Hilal Fareed(HF) is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Urdu Poet based in London. He was born in Lucknow and brought up in Aligarh. His specialist interests include Knee and HipReplacement Surgery and Arthroscopic Knee Surgery. 
HF has been writing poetry in Urdu for over forty-fiveyears. Though he experiments in various poetic forms, but his main genre is Ghazal. His poetic collections includeJab Diyon Ke Sar Uthe, Pyar Ki Boli Bol andYe To Ishq Ka Hai Muamla.
HF's experience in 'Theatre & Drama' includes key roles in plays like Shatranj ke Mohray (Urdu), Juloos (Hindi) and The Dreams of Tipu Sultan (English).
HF runs a Charity called Roshni for Harmony and a 'not-for-profit' organisation called Urdu Culture Limited(previously known as Sir Syed Foundation London). HF is also one of the founder Directors of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu UK.

Author of ‘Beloved Delhi: A Mughal City and her Greatest Poets’ (Revised Edition, 2023), Dr Saif Mahmood is a leading South Asian name in the field of Urdu literature and its cultural heritage. He works to showcase Urdu literary traditions and particularly emphasise poetry as a cultural document. Through his various speaking engagements and live recitation of verses, their English translations and the stories behind them, he renders the original accessible to English-speaking audiences all over the world.
An international lawyer by profession,Saif has been Visiting Academic at the University of Oxford working on the Mughal State’s treatment of Urdu poets of resistance. He advises various literary and cultural organisations globally and his works frequently appear in the media. 

Hailing from an area of Barabanki, India, renowned for its rich Sufi traditions, Irfan Mustafa secured a Masters from the University of Lucknow before making his move to the United Kingdom. Furthering his education, he completed postgraduate studies at the University of East London.

In the realm of education services, Irfan assumed the role of Manager in Newham. Beyond his professional endeavours, he committed himself to public service, serving as a local councillor from 2006 to 2010. 

An adept Technical Officer accredited by Badminton England, Irfan officiates at prestigious tournaments such as the All England Badminton Championship. Additionally, he volunteers at renowned venues like Lord's Cricket Ground and for Hockey England.

Dedicated to community engagement, Irfan actively supports various organisations, notably the Breast Cancer Charity UK and the Stroke Association UK. His passion for preserving Indian art and culture is matched only by his profound love for Urdu literature and poetry, which he ardently promotes and preserves.

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Pragya Mishra splits her time as a healthcare professional with the NHS and a weekly columnist and freelance writer for Indian newspapers and websites, writing in the Hindi and Hindustani languages. For more than a decade, she has been attending international film festivals and writing about global cinema. 

Nestled within her multifaceted interests lies a deep love for Urdu poetry. Pragya finds solace and inspiration not only in the healing power of medicine but also in the magic of art, and the musicality and expression of emotion that Urdu poetry offers. This passion not only enriches her understanding of literature but also serves as a source of rejuvenation amidst her demanding professional pursuits.

Iram Gilani is the founder director of a software development company headquartered in Northampton. Raised in Allahabad, renowned for the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, symbolising the mingling of diverse cultures known as 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb', Iram's upbringing was steeped in a milieu of intellectual stimulation. Her father, a high court lawyer and prolific writer on social issues, infused her formative years with Marxist ideology, while her mother's academic pursuits in Urdu literature added depth to their household discussions. Surrounded by political activism, social reform, and literary discourse, Iram's curiosity and passion for social justice were ignited from an early age.

During her time as a 10+2 student at Aligarh, Iram's appreciation for Urdu literature blossomed. After her Aligarh days, she pursued her Master's in Computer Applications (MCA) and embarked on a career as a software engineer, with stints in India, New Zealand, and Tanzania, before making the United Kingdom her home.

In the UK, Iram completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and spent eight years teaching computer science. Fuelled by an entrepreneurial spirit and with their children growing older, Iram and her husband took the leap to establish Web Alliance Limited, a venture recognised with regional SME awards for its excellence over the past three years.

Beyond her professional achievements, Iram remains an unwavering advocate for human rights, social justice, and equality. Recently, she found a new avenue for her passion by contributing her skills to Urdu Culture London, single-handedly crafting the organisation's website with dedication and flair.

Arunima, an acclaimed Kuchipudi dancer, teacher, and choreographer, stands as a fervent proponent of Diversity and Inclusion within the Arts. Having graduated from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, she completed an MSc in Finance from the London School of Economics. Her current dedication lies in advocating for the preservation of India's rich cultural tapestry.

Recipient of esteemed accolades such as the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskaar and the 2019 Stardust Award for Arts, Arunima's talent has graced illustrious venues. From performing at Buckingham Palace before the Late Queen, to captivating audiences for Indian Prime Minister, at Wembley, and enchanting King Charles III at the Science Museum, her artistry knows no bounds.

Arunima serves as the Founder Director of Britain's preeminent Kuchipudi institution and also leads the Kuchipudi faculty at Bhavan. Each year, Arunima orchestrates London's largest Inclusive Intergenerational festival of Kuchipudi, a testament to her commitment to fostering unity through the arts.

Annie Zaidi is a multi-genre writer and current doctoral scholar. Her published work include 'Bread, Cement, Cactus: A memoir of belonging and dislocation', 'City of Incident', 'Prelude to a Riot', 'Gulab', and 'Bantering with 'Bandits and Other True Tales'. She is also the editor of 'Unbound: 2000 Years of Indian Women's Writing'. She was awarded the Nine Dots Prize in 2019 for innovative thinking, the Tata Literature Live Award for fiction in 2020 for 'Prelude to a Riot', and The Hindu Playwright Award in 2018 for her play, 'Untitled 1'