Book Reading Clubs are important for building a love of literature, promoting social-emotional growth, and encouraging intellectual stimulation through shared reading and discussion. Book Reading Clubs are important for community building and individual development. Reading enhances imagination, helps build vocabulary and confidence, reduces stress and improves focus, opens new perspectives, and encourages inner growth. To overcome the common reading barriers, individuals should set small daily goals and develop and continue the habit of reading. A dynamic Professional, innovative Fashion Designer, and successful Entrepreneur for over 14 years, Preeti Jaju, the current President of Mahesh Professional Forum (MPF) Central Chapter, has initiated a Reading Club exclusively for the Mahesh Professional Forum, a vibrant organization based in Pune, dedicated to fostering professional growth, networking, and knowledge-sharing among Maheshwari professionals across various fields.

Very first in the series of the great initiative, the MPF Central Reading Club is all set for an exciting evening of powerful perspectives and thought-provoking insights as part of the reading session on the game-changing book: Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono. The panel for discussion would consist of prominent names and esteemed guests and moderators- Dr Shikha Jain, Director, Institute of Management Development & Research (IMDR), Pune, Mrs. Jyoti Jha, TEDx Speaker, Bestselling Author & Columnist, Mr. Advait Kurlekar, MD, Upohan Management Consultants, Alum, IIT Bombay, and Chairman, BOD @IITBAA.

A senior academic and institutional leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr Shikha Jain brings a thoughtful and balanced approach to leadership, focusing on academic excellence, collaboration, and long-term growth. With expertise in economics, management, and education, she has held several leadership roles across various reputed institutions. A lifelong learner, she believes in creating an inclusive and forward-thinking educational environment. A proud mother balancing her personal and professional life, she values integrity, constant learning, and inclusive leadership.

An HR-turned-Author, Columnist, Senior Editor- Today Magazine, and The Times of India Write India Winner, Jyoti Jha has authored, edited, and translated several books in English and Hindi. TEDx speaker, Speaker at IITs and IIMs, Awarded 'Vidya Vachaspati', ‘Dr Shanti Jain Smriti Samman’, ‘Asian Literary Award’, ‘Global Progressive Women Award’, Jyoti is known for her book ‘Aanandi’ on women empowerment. Judge at IITBHU (Kashiyatra), she has conducted Writing Workshops at IITs and NITs. Her books have garnered much appreciation from readers, prominent media houses, and the literary fraternity. Her writings have been featured and published in international anthologies, prominent media houses, prestigious literary magazines, and journals. Her upcoming book is on Autism. She is the Chief Coordinator of the Literary Chapter, Let’s Inspire Bihar.

With over 30 years of experience in industry, management consulting, and coaching, Advait Kurlekar has worked in leading organizations like Tata Motors, AF Fergusson, and PwC before starting Upohan Management Consultants. Having expertise in areas like Business Strategy, Balanced Scorecard, and HR Consulting, he has led several projects across a range of sectors. A visiting faculty member at SP Jain School of Global Management, he is the Governing Council Member of TiE’s Pune Chapter. An alumnus of IIT Bombay and having studied at Wharton Business School, Advait Kurlekar is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, IITBAA, on the Board of Directors of SPPU Research Park Foundation, and two publicly listed companies.

With such an inspiring panel, this session promises to challenge the way we think — one hat at a time!

Scheduled to be held on June 6th, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Navalmal Firodia Seminar Hall, MCCIA Trade Tower, Pune, MPF Team Samvid and MPF Central Reading Club gear up to discuss how the Six Thinking Hats methodology is being implemented in real-life professional settings and how the concept helps improve the personal decision-making process in individuals. The session aims to set the tone, inspire participants, and build excitement about reading. Spark interest in reading and prepare to begin the reading journey, discover, read, reflect, and grow with the MPF Reading Club, and lay a strong, inspiring foundation by inculcating the joy and habit of reading!