India International Centre or IIC.
The name evokes visions of leisure, languor and a slow-paced lifestyle. Where one sits on wicker chairs in the lush green lawns soaking in the winter sunshine or relaxes in the lounges waiting for hot, scrumptious food to be served by people who have the warmth and familiarity of old friends. Time does not rush in IIC. It is an oasis in the hustle-bustle of Delhi, perhaps because most of its members and patrons have earned their rest and now have time to enjoy the finer things in life.
A book discussion at IIC was both exciting and unnerving. My initial reaction was one of trepidation: Here were some of the most well read persons who were going to dissect and take apart my precious offering, 'The Awasthis of Aamnagri'. Fortunately my co-panelists were gracious and generous and put me at ease. The panel had eminent litterateurs such as Prof. Malashri Lal and Prof.Madhu Khanna. It was headed by Dr. Ajay Mathur, whose subtle sense of humour and command over the language makes him a magician with words. Facing such stalwarts was indeed disconcerting yet, encouraging. Thus, I did what every writer does- took shelter behind my book!
The interaction was lively and entertaining. It also brought home to me the stark fact that at the end of the day, we are more like each other than we realise. Our memories are similar, our pasts have a shared thread that makes us comfortable with each other despite the differences of geography or language. We all share that mango in our backyard or the summer vacations at our grandparents house....
The link to the youtube recording is: https://youtu.be/xgXxoi-Wtlg
If you have any observations or comments, you can write them in the comments box below.
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