the importance of literature, said “Literary festivals like these are extremely essential for one’s personal, emotional, and intellectual growth – a prerequisite to maintain peace in society. Literature nudges deep thoughts and triggers thinking that eventually helps one grow to become a better human being. It is important to immerse oneself in various genres to expand one’s literary horizons and gain inspiration from different voices”.

Speaking on the success of the festival, Dr Murray Tod, Founding Master of Wellington College International Pune, said “As educators, we sculpt minds and ignite imaginations. In organizing this literary festival, we have not only further opened the door to the wider world of words, but also planted seeds of curiosity that will flourish in the hearts of our students, fostering a lifelong love for literature and learning.”

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“Author’s Demeanor” provided an opportunity for authors to share their journeys in the writing field, discuss challenges, and delve into the technicalities of their craft.

The event commenced with an insightful address by Pankaj Sharma, President, of The Lexicon Group of Institutes, Chairman & MD, Pune Times Mirror, Civic Mirror, and MultiFit who emphasized the importance of respecting authors and extracting valuable lessons from their experiences. He stated, “Respect for the author is not just a courtesy but a pathway to enlightenment; learn from them, absorb their thoughts, and listen attentively. By doing so, you can provide meaningful output that resonates with the depth of their wisdom.”

Following Mr. Sharma’s address, distinguished keynote speakers including Mr. Hemant Kumar, Journalist & Novelist, and Mr. Sandip Singh Gill, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pune, Zone 1, shared thoughtful words that inspired students and attendees.

Nasir Shaikh, Group Chief Executive Officer, The Lexicon Group of Institutes, EduCrack, & EasyRecruit+, emphasizes, “Stories have the power to change the world; be the author of your story and share your narratives with the world. The event “Author’s Demeanor” reaffirms our commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and nurturing literary talents so that the stories reach the world.”

The event continued with captivating performances by Lexicon MILE students and the grand book launch of ‘Terrors of Midnight,’ penned by Ms. Sharon Joseph, an accomplished Author, Playback Singer, Lyricist, and an esteemed alumna of Lexicon MILE. Ms. Joseph shared her journey from a dedicated student at Lexicon MILE to a multifaceted artist, emphasizing the pivotal role Lexicon MILE played in helping her achieve her dreams. Her inspiring words echoed, “When you face your failures head-on, that’s when true learning begins. Smile through your challenges, for it is through adversity that you pave the way to genuine success.”

The event transitioned to panel discussions featuring prominent personalities: Mr. Sid Kapdi, Author; Ms. Leena Saldana, Author and Poet; Ms. Sharon Joseph, Author, Playback Singer, and Lyricist; Mr. Jitendra Dixit, Author, and Journalist; Mr. Sewak Nayyar, Poet, Story-teller, and Dramatist; and Mr. Amarendra Chitale, NLP Master Trainer, Coaching Psychotherapist, Founder, and CEO of AgileNeuro. The panel discussions were expertly moderated by Dr. Manju Chopra, Professor and Dean of Finance, at Lexicon MILE.

The panel discussions were a mosaic of deep reflections, exploring different aspects of the authors’ journeys, meaningful moments, personal anecdotes, and the significant lessons learned from their experiences. The exchange of ideas was not only illuminating but also thought-provoking, offering the audience a varied perspective on the world of literature.

“Author’s Demeanor” was a celebration of literature, emphasizing the influence of words and the transformative impact of literary expression. Lexicon MILE, Pune Times Mirror, and Civic Mirror are proud to have organized an event that reflected the power of words and the art of storytelling.

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