Debut novel ‘The Unbecoming’ blends spiritual inquiry with literary fiction at New Delhi launch

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Marking a notable moment in the city’s literary calendar, debut novelist Kartikeya Vajpai unveiled his book The Unbecoming in New Delhi at a thoughtfully curated evening organised by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation under ‘Kitaab’ — its book launch initiative. The event brought together writers, scholars and avid readers to engage deeply with the novel’s philosophical underpinnings. A strong turnout and an atmosphere of quiet reflection mirrored the contemplative depth of the work.

The book carries forewords by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Swami Sarvapriyananda, whose contributions were referenced during the evening as affirmations of the book’s spiritual and philosophical authority, situating it within a living tradition of inner enquiry and compassion.

Speaking at the launch, author Kartikeya Vajpai said, “The Unbecoming is rooted in the understanding that much of our suffering comes from clinging to identities shaped by fear and expectation. It is basically the only thing that limits you as an individual. So, be formless, thoughtless and liberate yourself from your self-created image and the perceptions others impose upon you. Unbecoming is a quiet return, an invitation to allow life to reveal its purpose rather than imposing one upon it. In modern life, inner enquiry is essential. It allows us to act with clarity while remaining grounded in presence and awareness.”

The launch discussion featured a distinguished panel comprising Dr Karan Singh, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Acharya Sri Pundrik Maharaj and Geshe Dorji Damdul, who reflected on the central themes explored in the book, including identity, inner clarity, purpose and the process of unbecoming. The panel examined contemporary ambition, resilience and the modern search for meaning, emphasising the importance of introspection in navigating an increasingly restless world. The session was moderated by Kathak exponent and granddaughter of Pandit Birju Maharaj, Shinjini Kulkarni – Ehsaas Woman of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. The audience responded with attentive engagement, underscoring the resonance of the themes discussed.

Reflecting on the book’s engagement with learning and personal evolution, Dr Karan Singh noted the continuity between the novel’s themes and India’s philosophical heritage, stating, “People often ask how one can combine public life with spiritual life. For over 75 years, it is indeed possible, provided one has a deep commitment to both inner self and public life. Kartikeya has beautifully combined these dimensions very effectively in The Unbecoming. As with every first novel, the author’s presence is deeply felt. The book reflects the harmony of outer life and inner quest. I congratulate Kartikeya on his first novel and wish it great success.”

Speaking at the launch, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi said, “In The Unbecoming, Kartikeya brings together proficiency, efficiency and attention into a thoughtful philosophy of living. Drawing from ancient wisdom and translating it through the discipline of cricket, the book shows that balance is achieved through awareness, where silence becomes strength and spirituality becomes a way of exercising control.”

Talking about the book, Acharya Sri Pundrik Maharaj said, “This book offers a thoughtful reflection on identity beyond roles and achievements, reminding us that true learning is an inward and continuous process.”

Commenting on the resonance between the novel and the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Dorji Damdul said, “The Unbecoming, the book by Kartikeya Vajpai, by the very title, as can be seen in the foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the book, is very inclusive and compassionately driven by a sense of wisdom. The connotation of the title of the book as can be imbibed by various audiences – unbecoming of bad habits to unbecoming of the unhealthy thought process so to be united with one’s true nature of purity of mind and thus embrace all beings with skilful compassion – is truly profound to be embraced by all readers of the book.”

Published by Penguin Random House India, The Unbecoming is a contemplative novel centred on the evolving relationship between Siddharth, a celebrated cricketer, and Ajay, the seasoned coach who shaped his journey. As their long-standing guru–shishya bond is tested, both are compelled to confront the illusions of identity, the fear of the unknown and the weight of expectation. Blending narrative storytelling with emotional truth and philosophical enquiry, the novel reflects on the art of relinquishing inherited selves and returning to one’s essential being.