Houston’s vibrant cultural and literary scene was on full display as Arya Samaj Houston hosted “An Afternoon of Stories, Art, & Insight” on September 21, 2025, a compelling event organized by Ranjana Vadhva Bedi and moderated by Preity Bhagia. The gathering featured New York Times best-selling author Varsha Bajaj, best-selling novelist Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and multidisciplinary artist-poet Deepak Bedi. The trio captivated a packed audience with discussions on historical fiction, the power of untold stories, and the fusion of art and poetry.
Varsha Bajaj, a New York Times bestselling author best known for her award-winning book Thirst, spoke about her journey as a children’s and young adult author. She remarked that when she first went looking for a book for her daughter, she couldn’t find a single one with an Indian theme. This inspired her to write stories that reflect her heritage and give children the joy of seeing themselves represented on the page. Bajaj shared that she is especially proud of her book A Garland of Henna, which portrays three generations of a family — including a grandmother wearing a bindi — celebrating Indian tradition and togetherness. She encouraged aspiring writers to trust their voices and focus on stories that matter deeply to them.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, best-selling author of The Last Queen, offered a deep dive into the painstaking research behind her historical novel about Maharani Jindan Kaur, the last queen of the Sikh Empire. Divakaruni described how she used archival paintings and historical records to resurrect the world of the 19th-century queen, painting a vivid picture of a formidable and intelligent ruler who fought to protect her son and her kingdom. Emphasizing the theme of reclaiming forgotten narratives, she highlighted the importance of shifting history to “herstory” and giving voice to powerful women whose contributions have often been overlooked.
Complementing the literary narratives, artist and poet Deepak Bedi presented his introspective work from his book, Brilliant Thoughts. Bedi shared how he combines visual art and the written word to explore complex human emotions, identity, and the meaning of home. He described his poetry not as classical verse but as “thoughts” and “soliloquies” that invite readers to slow down and find meaning in the everyday.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session. Bajaj, Divakaruni, and Bedi fielded questions from aspiring young writers about discipline, inspiration, and the concept of “home” for global citizens. The afternoon closed with a special moment as a beautiful painting of Maharani Jindan Kaur was presented to Divakaruni, followed by a surprise dramatic monologue by Vaishali Dev portraying the queen, bringing Divakaruni’s historical narrative to life.
Once the formal presentations were over, the audience admired Deepak Bedi’s artwork and lined up to get their copies of Thirst, A Garland of Henna, The Last Queen, and Brilliant Thoughts signed by Bajaj, Bedi, and Divakaruni — engaging the authors in warm, lively conversation. Chai, samosas and sandwiches were well-received by the animated audience, rounding out an afternoon that celebrated art, literature, and community.
Divakaruni closed the event with a heartfelt reflection: “Stories and art are our bridges to the past and our guides to the future. When we honor our heritage, we give ourselves and the next generation a sense of home, no matter where in the world we are.”
