Dehradun: Governor Lt. General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) presided as the chief guest at the launch of Swallowing The Sun, a book authored by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, held in Dehradun. Praising the book, the Governor said that it is a tribute to motherhood and delves into strengthening one’s thoughts and beliefs while showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative “A Tree for Mother” the Governor urged the public to contribute in their own ways to honor their mothers.
He emphasized that through this novel, the author has not only paid homage to her heritage but also contributed to the global understanding of India’s freedom struggle. He praised Puri’s ability to balance creative storytelling with historical accuracy, predicting that the book would hold a special place in readers’ hearts worldwide. The novel, he said, sheds light on the unsung heroes of India’s independence movement and celebrates their sacrifices.
The Governor remarked that the book is more than just a novel—it’s a tribute to the ordinary men and women whose extraordinary courage shaped India’s story of independence. He found it deeply moving, blending personal memory, family history, and national pride. The story revolves around two sisters, highlighting their personal struggles and the collective yearning of a nation to break free from colonial rule.
The Governor underscored the significant role of women in the freedom struggle, noting that it was not a male-dominated domain. Women were torchbearers of resistance, often fighting battles on multiple fronts—against colonial oppression, societal norms, and patriarchal barriers. The novel transports readers to rural Maharashtra and the bustling streets of Bombay during the independence movement, making the historical narrative immersive and relatable.
He said that the novel reminds readers of the values that defined the freedom struggle—courage, unity, and selflessness. The stories of Malti and Kamla illustrate how small acts of defiance, when multiplied by collective will, can lead to significant change. The Governor urged the youth, as the custodians of India’s future, to read such stories and understand the sacrifices that secured their freedom and the responsibilities that come with it.
Through its strong female protagonists, the book also sends an empowering message to young women, encouraging them to dream fearlessly and act decisively. The Governor congratulated Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri for her remarkable contribution to literature and history and extended his best wishes for her future endeavors.
The event was attended by the author Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, Ambassador Kamlesh Sharma, Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS), Anindita Chatterjee from the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, and Charu Chauhan from FICCI Flo.
