When you meet Aditi Maheshwari Goyal, Executive Director of Vani Prakashan Group and Managing Trustee of the Vani Foundation, it’s hard not to be struck by her energy, intellect, and the sheer passion she exudes for her work. Sitting in her office, surrounded by shelves stacked with decades of Hindi literary treasures, you quickly realize you are in the presence of someone who’s not just running a publishing house but is keen on reshaping the narrative of Hindi publishing for the modern age.
Aditi’s candidness is refreshing and she isn’t afraid to take the bold strides needed to make Hindi publishing relevant to a new generation of readers. “For me, Vani Prakashan is not just a publishing house; it’s a legacy of three generations of my family,” she said, her voice tinged with pride and determination. “The story of Vani is about standing firm and producing good books for a good society.” This ethos is encapsulated in the house’s motto, Sada Samay Ke Saath (Always with the Times).
Vani Prakashan started with just three employees and is now a thriving institution of 92, but its soul remains rooted in family values. I couldn’t help but ask how she reconciles the old-world charm of Hindi publishing with the pressures of running a business in an increasingly globalized and digital world. Her answer was telling.
“My mother, the financial and organizational backbone of Vani, evolved from someone unfamiliar with Hindi to a polished speaker and an impeccable manager. She’s always stayed in the background, but her discipline has been the driving force behind our success,” Aditi said. It’s a story that resonates in an era where women, especially in traditionally male-dominated spaces like Hindi publishing, have to carve their way to the top.
Aditi is not just carrying the torch — she’s making it burn brighter. This isn’t your grandmother’s publishing house anymore. Vani Prakashan is embracing cutting-edge tools, including AI, to innovate and evolve. “AI has entered our editorial room and design desk much sooner than we imagined,” Aditi shared. She spoke about using AI to create illustrations for Abhyuthanam, a book on the Chola Empire, as per the author’s suggestion as the traditional resources fell short.
Yet, she doesn’t shy away from the ethical dilemmas posed by AI. “The question of authorship is critical,” she admitted. “In a content economy where AI can replicate styles and compose music, safeguarding originality is a challenge we must address soon.”
Inclusivity isn’t just lip service at Vani Prakashan; it’s a practice. The publishing house has imprints dedicated to LGBTQ+ literature, environmental issues, and marginalized communities, including Dalit and tribal voices. This is no small feat in the Hindi public sphere, where gender and social disparities are often glaring.
“Our inclusivity is a nurtured value,” Aditi said. “It’s not about jumping on trends but about giving a platform to voices that have long been sidelined.” One of her proudest initiatives is the Vani Foundation Translation Award, which honors translators rather than specific works. “Translation is like raising someone else’s child without naming it yours,” she explained. “It’s a thankless job, but translators deserve the spotlight for making Indian languages accessible to each other and the world.”
When the conversation shifted to India’s burgeoning literary festival culture, Aditi didn’t hold back. “The moment you take literature out of a literary festival and turn it into a variety show, it will fail,” she said bluntly.
She named the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) as the gold standard, praising its meticulous curation and respect for books and authors. But her admiration extended to smaller festivals too. “Kerala Literature Festival, Lit Chowk of Indore, Arunachal Literature Festival, Banaras Lit Fest, and Kolkata Literary Meet are doing excellent work in inclusivity and thoughtful curation,” she noted.
Aditi’s eyes lit up when we discussed how the younger generation is engaging with Hindi literature. “Every day, we are tagged in dozens of reels promoting Hindi books,” she said, laughing. “It’s amazing to see bookstagrammers reinventing the reading culture.”
Her optimism for the future of Hindi literature is infectious. “We’ve already published three books on AI in Hindi and are working on one about its ethical implications. Staying relevant means addressing contemporary issues while nurturing our roots.”
Reflecting on her journey, Aditi expressed gratitude for mentors like Namita Gokhale, who played a pivotal role in her growth. “Namita ji has been a guiding force, helping me navigate the complexities of the literary world with her wisdom and encouragement.”
For Aditi Maheshwari Goyal, the path forward is clear: to honor the rich legacy of Hindi literature while embracing the future with open arms. As she puts it, “Vani is about a personal touch — nurturing meaningful stories and creating a space where every voice matters.” She’s a navigating a space where the gender ratio is far from balanced, yet she does so with grace, grit, and an unrelenting drive to make a difference. “I want Vani to be a cultural powerhouse,” she said.
“It’s about nurturing meaningful stories and creating a space where every voice matters,” summed up Aditi for whom the journey is personal, political, and profoundly impactful.