- By Kirti Nagpal

We had the pleasure of hosting two esteemed authors, Manorama Chaudhary and Upendra Mishra. The discussion explored fascinating parallels between our ancient scriptures—such as Natyashastra attributed to Brahma Muni—and modern neuroscience. We reflected on how concepts like Rasa and Bhava can be understood as early interpretations of how thoughts generate emotions, which in turn shape our actions.

Manorama is the author of Ashtanayika: Tatwa O Kabita and co-author of Ashtanayika: The Romantic Heroines from the Natyashastra to Modernity. Both books explore Shringar Rasa and its enduring influence on Indian art, literature, and culture, supported by her original classical and contemporary verses.

With Upendra Mishra, the conversation focused on self-contemplation and the creation of an inner compass—encouraging us to look beyond the duality of “good” and “bad,” and instead work toward achieving happiness and peace through the mantra, “Que Sera Sera.”

Upendra Mishra is the founder of Precise Marketing & Media, Inc., a company specializing in high-impact, personalized communication strategies. He is also the founder of The Mishra Group, a diversified media company that publishes INDIA New England News, IndUS Business Journal, Boston Life Sciences Times, and Boston Real Estate Times.

He is the author of After the Fall.

After the Fall is a soulful and unflinching portrait of a man who seemed to have it all—a brilliant career, captivating romances, and a keen intellect.

I was truly fortunate to have the opportunity to moderate this event and engage in a productive and intellectually enriching one-on-one conversation with both of our esteemed authors.

The central idea behind this event was to encourage a deeper understanding of the self and to acknowledge emotions and thoughts as they arise—whether through the concepts of Rasa and Bhava explored in Ashtanayika, or through Owen’s journey in After the Fall.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Manorama Chaudhary and Upendra Mishra for taking the time to share their insights and giving us the opportunity to learn more about the extensive research and reflection that went into writing their books.

I would also like to thank Snehalata Kadam for collaborating with Humrahee on this project; Sapna Gera and Guru for the wonderful song recital; and Shivani for the graceful dance performance.

And of course, my sincere thanks to my Humrahee team, Sharat Amin and Narayan Sharma, for their constant support.