Sudha Murthy
On February 6th 2024, Ajji joined the book club for an exclusive signing at Rajat Book Corner. In her inimitable pithy style, she answered many questions about the creative life, her writing process, and where ideas come from.
Ajai Chowdhry
We hosted an exclusive event with Mr Ajai Chowdhry’s book Just Aspire on February 3rd at Aarrunya, a lovely outhouse. He spoke about his outstanding career, the people who guided him and how every person needs to aspire diligently to make their dreams come true.
Reema Ahmad
We were thrilled to host author Reema Ahmad in conversation with Aakriti Periwal for a thought-provoking discussion on her book "Un-parenting" at Aarrunya on March 3rd. Candid and hilarious conversations on the challenges and nuances of modern day parenting
Sumaa Tekur
In partnership with Jaipur’s chapter of FICCI FLO, we were joined by the inspiring solo traveller and writer, Sumaa Tekur, for an evening of conversation and high tea at Diggi Palace on July 6th 2024. The discussion was full of riveting travel stories and charming personal anecdotes. Sumaa spoke passionately about the pleasures of travelling alone around the world, and how it can lead to healing, soul-broadening and profound inner peace.
Vikas Swarup
On August 23, our book club hosted Vikas Swarup, author of Slumdog Millionaire, for an engaging discussion about his new novel, The Girl With The Seven Lives. We explored his writing process, balancing his diplomatic career with writing, and the adaptation of his first novel Q&A into an Oscar-winning film. He shared valuable advice: “Write what only you can write,” emphasizing originality. While addressing AI and future challenges, he remained optimistic: "We have to be optimistic for the sake of future generations." It was an unforgettable evening.
aruna roy at tilonia
A few months ago, we were a small group of people having chai at Rajat Book Corner, talking about beginning a book club. Fast forward to 8th September, 2024: From that meeting at the bookstore, now we have been on our first road trip as a bookclub! And we couldn’t have asked for a better destination than the soul-nourishing Barefoot College at Tilonia, to meet Ms Aruna Roy, the prominent social activist behind the RTI act and MGNREGA. It is a rare opportunity to meet such an incredible person, and the trip proved to be a transformative experience for all of us.
Speaking about the importance of upholding our Constitutional rights, and the compassion and commitment we owe to every community’s well being, Aruna ma’am gave us her valuable time and attention. We even got the opportunity to speak with her husband and fellow activist, Bunker Roy, about his work and writings.
Exploring Barefoot College was truly a special treat: not only did we see nature at its most flamboyant, but we also spoke to the people who are engaged in organic farming and heard about wildlife-conservation projects. We saw the library and craft workshops, and, to our surprise, a fighter jet!
It is impossible to express the inspiring, profound and breathtaking beauty of Tilonia and Barefoot College. Listening to Aruna ma’am and Bunker sir filled all of us with wonder and a fighting spirit. We are grateful to have had such an amazing time with such a wonderful set of people!