Book launch of The Peripheral,

On the afternoon of Sunday 12 February an enthusiastic gathering of people attended a keenly anticipated book launch in Sydney. The book being launched was The Peripheral by Meena Mahanty Kumar.

Beginning at 4 PM, the event began with the guests being welcomed personally by the author dressed in blue, like the cover of her book. As she engaged in casual conversation with her guests, there was a feeling among the attendees that the launch was off to a good start. Tea and cookies were served initially while the guests took their seats.

Promptly at 4.30 PM, the MC Ron Barooah, a BBC trained sports and cultural events announcer, set the tone of the evening in his own humorous and erudite way. The book was launched by Sheba Nandkeolyar, CEO of MultiConnections Australia by unwrapping the book’s blue silk scarf.

Then followed an unusual and interesting question answer session between the MC and the author Meena Mahanty Kumar, regarding what the book was about, what her inspiration was and her book writing journey - instead of the one sided speech we have come to expect. You could feel that the audience was hanging onto every word, especially when the underlying theme of the book was being discussed.

What followed was one the most interesting audience question and answer sessions. Some of the questions were those that could put many writers on the spot. However, the author handed each question with grace, with genuine empathy and concern for her subjectsthe nostalgia, angst and culture shock of migrants as well as a subject not touched upon in fiction - the pain of living the life of a hijra, now known as kinnars. Their desire to fit in, be accepted was touched upon with great sensitivity.

Apart from the story being about the pain of being different, she touched upon the book being about secrets and discovery, of love and humour glimpses into human behaviour.

Food and wine were served as eager attendees lined up to purchase copies of the book for themselves and as gifts while the