HE Prof. Anil Sooklal

Ghazipur Lit Fest presented by Bharat Dialogues is glad to welcome Prof. Anil Sooklal as our special guest. Prof. Anil Sooklal is a trailblazing diplomat-scholar with dual doctorates from the University of KwaZulu‑Natal in Oriental History and Religious Studies. A former academic at UKZN and UNISA, he pivoted into government in 1995 and has since held key positions: BRICS Sherpa, G20 Sherpa, and Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, Luxembourg, and South Africa’s missions in Geneva and New Delhi. On 30 June 2024, he was appointed South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh and Nepal—the first South African of Indian origin in this post. His work earned historic honours: a Sivananda Peace Award, Diplomatic Excellence in Education Award, and an honorary doctorate from China’s UIBE—only the second South African so recognized after Mandela. A relentless advocate of India‑Africa ties, he channels quiet grit into global impact, bridging nations through education, diplomacy and strategic foresight.