The inaugural edition of The Write Circle in Hisar, an initiative of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, brought together literature, history, and personal reflection in a compelling conversation featuring acclaimed author Neelima Dalmia Adhar. In dialogue with Kashni Tayal, the evening explored themes of family, identity, emotional resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. The session commenced with a warm welcome by Rhea Malik, Ehsaas Woman of Hisar.
At the outset, Adhar offered a candid glimpse into the unconventional circumstances of her childhood. “I am a product of polygamy. I am the fourth child of my father’s sixth wife. We are eighteen children,” she remarked, immediately drawing the audience into her remarkable personal narrative. While acknowledging that the literary influence came from her mother, a prolific Hindi author, she described herself as “an accidental writer.”
The discussion centred around her acclaimed memoir-biography, Father Dearest: The Life and Times of R.K. Dalmia. What began as a suggestion from a friend evolved into a deeply personal journey of self-discovery. “When I began writing about my father, I astonished myself. I did not realise how much anguish I had buried within me,” she reflected. Writing, she explained, became an act of catharsis and healing.
Rather than focusing on her father’s business achievements, Adhar sought to understand the man behind the public persona. “I wanted to understand what drove him, what he was searching for, and what he hoped to find,” she said. Her interest, she noted, was rooted in psychology rather than economics or finance.
One of the evening’s most moving moments came when she spoke about forgiveness and acceptance. Through the process of writing, she arrived at a deeper understanding of both her parents and their limitations. “Recognising that neither of them could have done better than they did allowed me to find peace,” she shared.
The conversation also touched upon her later works, including The Secret Diary of Kasturba Gandhi and Radha, reflecting her enduring interest in uncovering overlooked voices and emotional truths. The evening concluded with a felicitation of the author by Jagdeep Bhargava, while Naresh Leekha honoured conversationalist Kashni Tayal. A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Neha Kajla, Ehsaas Woman of Hisar.
This session of The Write Circle was organized with the support of Ehsaas Women of Hisar, and was in association with Hospitality Partner, Bestin; and Print Hindi Media Partner, Dainik Jagaran
