Venue:Bengal Club, Kolkata
The prestigious Bengal Club, a significant ex-colonial establishment now under Indian control, was the grand venue for the launch event of RB’s book. Attended by nearly 50 people, including the Russian Consul General, it was an evening to remember.
Three eminent speakers graced the event, alongside a master of ceremonies who guided a three-hour session filled with insightful questions from both Geetha and RB, as well as the engaged audience. The atmosphere was further enriched by the captivating introductions and questions from Julie Mehta and Harish Mehta.
Event Highlights:
- Engaging Discussions: The session featured deep and meaningful conversations, allowing Geetha and RB to share their experiences and the story behind the book. Their enthusiasm and passion were palpable, making the evening particularly special.
- Audience Interaction: The interaction was vibrant, with attendees posing thoughtful questions and sharing their reflections. The presence of notable residents of Kolkata, the Bengalis, added to the prestige of the event.
- Guest of Honour: The Russian Consul General, Alexey Idamkin, expressed his admiration for RB’s life story and marathons, highlighting his own interest as a jogger and offering travel recommendations in India.
Feedback: - Julie Mehta and Harish Mehta: “What an enchanting evening, dear Philip. We have received 18 messages from people who thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The timbre and tone touched everyone. Life on the fast lane and the independent path was a power-packed route to success. We are going to bed full of remarkable stories told by one extraordinary storyteller.”
- Alexey Idamkin: “Good evening, Philip! Or Mr. George. I was indeed fascinated by your life story. Above that, 25 marathons is impressive, because I am a jogger too. Just one short question: was it my gut feeling that you’ve become a bit disappointed with Italy? Not fully, but correct me if I’m wrong. Anyway, your upcoming trip around India for 3 months is impressive! Add Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso (Ladakh) to your route, and visit the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the area. You will never forget the experience.”
Quote from RB:
“I have a heart for Malaysia, a heart for England, and a heart for Italy,” RB said. “All three hearts will keep beating. In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period kept telling me that Italy is my country. Still, it wasn’t an easy decision.”
Conclusion:
The launch event of RB’s book was a resounding success, marked by engaging discussions, heartfelt interactions, and the prestigious presence of distinguished guests. Geetha and RB were honoured by to share their journey and the story of the book, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Racket Boy