Pune: Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, former Assistant Secretary General, United Nations and Ambassador celebrated the launch of her debut book “Swallowing the Sun” on Monday, 4th March 2024 at Symbiosis International University, Lavale, Pune at the hands of Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and President, Symbiosis and Chancellor, Symbiosis International University (SIU).
The novel “Swallowing the Sun” is deeply rooted in Lakshmi Puri’s personal history and heritage, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Maharashtra. The novel explores themes of women empowerment through its protagonist, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of women during a pivotal period in Indian history. Puri expressed that the book is influenced by various Abhangas, spiritual hymns composed by renowned Maharashtrian saints and poets, enriching the narrative with cultural depth and resonance.The novel, set during the time of independence, draws inspiration from Puri’s parents and her roots in Maharashtra, aiming to illuminate themes of women empowerment and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the occasion Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri said, even though this novel is for all age groups but I can say that this is the patent idea for young people, about young people by young people. It speaks for young people and their future. It’s about time travel, it’s about nostalgia literature. This is a historical contemporary novel. Education is a transformative force emphasised in this book. It speaks to the soul of india. This is about self realization, it is about individuals and their achievements.
After the book release Amb. Shyamala B. Cowsik, Former Ambassador and Literary Critic interviewed Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri and asked multiple questions about the author and her book. During the conversation Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri said, although I traveled outside India for many years, the Maharashtrian core within me never left. My father taught us Marathi Sahitya at home. I watched marathi theater, read marathi poems etc. I really love Marathi Natya Sangeet. This is a pan- India novel with Maharashtrian Heart, Lakshmi Puri added further.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis and Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University gave the welcome address, Dr. Shrirang Altekar, Director, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management gave the vote of thanks and Dr. Santosh Gopalkrishnan, Deputy Head, Corporate Relations and Associate Professor, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management was the anchor of the program.
