TIO Bhopal
Grand Launch of “Soulmates – Shankaraagarh Diaries 2
Bhopal, August 3, 2025 – The much-awaited fourth book by renowned author, educator, and poet Dr. Shiladitya Verma, titled “Soulmates – Shankaraagarh Diaries 2”, was launched with great enthusiasm today at the Dushyant Kumar Memorial Manuscript Museum, Bhopal. The literary gathering drew a wide audience of writers, artists, theatre lovers, and readers from across the city, elevating the event’s cultural resonance.
Published by Indra Publications, Bhopal, the novel was officially released by some of the most respected voices in India’s literary and cultural sphere. The distinguished and eminent literary figureliterary figures included Shri Girijashankar, Shri Vijaydutt Shridhar, Shri Gyan Chaturvedi, Shri Vijay Manohar Tiwari, Shri Vikas Dave, and Shri Santosh Chaubey. The event was thoughtfully and gracefully anchored by Bhopal’s senior cultural analyst Shri Vinay Upadhyay, who ensured a warm and engaging literary atmosphere throughout the program.
The ceremony began with a tea session, followed by the welcoming of guests on stage and the presentation of potted plants as a green token of appreciation. The welcome speech was delivered by Mrs. Rita Verma, after which Dr. Shiladitya Verma addressed the audience, shedding light on the background of the book:
“When Soulmates was first published in 2018 as a short story in Shankaraagarh Diaries 1, many readers expressed a keen desire to know what happened next in the lives of Harsh and Aparna. Expanding that short story into a full-length novel took several years — and through that journey, I changed too. My thoughts evolved, as did my style of writing. For me, Shankaraagarh is not just a place; it is a universe of lived experiences — where every face holds a hidden story.”
The book was widely praised by the panel of guests, who lauded its portrayal of love, emotion, and the cultural fabric of small-town India in today’s times.
Shri Girijashankar noted that the novel vividly captures the emotional complexities of small towns and praised the author’s deep sensitivity and nuanced understanding of his characters’ inner worlds.Shri Vijaydutt Shridhar observed that Dr. Verma’s writing carries remarkable insight, which offers a refreshing new direction to contemporary Hindi literature. He appreciated the natural flow of the language, the appropriateness of diction, and the emotional balance in the portrayal of events and characters. He further emphasized the unique narrative structure of the novel — unfolding like pages from a diary. The technique of showcasing how two characters respond differently to the same day or situation stands out as an innovative and commendable literary experiment.Shri Gyan Chaturvedi, in his trademark humorous style, remarked:“Harsh and Aparna’s story has all the drama a good novel should have — and just as much truth. It makes you laugh, and it touches your heart too.”Shri Vijay Manohar Tiwari said:“Shankaraagarh is not just a geographical location; it is an expanse of memories and emotions. The author has brought it alive so vividly that the reader sees not only a town but their own emotional landscape within it.”
Shri Vikas Dave added:“In contemporary fiction, it’s challenging to integrate familial, local, and cultural references with ease. Yet this novel manages to do so effortlessly — reading it, one can feel the familiar scent of one’s own roots.”Shri Santosh Chaubey said:“Writers like Shiladitya represent a new hope for Hindi literature — where tradition and innovation are harmoniously balanced. His work is emotionally rich and creatively bold.”
Shri Rajiv Verma, celebrated theatre, television and film actor, and father of the author, reflected:“This book not only captures the daily lives of people in Indian towns but also dives deep into the lives of Indian expatriates in cities like London. It shows how they retain cultural sensitivity and psychological balance while embracing the best of both worlds.”
Mrs. Rita Verma, in her welcome address, said:“This book is more than just a story — it reflects the author’s emotional, cultural, and familial roots. From a mother’s perspective, this is a moment of immense pride — not just a literary achievement but a profound personal journey.”
It was also acknowledged that “Soulmates – Shankaraagarh Diaries 2” is a distinctive literary experiment — where a single day or moment is viewed through the different perspectives of two characters. This technique not only enhances the novel’s engagement but allows readers to dive deeper into the psychology and emotional nuances of the protagonists — making it both powerful and original.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the distinguished literary guests present in the auditorium were honored, and saplings were presented to them. Finally, Mr. Manish Gupta, Managing Director of Indra Publications, Bhopal, expressed his gratitude to all the guests, participants, and readers.
Dr. Shiladitya Verma, a native of Bhopal, is currently based in the UAE, where he has been a faculty member in the Business Division at Higher Colleges of Technology, Fujairah, for over a decade. He is the son of noted actor and director Shri Rajiv Verma.
His English book “Dreams Should Be Dreams: Poems and Short Stories” recently received the International Author Excellence Award 2025, presented by the Golden Awards in Dubai.
Dr. Verma is a multilingual writer, poet, and theatre artist. His other published works includeDreams Should Be Dreams: Poems and Short Stories (2022 | English), Shankaraagarh Diaries 1 (2018 | Hindi), Kisse-Kahaniyaan Bhi Kaisa Mazak Karte Hain (2017 | Hindi & English poetry collection)
This was not merely a book launch — it was a literary celebration of memory, emotion, and connection through the evolving landscape of Hindi fiction.
Publisher: Indra Publications, Bhopal
Author Contact: [email protected] | +91 98260 30119
