New Delhi : The Partition Museum at the historic Dara Shukoh Library Building witnessed a significant literary event as Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, attended the celebration of Swallowing the Sun, the national bestseller by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri. The event, organized by The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust in collaboration with The Lalit, highlighted the novel’s historical significance and its deep connection to India’s Partition.
The discussion was moderated by author and playwright Kishwar Desai, the founder of the Partition Museums in Amritsar and Delhi. Joining the event was Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, who emphasized the importance of literature in preserving historical narratives.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, in his address, acknowledged the impact of the Partition, calling it "a huge tragedy that displaced more than 20 million people and transformed the demographics of Delhi." He lauded the efforts of the Partition Museum in preserving oral histories, photographs, and personal narratives of those affected.
Author Lakshmi Puri shared insights into her novel, which follows Malati, a fearless young girl navigating pre-independence India. She spoke about the challenges of writing historical fiction and its relevance in today’s context. Expressing her gratitude, she remarked, “I’m delighted to be here at the Partition Museum, a living monument to one of the most traumatic episodes in our history. We must never forget the past to ensure history does not repeat itself.”
A special moment during the event was the presentation of the Refugee Rehabilitation Law, drafted by Lakshmi Puri’s father, Shri B. G. Murdeshwar, to the Lieutenant Governor. This document, which played a crucial role in the resettlement of Partition refugees, will now be preserved in the Gallery of Rehabilitation at the Partition Museum, Delhi.
Dr. Jyotsna Suri reflected on the novel’s themes of resilience and empowerment, calling it “a beacon of hope, inclusion, and courage.” The event also highlighted the leadership of women in literature, business, and historical preservation, with Lakshmi Puri, Kishwar Desai, and Dr. Suri leading the conversation.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees explored the historical research behind Swallowing the Sun and its impact on modern readers.
