India, March 7 -- Writers, artists and thinkers from across Delhi's cultural circle gathered on Thursday to launch former diplomat Pavan K Varma's book, The Lady Who Carried the Monk Across the River. Moderated by journalist Advaita Kala, the event unfolded as an evening of reflection on Indian philosophy, spirituality, and the contradictions within the Hindu worldview. Speaking about the book, Varma said, "At its heart, the story looks at the constant tension between spirituality and desire. Can the two exist in harmony, or must one always deny the other?" In praise of the read, writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar said he found it deeply engaging. "I've never read a book like this before, it feels like a genre of its own. It's the kind of story you can finish in one sitting because the ideas grip you and refuse to let go, " he shared....