Team

Our Team

Meet the brilliant minds behind the AIM Literary Festival! Our dedicated team of organisers, volunteers, and creative thinkers come together every year to create an unforgettable celebration of literature, culture, and the arts..

Meet the Founders

The AIM Literary Festival was brought to life by two passionate visionaries who believed in the transformative power of stories and ideas. With a shared love for literature and a mission to create a space for creative expression, our founders envisioned a festival that celebrates diverse voices, fosters meaningful dialogue, and inspires lifelong connections through the written word.

Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to the arts laid the foundation for what AIM Literary Festival is today – a thriving hub of literary excellence and cultural celebration

Ekta Bajaj

Founder

Ekta Bajaj is an award-winning author, visual artist, and co-founder of Author In Me Publishing. Her acclaimed works, including non fiction, The Voice of Kali and children's affirmation book, Shine Like a Star, empower readers with positivity and ancient wisdom. As AIM Literary Festival curator, she champions storytelling’s transformative power, inspiring creativity and community.

Monica Sood

Founder

Monica Sood, co-founder of Author In Me Publishing and curator of the AIM Literary Festival, is a children’s author passionate about storytelling’s transformative power.
Her books, including Shine Like a Star and Santa Wants a Makeover, inspire young readers. Monica empowers diverse voices and nurtures young writers with creativity and mindfulness.

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Sarah J Rose

Festival Co-ordinator

Sarah is a classically trained actor with over 30 years of stage experience and extensive voice acting expertise, she brings a wealth of creativity and organisational skills to her role as Festival Coordinator. Her passion for storytelling and her abilities to connect with diverse audiences ensures every festival event is impactful and engaging.

Nidhi Sahani

Marketing Head

Nidhi Sahani, a dynamic marketing professional, brings creativity and strategic expertise to her role as Marketing Head for the festival. With years of experience in crafting impactful campaigns, she is passionate about connecting audiences to meaningful stories and events. Her innovative approach ensures the festival reaches and resonates with diverse communities.

Our Advisory Board

The AIM Literary Festival is guided by a distinguished Advisory Board, comprises of celebrated authors, and thought leaders. our Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in making the festival a beacon for creativity, education, and community connection. Their guidance inspires us to push boundaries and create an experience that resonates with all who attend.

Dr Pushpinder Chowdhary- MBE

Dr Chowdhary, a trained psychotherapist with 38+ years of community service, co-founded Tongues on Fire Ltd, which organises the UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF). Honoured with an MBE and multiple awards, she advocates mental health through cinema, is a published author, and an active member of BAFTA, BFI, and DAWN.

Rani Singh

Rani Singh is a fearless and original storyteller, known for her work on BBC Radio and Television. A dedicated producer-reporter, she has authored six books, including An Officer and His Holiness, which inspired the film Never Forget Tibet. With acting credits in EastEnders and more, she uses her drama background to bring empathy and richness to storytelling.

Anila Dhami

Anila Dhami, an award-winning British journalist, has worked with ITV News, Channel 5, LBC, and the BBC, sharing stories authentically for over a decade. A Barnardo's and Binti ambassador, she holds an English degree from Queen Mary and a Philosophy & Literature Master's from Warwick, exploring feminism and psychoanalysis.

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Loveena Tandon

With over two decades as an award-winning broadcast journalist, Loveena Tandon is a true luminary. As the host of the acclaimed podcast "India - Story In Making", a skilled storyteller, and a B2B media marketing expert, she crafts compelling narratives, engages audiences, and delivers impactful strategies through diverse creative avenues.

Alan Durant

Alan Durant is an award-winning author of over 100 books for children and young adults, including Burger Boy and Always and Forever. Known for his engaging and imaginative storytelling, Alan’s work spans picture books, novels, and poetry. He also runs creative writing workshops, inspiring young writers to unleash their creativity.