Kabir Bedi launches Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri's book ‘Swallowing the Sun’ in Delhi

Author Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s new book ‘Swallowing the Sun’ was launched by actor Kabir Bedi and author-publisher David Davidar at ITC Maurya, in New Delhi on 21 February, 2024.

The event started with Ms. Neelima Dalmia Adhar, author & Honorary Convenor of Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF)-Delhi NCR, addressing the audience, and offering a glimpse into the esteemed work of PKF. She then called upon the stage author Lakshmi Puri, actor Kabir Bedi, author-publisher David Davidar, Amaan Kidwai-- Area Director of North Luxury Hotels & GM ITC Maurya, women from Ehsaas and others to start with the book launch.

The book launch was followed by an engaging talk between the author and David Davidar, wherein they discussed Lakshmi Puri's new book, her inspiration, the characters of the book and how she related to them, the themes, and much more.

'Swallowing the Sun' is a powerful story about Malati, a brave young woman living during India's fight for freedom. Despite facing challenges, and all the while defying traditional expectations, Malati shows incredible strength and courage. With support from her forward-thinking father, she and her sister Kamala become the first women in their family to attend college.
Their journey takes them to Bombay, where political tensions run high. Alongside the struggle for independence, Malati experiences the ups and downs of everyday life—love, loss, and difficult decisions.
Told in a beautifully engaging way by author Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, the book and Malati's story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find the strength to fight for what we believe in.

When discussing the book, Mrs. Puri shared how ‘Swallowing the Sun’ was inspired by the lived reality of her parents but was equally an act of creation and a leap of imagination for her. Mrs. Puri also did a poetic rendition of the book and shared with the audience how the characters of the book were very relatable to her and almost a part of her life in a way.

At the event, actor Kabir Bedi also captivated the audience with his eloquence, by delivering a beautiful poetic rendition of the book.

Ms. Adhar then opened the floor to the audience, to invite questions for Mrs. Puri regarding the book, its content, themes, and her inspirations.

Post the Q&A, the event drew to a close with a book signing by the author.