By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 28: Author and lawyer Kartikeya Vajpai on Thursday discussed his book, The Unbecoming, at the Shillong Press Club, sparking a conversation on identity, purpose, and emotional well-being.
The event featured Vajpai in conversation with Padma Shri awardee and Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, drawing participation from writers, journalists, academicians, and students.
Published by Penguin Random House India, The Unbecoming examines self-awareness and the pressures of modern life.
The book, which includes forewords by the Dalai Lama and Swami Sarvapriyananda, follows a celebrated cricketer, Siddharth, and his mentor, Ajay, as they navigate questions of identity and transformation.
Addressing the session, Vajpai reflected on the emotional exhaustion and uncertainty common among younger generations in a competitive world.
“We are living in an age where people are trying to constantly prove themselves, often without first understanding who they truly are.
The real tragedy is not failure, but living a life disconnected from one’s inner voice,” he said.
Vajpai also praised Meghalaya’s cultural environment, describing it as a place uniquely suited for reflection. “Places like Meghalaya remind us that silence and depth still matter. There is an emotional honesty here that makes such conversations especially significant,” he remarked.
The discussion also touched upon mental health and the importance of creating space for meaningful public dialogue.
Sharing her reflections, Patricia Mukhim said the book’s themes are particularly relevant given current psychological challenges. “We live in a disruptive world and are confronted by mental health concerns. A book like this, which encourages people to move beyond themselves and explore their inner world, is perhaps the need of the hour,” she said.
The event concluded with an interactive session and a book-signing, where readers engaged with Vajpai on topics of resilience, relationships, and the search for meaning in modern life.
