My book My India officially launched in April 2025, and while the process of publishing was no small feat, I’ve quickly discovered that what comes after—the journey of sharing it with the world—is an even greater mountain to climb.
Even before the book’s release, I was filled with excitement and intention. By early February, I began reaching out to fellow writers, readers, and longtime supporters of my work. I envisioned multiple book launches in different cities and venues across India. I saw this not only as a way to gain exposure, but more importantly, as an offering of gratitude to the Divine Goddess who has blessed my path.
Around the same time, a conversation with a retired Indian Army Major—now my personal astrologer—shifted my perspective. He told me that I was on the cusp of beginning my Rahu Dasa, an 18-year planetary phase best used for planting seeds that would bear fruit over time. Inspired, I decided to hold my first live book launch and poetry performance on the very day that phase began.
While some questioned my choice of venue—a simple event hall in my own community—I knew it was the perfect soil for sowing this seed. My neighbors, mostly senior citizens with a collective lifetime of wisdom, have stood by me, encouraged me, and believed in my potential long before the world did. I wanted their blessings as I began this new chapter.
The week before, I hosted an online launch, intentionally planned so that my parents—though physically distant—could be a part of the experience. The event included a thoughtful conversation between me and the book’s visual artist, Shweta Ramakrishnan, facilitated by a dear colleague–Pragya Bhatt— who crafted questions that brought out the deeper essence of our work.
At Banaras Hindu University, where I’m currently pursuing my research, I held a small, heartfelt gathering with my professors and peers—people who welcomed me just over two years ago and have been unwavering in their encouragement. My department head and research guide, Dr. Manoj Mishra, graciously helped bring that event to life.
Then, in Bangalore—where so many of my closest friends are based—I held another reading and performance. My soul-sister Medha opened the doors of her yoga studio, Amrutha Bindu, and Louis from Telemaniac accompanied me on electric guitar, adding a powerful resonance to my poetry.
Each performance became a sacred act. No two readings were the same. I curated every session for its audience, weaving together poems, commentary, and visuals to create a multidimensional experience. This was never just about sharing words—it was about invoking something deeper. Offering something back. Surrendering it all to the Goddess who first whispered these verses into my heart during the stillness of Covid days, when my dear friend Pragya and I would sit in silence and write.
Now, with the launch complete, I find myself asking: what’s next?
The answer is both daunting and exhilarating.
I want My India to illuminate the path for my future work in poetry and performance. I want it to be read, shared, discussed, and celebrated—not just in India, but across Indian communities globally, especially in my native California and the greater U.S.
This means book reviews—in newspapers, journals, blogs, and magazines. It means reaching out to literary festivals and cultural events, where I can perform and speak to audiences who resonate with themes of bhakti, identity, and inner discovery.
It means making connections—with bookstores, reading clubs, universities, libraries, and cultural institutions.
It also means building a team—perhaps even hiring a consultant—to support the public relations work that lies ahead.
And of course, there’s the matter of sales. I want this book in the hands of individuals, communities, corporates, libraries, and bookstores. Every copy that reaches a reader is another ripple in the larger offering this book represents.
So yes, My India is out in the world. But really, this is only the beginning. The journey is underway—and I walk it with purpose, devotion, and the unshakable belief that the words gifted to me by the Divine are meant to find those who need them most.