Ladies’ Day!

There is something special about 31st January 2010. More than end of the month – it marks the successful culmination of my almost yearlong efforts to launch The Book. The Day began with the Round Table Discussion in which seven leading women writers of Asia participated, lunch with dignitaries and guests, tea in the evening followed by the moment of truth – the Launch of the first Anthology on Asian Women Writers. Seamlessly coordinating five programmes in a day is quite a job and sure gives a sense of achievement.

It all started on 30th evening with some of the women, who are also the leading literary minds of Asia, along with officials of India International Centre (IIC) came over to my place for dinner. It was nice of Shabana Azmi to join us. If Shabana is around can shayari be far behind. What followed was a memorable evening.

Pakistani writer Kishwar Naheed and Donia Gobar (Afghanistan) shared their worldviews and perspectives. Manju Kanchuli of Nepal, Kunzang Choden of Bhutan and Putsata Reang of Cambodia agreed that writing was a personal journey. Playing host to these talented ladies is an honour and pleasure. Shabana is a wonderful person. Her presence is electrifying and at the same time she has a very down-to-earth countenance. I think, Jayabroto Chatterjee and Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, who joined us, would agree. The day belonged to the ladies. And yes we all had dinner too.

ess bee