The serene hills of Mussoorie set the perfect backdrop for an engaging and thought-provoking edition of The Write Circle, hosted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. The evening brought together literature enthusiasts, seekers, and lovers of mythology for an enriching conversation with Shalini Modi—author, spiritual thinker, and acclaimed writer of Seven Immortals and The Eternal Sun—exploring spirituality, ancient wisdom, and their relevance in the modern world.
The session featured an insightful dialogue between Shalini Modi and conversationalist Rashi Sobti, whose thoughtful questions guided the discussion across themes of mythology, philosophy, and self-discovery. The evening commenced with a warm welcome note by Isha Gupta Vaish, Ehsaas Woman of Mussoorie, who introduced the spirit of the gathering and reflected on the importance of literary conversations that inspire reflection and dialogue.
The discussion began with an exploration of Modi’s journey into spirituality and mythology, examining whether this inclination was innate or cultivated over time. Reflecting on the timeless relevance of Indian epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, she highlighted how these ancient narratives continue to offer guidance on human relationships, morality, inner conflict, and resilience in contemporary society.
A particularly engaging segment focused on the delicate balance between traditional wisdom and modern interpretation. Modi spoke about approaching mythology not merely as stories from the past, but as living philosophies that continue to evolve with every generation. The conversation also delved into astrology, where ideas surrounding destiny, free will, ethics, and scepticism were discussed with nuance and balance. Questions around whether astrology should be viewed as a science, an art, or a spiritual tool led to a lively and insightful exchange with the audience.
Shalini Modi also shared reflections on the inspiration behind her books, Seven Immortals and The Eternal Sun, offering glimpses into the research, symbolism, and spiritual undertones woven into their narratives. Speaking about her future projects, she hinted at continuing to explore themes rooted in mythology, consciousness, and the human search for meaning.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Isha Gupta Vaish, who expressed gratitude to the author, guests, and audience for making the session deeply engaging and memorable. Shalini Modi was felicitated by Rajni Vaish, while Ashu Jain felicitated conversationalist Rashi Sobti, bringing the evening to a graceful close.
This session of The Write Circle was organized with the support of Ehsaas Women of Mussoorie, Hospitality Partner Amara Queen of Hills and Print Hindi Media Partner, Dainik Jagran
