📌 Key Points
- Javed Akhtar attended Pavan K Varma’s book launch in New Delhi.
- Varma’s book explores Hindu philosophy and the tensions between pleasure and spirituality.
- Akhtar praised the book’s unique style and gripping ideas.
- The book centers on a philosophical debate about a fulfilled life.
A literary event in New Delhi saw Javed Akhtar and other intellectuals discussing Pavan K Varma’s new book, “The Lady Who Carried the Monk Across the River.” The book delves into Hindu philosophy and the pursuit of a fulfilling life, sparking rich conversation.
A Meeting of Minds in New Delhi
The lawns and halls of India International Centre in New Delhi turned into a lively meeting ground for writers, artists and thinkers on Thursday evening, as former Rajya Sabha member Pavan K Varma launched his latest book, The Lady Who Carried the Monk Across the River. Published by Penguin Random House, the book explores Hindu philosophy and the broader Hindu worldview, reflecting on the tensions between pleasure, spirituality and everyday life.
The evening drew a packed audience and brought together several prominent names from Delhi’s cultural and intellectual circles. Among those in attendance were screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, architect Sunita Kohli, classical dancer Shovana Narayan, columnist and public relations expert Suhel Seth, and artist Jatin Das. The discussion was moderated by author and screenwriter Advaita Kala, who steered the conversation through themes of Indian philosophy, culture and the evolving interpretation of Hindu thought.
Akhtar, who had read the book closely before the event, spoke at length about its distinctive style and ideas. Reflecting on his reading experience, he said the book stood apart from conventional works on religion and philosophy. “I’ve never read a book quite like this before. In many ways it feels like a genre of its own,” he said. “It’s also the kind of book you can finish in one go because the ideas grip you so strongly. It binds you with its thoughts and doesn’t let you go,” he said.
Akhtar’s Reflections on Philosophy
The story follows Guru Brihaspati and his celibate disciples, Kevala and Gyan, whose lives are unsettled by the mysterious Mandakini. Over five days, guru and disciple engage in an intense philosophical debate about what truly constitutes a fulfilled life.
Blending philosophy with storytelling, the novel examines the uneasy relationship between the sacred and the sensual. Rather than offering easy answers, it places its characters at the centre of difficult choices, asking whether the quest for transcendence can coexist with the pull of earthly love.
Speaking about the book, Varma said, “At its heart, the story looks at the constant tension between spirituality and desire. Can the two exist in harmony, or must one always deny the other? In today’s time, when there is so much hypocrisy around ideas of pleasure and purity, I felt it was important to explore this honestly.”
Exploring Hindu Worldview Through Literature
“One book I would certainly recommend for today’s time is God Is Not Great,” he said, referring to the work by journalist and author Christopher Hitchens. He also suggested reading Akbar: The Great Mughal by historian Ira Mukhoty, adding that it offers a compelling perspective on the Mughal emperor and the period.
Sharing an update on Khan’s health, Akhtar said, “Salim is fine now. He’s okay and recovering. He’s sitting on a chair and talking, and I mean, he has improved.”
The evening concluded with a lively exchange between the speakers and the audience, turning the book launch into a broader conversation on philosophy, literature and the role of ideas in contemporary India.
The event fostered engaging discussions on Indian philosophy and culture. Akhtar’s insights added depth to the exploration of Varma’s work, highlighting its unique approach to complex themes. The book promises to be a thought-provoking read.
