Book Launch
Shalini Modi, a resident of N 4, GK 1, dons many hats, as reported in an earlier edition of Samvada. This writeup is about Shalini Modi, the author.
“Rasas in Divine Relationships” by Shalini Modi was launched at a hall packed with relatives, friends, and well-wishers at the India International Centre, Delhi, by Shikha Rai, BJP spokesperson and Greater Kailash-1 counsellor, Padmashree, Shovana Narayanji, eminent and venerated Kathak performer, eminent artist Durga Kantola, and filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur, Vandana Kohli. The book is published by Rupa Publications.
The event began with a short dance drama based on the interaction of Krishna with the Gopis, which invoked Hasya ras and Shringaar ras by the students of Jyotsna Shourie dance centre. This was followed by the unveiling of the book and a panel discussion between panelists Shovana Narayanji, Durga Kantola, Vandana Kohli, and the author, Shalini Modi, moderated by Monica Arora. The discussion dwelled on the play of rasas in our lives and those of the Divine.
Rasas are emotions, or the plethora of feelings experienced by humans. Rasa means juice, essence, or nectar in Sanskrit. Rasa transforms an external experience into an internal feeling. Essentially, rasa isin everything, and everything has rasa.
These larger-than-life characters with extraordinary qualities are depicted as being vulnerable to some of the base desires and vices, thereby making them relatable for the present generations. Through these stories, Shalini has tried to shed light on some underlying themes and nuances of married life and man-woman relationships.
Shovanaji said, “Every relationship gives rise to an emotional experience based on a subjective experience and a physiological response, which is manifested through an expressive response in terms of behaviour. “Rasas in Divine Relationships” is an insightful exploration of such behavioural responses in relationships shared between these characters taken from our ancient epics, making it an interesting read.
The evening ended with a high tea. Most people bought a copy of the book and got it autographed by Shalini Modi.
