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Padma
Vibhushan Recipient, Philosopher and Statesman Dr Karan Singh, Padma Vibhushan
Recipient, Former Union Minister, Govt. of India Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Vaisnavacharya
and Dharmaguru Acharya Sri Pundrik Maharaj and Director of Tibet House Geshe
Dorji Damdul join the Author at the launch
·
Among
the dignitaries present was Former Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep
Dhankhar
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The
book launch was hosted by Prabha Khaitan Foundation
The book carries forewords by His
Holiness the Dalai Lama and Swami Sarvapriyananda, whose
contributions were referenced during the evening as affirmations of the book’s
spiritual and philosophical authority, situating it within a living tradition
of inner enquiry and compassion.
Speaking
at the launch, author Kartikeya Vajpai said, “The Unbecoming is rooted in the understanding that
much of our suffering comes from clinging to identities shaped by fear and
expectation. It is basically the only thing that limits you as an individual.
So, be formless, thoughtless and liberate yourself from your self-created image
and the perceptions others impose upon you. Unbecoming is a quiet return, an
invitation to allow life to reveal its purpose rather than imposing one upon
it. In modern life, inner enquiry is essential. It allows us to act with
clarity while remaining grounded in presence and awareness.”
The
launch discussion featured a distinguished panel comprising Dr Karan Singh, Dr
Murli Manohar Joshi, Acharya Sri Pundrik Maharaj and Geshe Dorji Damdul, who
reflected on the central themes explored in the book like identity, inner
clarity, purpose, and the process of unbecoming. The panel examined
contemporary ambition, resilience, and the modern search for meaning,
emphasising the importance of introspection in navigating an increasingly
restless world. The session was moderated by Kathak exponent and granddaughter
of Pandit Birju Maharaj, Shinjini Kulkarni – Ehsaas Woman of the Prabha Khaitan
Foundation. The audience responded with attentive engagement, underscoring the
resonance of the themes discussed.
Reflecting
on the book’s engagement with learning and personal evolution, Dr Karan
Singh noted the continuity between the novel’s themes and India’s
philosophical heritage, stating, “People often ask how one can combine
public life with spiritual life. For over 75 years, it is indeed possible,
provided one has a deep commitment to both inner self and public life.
Kartikeya has beautifully combined these dimensions very effectively in The
Unbecoming. As with every first novel, the author’s presence is deeply felt.
The book reflects the harmony of outer life and inner quest. I congratulate
Kartikeya on his first novel and wish it great success.”
Speaking at the launch Dr Murli Manohar Joshi said,
“In The Unbecoming, Kartikeya brings together proficiency, efficiency and
attention into a thoughtful philosophy of living. Drawing from ancient wisdom
and translating it through the discipline of cricket, the book shows that
balance is achieved through awareness, where silence becomes strength and
spirituality becomes a way of exercising control.”
Talking about the book Acharya Sri Pundrik Maharaj said, “This
book offers a thoughtful reflection on identity beyond roles and achievements,
reminding us that true learning is an inward and continuous process.”
Commenting
on the resonance between the novel and the message of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama, Geshe Dorji Damdul said, “The Unbecoming, the book by Kartikeya
Vajpai, by the very title, as can be seen in the foreword by His Holiness the
Dalai Lama to the book, is very inclusive and compassionately driven by a sense
of wisdom. The connotation of the title of the book as can be imbibed by
various audiences – unbecoming of bad habits to unbecoming of the unhealthy
thought process so to be united with one’s true nature of purity of mind and
thus embrace all beings with skilful compassion – is truly profound to be
embraced by all readers of the book.”
Published by Penguin Random House
India, The Unbecoming is a contemplative novel centred on the evolving
relationship between Siddharth, a celebrated cricketer, and Ajay, the seasoned
coach who shaped his journey. As their long-standing guru–shishya bond is
tested, both are compelled to confront the illusions of identity, the fear of
the unknown, and the weight of expectation. Blending narrative storytelling
with emotional truth and philosophical enquiry, the novel reflects on the art
of relinquishing inherited selves and returning to one’s essential being.