A literary book launch celebration- Kitaab hosted by Prabha Khaitan Foundation; Launch of Mrs. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s “Swallowing the Sun”

Prabha Khaitan Foundation,a Kolkata based non-profit organisation known for its unwavering commitment to promoting arts, culture, and literature, hosted a book launch event through its stellar initiative Kitaab, marking the launch of Swallowing the Sun, a remarkable literary work by former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Ambassador Mrs. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri. The event, held at the iconic Taj West End in Bengaluru, was an unforgettable occasion, celebrating the power of storytelling and cultural dialogue in a city known for its vibrant intellectual landscape.

The evening began with a warm and gracious welcome by Vidya Gajapathi Raju Singh, Ehsaas Woman of Chennai, who greeted the gathering with words that set the tone for the evening’s proceedings. Mrs. Puri’s powerful book, Swallowing the Sun, delves into themes of resilience, identity, and human perseverance, making it a must-read for literature enthusiasts and thought leaders alike.

The event was graced with the esteemed Chief Guest Ms. Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, a prominent leader in business and international relations, especially known for her work in strengthening the India-Japan partnership. The celebrated author and conversationalist for the evening Ms. Anita Nair conducted an engaging and insightful conversation with Mrs. Puri about her new book.

The most anticipated moment of the evening came with the formal unveiling of the book. Ms. Kirloskar, with the author unribboned the book- Swallowing the Sun in a symbolic gesture that marked the official launch of the book. Anita Nair, Anindita Chatterjee, Executive Trustee of Prabha Khaitan Foundation; Indira Bhargava; Anju Bobby George, Olympic medalist; Pankaj Advani;snooker champion and Vidya Gajapathi Singh also joined on stage, lending the event a sense of grandeur and unity.

Ms. Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, then delivered a brief yet impactful address, sharing her thoughts on the significance of literature in shaping societies and individuals. She praised Mrs. Puri’s contribution to global diplomacy and advocacy for women’s rights, commending the themes of strength and fortitude woven throughout the narrative of Swallowing the Sun. Ms. Kirloskar eloquently highlighted the power of books to bridge cultural divides, providing profound insights into how literature fosters global understanding.

The heart of the event was the conversation between Mrs. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri and Anita Nair, two distinguished women whose exchange illuminated the depths of the book’s central themes. Mrs. Puri, with her vast experience in diplomacy, spoke candidly about the inspirations behind Swallowing the Sun and its relevance in today’s world. The conversation delved into the complexities of identity, resilience, and the universal human spirit, offering the audience a glimpse into the author’s mind and her journey in crafting this deeply moving narrative.

Anita Nair’s thoughtful questions and Mrs. Puri’s insightful responses captivated the audience, making for a riveting discussion. The interplay of their perspectives, one as a storyteller and the other as a global leader, created a rich, layered dialogue that left the audience with much to ponder followed by  a Q&A discussion with them. Vidya Gajapathi Singh took the stage to express her gratitude to the guests with closing remarks.Anindita Chatterjee, Executive Trustee of Prabha Khaitan Foundation felicitated the dignitaries with ethnic chikankari stoles, a nod to India’s rich cultural heritage. This gesture was a fitting tribute to the Foundation’s celebration of culture, tradition, and literature.

Anindita Chatterjee, Executive Trustee of the Foundation quoted, “Mrs. Lakshmi Puri’s insightful conversation about her debut novel captivated everyone present. Her ability to weave historical context with personal narratives left a lasting impression on all of us. It was a privilege for the Foundation to launch Mrs. Puri’s exciting book in Bengaluru, earlier also launched in other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and North-East. It was such an inspiring evening, celebrating a story that resonates deeply with our cultural and historical heritage.”

The event concluded with a lively book signing session where attendees had the opportunity to interact with Mrs. Puri and have their copies of Swallowing the Sun personally signed by the author. The positive reception to Mrs. Puri’s book, combined with the engaging dialogue and warm camaraderie, ensured that the evening would be remembered as one of the most remarkable literary events in Bengaluru’s cultural calendar.

The author Mrs. Puri stated quoting, “I have had some 16 launches here in India and the US but this launch , in one of my  hometowns where my parents who inspired this novel   spent  some sunset years in tranquil Malleswaram with my  elder sister Indira Bhargava close by , makes it very special and heartwarming for me . Namma Bengaluru is not just a slogan . I feel  a certain affinity to this city and state of Karnataka too because my father BG Murdeshwar , who helped write  the Constitution of India  with Dr Ambedkar hailed from Karwar and was born in Kumta and takes his name from the temple town of Murudeshwar . Bengaluru is also  a city on the cusp of  constant change and transformation  while being the cradle of Indian civilizational values and its aspiration to greatness .  This novel captures that  tussle, alchemy and audacity of the human spirit.”

The graceful Vidya Gajapathi Singh, Ehsaas Woman of Chennai who was present remarked, “Listening to Lakshmi Puri discuss her journey and the profound themes of her debut book with Anita Nair was a remarkable experience. It is always a delight to be a part of Prabha Khaitan Foundation’s distinctive initiatives like today with ‘Kitaab’ Bengaluru, making us all feel deeply connected to the essence of the book. It was an evening filled with literary brilliance and heartfelt moments.”

Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) is a non-profit organisation based in Kolkata, which is unbiasedly committed to promoting, performing arts, culture, education, literature, gender equality, and women’s empowerment through author’s meets, book launches, literature fests, panel discussions, boutique festivals, and performing artists. It has conducted 5000+ sessions in India and overseas. The Foundation’s multifaceted initiatives of language and literature other than Kitaab includes The Write Circle, Kalam, The Universe Writes, Lafz, Aakhar and Shabd.  Over a span of 40 years, it has hosted luminaries like Vinod Bharadwaj, Aalok Shrivastav, Amish Tripathi, Shashi Tharoor, Ruskin Bond, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Usha Uthup, Vikram Sampath, Ricky Kej, Shubha Mudgal and many more.