G. Subramanian
Mumbai: St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, officially announced the commencement of Malhar 2025, one of Asia’s most prestigious and long-standing inter-collegiate festivals. With a proud legacy spanning over four decades, Malhar has consistently served as a distinguished platform for cultural celebration, intellectual engagement, and youth empowerment.
St. Xavier’s College Unveils Malhar 2025
Asia’s Iconic Inter-Collegiate Festival Returns with Inspiring Voices and Diverse Programming.
The press conference, held on Friday, was inaugurated by Prof. Karuna Gokar, Principal of St. Xavier’s College. The organising committee unveiled an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions for the Malhar Conclave, which will feature prominent voices from entertainment, literature, law, business, and geopolitics.
Conclave Address: Ms. Avanti Nagral
The press conference was addressed by Ms. Avanti Nagral, renowned pop singer, content creator, and social impact advocate. With a diverse musical background encompassing Indian classical, Broadway, and Gospel traditions, Ms. Nagral has emerged as a powerful voice in youth culture and digital storytelling. A dual-degree graduate from Harvard University and the Berklee College of Music, she has cultivated a global following of over one million, with more than 400 million views across platforms.
Keynote Address: Dr. Seema Rao
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Seema Rao, India’s first and only woman commando trainer, often referred to as the “Wonder Woman of India.” Over nearly three decades, Dr. Rao has trained more than 20,000 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary services. She holds numerous academic qualifications, including an MBA in Crisis Management, a medical degree, and certifications from Harvard Medical School and Stanford University. In 2018, she was honoured with the Nari Shakti Puraskar by the Hon’ble President of India.
Netflix Spotlight Session: Saare Jahan Se Accha
A special spotlight session will feature the cast of the upcoming Netflix series Saare Jahan Se Accha, comprising: Mr. Suhail Nayyar- An FTII graduate, he received recognition for his performances in films like “Udta Punjab”and “Sharmaji Namkeen”, and web series like “Jee Karda”.
Mr. Pratik Gandhi, acclaimed for his portrayal in Scam 1992
Mr. Sunny Hinduja, celebrated for his roles in Aspirants and The Family Man
Ms. Kritika Kamra, recognised for her impactful work across television and digital platforms
Mr. Anup Soni, veteran actor and iconic host of Crime Patrol
Bollywood Session’: Ms Saiyami Kher-She gained recognition for her debut in “Mirzya” and her performance in the web series “Special Ops”. She is also the first Indian actress to complete the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon twice.
Business & Entrepreneurship Session: The Benne Story
This session will spotlight Benne, a specialty dosa café located in Bandra, Mumbai. The venture was co-founded by Mr. Akhil Iyer, founder of The Artist Collective, and Ms. Shriya Narayan, psychologist and entrepreneur. Inspired by their shared nostalgia for Bangalore-style dosas, the duo combined culinary artistry with innovation to create a celebrated brand rooted in tradition and care.
Law & Justice Panel: Guardians of the Constitution
The Law & Justice session will host two esteemed members of the Indian judiciary:
Hon’ble Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, currently serving as Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, known for his commitment to upholding constitutional values.
Hon’ble Justice Revati Mohite Dere, Judge of the Bombay High Court, renowned for her progressive jurisprudence in matters of civil liberties and gender justice.
Literature Session: Mr. Ashwin Sanghi
The Literature Session will be led by acclaimed author Mr. Ashwin Sanghi, known for his bestselling Bharat Series. An alumnus of St. Xavier’s College and Yale University, Mr. Sanghi has authored several bestselling titles and collaborated internationally with Mr. James Patterson. His works intricately blend mythology, history, and science to craft compelling narratives.
Malhar 2025 promises to be a celebration of innovation, inclusivity, and inspiration, reaffirming the commitment of St. Xavier’s College to fostering creativity, critical thought, and holistic development. With a dynamic line-up of speakers and events, this year’s festival stands as a beacon of student-led excellence and cultural vibrance.
