Mentors, Speakers & Patrons

The distinguished minds, cultural icons, and advisory councils shaping the vision of GD Goenka Sahitya Academy across editions.

Keynote Speakers & Laureates

2026 Festival Guests of Honour

Eminent cultural titans who addressed the convocations and held dialogue with thousands of delegates.

Day 1 (10 Jan 2026)

Goenka Sahitya Ratna Award 2026

Mr. Rajpal Yadav

Eminent Film Actor & Cultural Icon

Celebrated across Indian cinema for his phenomenal craft, versatility, and artistic depth, Mr. Rajpal Yadav was conferred the highest festival honor, Goenka Sahitya Ratna Award, followed by an electrifying keynote on "Film, Sahitya & Sangeet".

Watch Keynote Broadcast

Day 2 (11 Jan 2026)

Goenka Sahitya Academy Award 2026

Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'

Former Union Education Minister & Former CM of Uttarakhand

Prolific Hindi author, statesman, and former Union Minister of Education, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was honored for his monumental contribution to Indian letters, education policy, and national discourse.

Watch Keynote Broadcast

The Advisory Council

Festival Leadership

Shri Sanjay Agrawal

Chief Patron

GD Goenka Group, Agra

"Literature is the sacred thread that binds the heritage of our past with the aspirations of our future."

Shri Pawan Aagri

Festival Convenor

GD Goenka Sahitya Academy

"Taj Sahitya Utsav celebrates the sublime power of the written word in the historic city of love and art."

Distinguished Mentors

Academic & Literary Council

GD Goenka Sahitya Academy

"Fostering cultural dialogue and inspiring the youth to cherish and expand Indian linguistic traditions."

Official Festival Documentation

Mentors & Committee Rosters

Click any board below to inspect all mentors, convenors, and organizing faculty in high-resolution zoom mode.

Mentors & Patrons Board

2026 Board 01

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Organizing Committee

2026 Board 05

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Moments of Eminence

Dignitaries & Guest Moments

1st Inaugural Edition — 2025 Mentorship Council

Founding Mentors & Literary Patrons (2025)

The founding assembly of scholars, poets, and civic leaders whose patronage sparked the creation of Taj Sahitya Utsav. Click on any photo to view full resolution.