The annual Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2021 organized by Apeejay Surrendra Group and Oxford Bookstores hosted actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood along with writer Meena K Iyer regarding their recently published book “I am No Messiah”.The session was moderated by Editorial Director at Ebury India and Vintage publishing at Penguin Random House India, Milee Ashwarya. The speakers deliberated on the new book and the whirlwind of experiences that lead to the writing of the book.
Actor Sonu Sood came out as the savior of hundreds of people in India who were adversely affected by the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown in India. From helping migrant workers and pregnant women reach their homes safely and uniting with their families to arranging safe shelter and travel for those stuck at their workplaces,I am no Messiah talks about the journey of the actor to the philanthropist and how he emerged as a hero for the people of India.
Speaking at the event Sonu Sood said, “It was a tough journey but I enjoyed being a part of this initiative throughout. And it would not have been possible without my team, whose help I received at every step. I still receive gratitude messages from the students, who were stranded during the lockdown.”
Sharing her experiences as a journalist, Meena K Iyer said that “The pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have made all of us realise that there is a greater purpose in life other than mundane day to day chores and we all need to live for others not only for us.”
The session was indeed a celebration of making dreams come true and doing wonders for mankind if one has the zeal to serve people.”
(By Pratyusha Mukherjee)
Bengali