Dainik Nation News Portal
The Doon Book Club and The Literary Table, hosted a lively and successful book discussion event on Sunday. The event was organised to celebrate the release of Moin Mir’s latest non-fiction work, “The Monastery of Solitude.” The event drew a full auditorium, reflecting the enthusiasm and interest in Mir’s new book.
Moin Mir, a London-based author of Indian descent, is renowned for his extensive research on Sufi history and cultural resurgence in India. His latest book, “The Monastery of Solitude,” explores the theme of unity, drawing inspiration from his grandfather’s expertise in Sufism. Mir, a member of the Nawab family of Surat and Kamadhia, brings a unique perspective to his work, blending personal narrative with historical exploration.
Special guests at the event included notable figures such as Nayantara Sahgal, Gita Sahgal, Priyo Lal, Admiral Koppikar, Kiran Kapoor, and Priya Kapoor of Roli Books. Pramod Kapoor, founder of Roli Books, also participated in the discussion. Roli Books, established in 1978, is celebrated for its exceptional art books and its dedication to showcasing India’s rich history.
The evening began with a welcoming address by Mallika Roy, who introduced Moin Mir, Pramod Kapoor, and the moderators, Bijoya Sawian and Dr. Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi. Mir then presented his latest publication through a series of slides, offering insights into his travelogue that blends his personal experiences with the story of Plotinus, an ancient third-century philosopher who dreamed of studying the Upanishads in India. Mir’s journey spans Egypt, Greece, and Turkey before culminating in Delhi, fulfilling Plotinus’s centuries-old dream.
Bijoya Sawian engaged Mir with thought-provoking questions about Sufism, while Aloka Dasgupta highlighted significant moments from his journey. Pramod Kapoor discussed the decision to publish Mir’s works, emphasizing the significance of “The Monastery of Solitude” in Roli Books’ distinguished catalog.
After a tea break, the audience had the opportunity to ask the author questions, leading to a vibrant and engaging discussion. Mir’s books were in high demand, with many attendees purchasing all three of his works, including “Surat: Fall of a Port, Rise of a Prince,” “The Lost Fragrance of Infinity,” and “The Monastery of Solitude.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Shalini Dhanda and the presentation of tokens of appreciation by Nita Roy to Moin Mir, Pramod Kapoor, and Nayantara Sahgal. A book signing session by Mir provided a fitting end to the evening, leaving attendees with cherished memories and autographed copies of his insightful works.
The Doon Book Club and The Literary Table’s event was a resounding success, celebrating Moin Mir’s contribution to literature and his profound exploration of unity through Sufism and history.
