Mumbai, June 2025: In a city that never forgets how to blend heritage with modernity, a remarkable literary event promises to spark profound reflections and conversations. On 22nd June 2025, at 4:30 PM, the Mcubed Library in Bandra West will host a poignant evening of memory, migration, and storytelling — a book reading session featuring acclaimed author and film journalist Bhawana Somaaya, in conversation with renowned actor and filmmaker Nandita Das, moderated by celebrated media personality Tarana Raja.
Organized by GenS Life, a community-led initiative devoted to empowering India’s 60+ population, this gathering is more than just a book launch. It is a tribute to lived histories, untold family stories, and the silent legacy of the Partition of 1947 — all of which come alive in Somaaya’s latest memoir, “Farewell Karachi: A Partition Memoir.”
Unveiling “Farewell Karachi”: A Chronicle of Loss, Love, and Legacy
“Farewell Karachi” is not just a title; it is an emotional journey — a narrative that cuts across borders, time, and generations. In this deeply personal memoir, Bhawana Somaaya traces the odyssey of her Gujarati family uprooted during the Partition, forced to abandon their home in Karachi and restart life in the fragmented post-Partition India. The story follows five generations across Karachi, Kutch, and Bombay, capturing the trauma, resilience, and adaptation of a family thrown into the whirlpool of history.
At the heart of the book lies a universal theme — belonging. For those who have lived through displacement or inherited the memory of migration, Somaaya’s words echo a shared, often silenced pain. Through intimate anecdotes and vivid recollections, she stitches together a powerful tale of identity, memory, and survival.
Reflecting on what inspired the memoir, Somaaya shared:
“This book was born from a question that caught me completely off guard — someone asked me about my greatest fear. It stirred something deep within me. Writing Farewell Karachi became my way of answering that question, confronting the inherited trauma, and unearthing the unspoken silence passed down through my family. I hope it resonates with anyone who has ever longed to understand where they truly come from.”
Nandita Das: Lending Voice to Untold Stories
The evening’s special guest, Nandita Das, brings her own legacy of socially conscious cinema and storytelling to the event. Known for films like Firaaq and Manto, Das has consistently used her platform to amplify narratives often overlooked in mainstream discourse — especially those of migration, marginalization, and identity.
Her presence at the launch of “Farewell Karachi” adds gravitas to the theme of the evening. As someone who has portrayed the psychological and emotional aftermath of Partition in her artistic work, Das is uniquely positioned to discuss the power of storytelling as a bridge between past and present, pain and healing.
“Stories like Farewell Karachi are reminders of how history lives on — not just in books, but in families, in memories, and in silence. I’m honored to be part of this conversation,” says Nandita.
Tarana Raja: Guiding the Conversation
Moderating the session will be the dynamic Tarana Raja, a familiar voice and face in Indian media known for her wit, empathy, and sharp insight. Raja’s presence ensures a nuanced conversation that flows organically between the personal and the political, the emotional and the historical.
Her experience in connecting with diverse audiences makes her an ideal choice to mediate a session intended to move beyond literature and into the heart of intergenerational memory-sharing.
GenS Life: Celebrating the 60+ Generation Through Stories and Community
This unique event is organized by GenS Life, a platform dedicated to India’s growing community of seniors — a population rich in stories, experiences, and wisdom. With a strong belief that life after sixty can be just as vibrant, connected, and purposeful, GenS Life works to create opportunities for active engagement, lifelong learning, and intergenerational exchange.
According to Meenakshi Menon, Founder of GenS Life:
“At GenS Life, we are not just building a platform; we are building a movement. We believe in the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and transform. ‘Farewell Karachi’ is not just Bhawana Somaaya’s family story—it is a collective memory shared by millions. We are honored to bring this experience to our community and hope it sparks meaningful dialogue.”
This initiative reflects GenS Life’s broader mission: to empower seniors to lead fulfilling lives through access, awareness, and community involvement. From wellness programs to cultural activities, GenS Life is working to redefine aging in India, making it a phase of life marked not by retreat, but by purpose and participation.
Open Invitation: An Evening for All Generations
While the event is tailored with special consideration for seniors aged 60+, the invitation is open to all — especially readers, history enthusiasts, students, writers, and those interested in the themes of migration, memory, and identity. In a world increasingly focused on the now, this session offers a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the paths that brought us here.
A Q&A session and book signing with Bhawana Somaaya will follow the reading, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the author, delve deeper into her writing process, and perhaps share their own family stories.
Why This Event Matters Today
In 2025, as India continues to navigate questions of identity, diversity, and inclusion, stories like “Farewell Karachi” become even more essential. They serve as reminders of the human cost of conflict and the strength it takes to rebuild not just homes, but lives. They invite us to listen to our elders, preserve our family histories, and recognize that the echoes of Partition still shape many personal and collective narratives today.
Furthermore, the collaboration between GenS Life and celebrated public figures like Bhawana Somaaya and Nandita Das highlights the importance of intergenerational storytelling — a bridge between those who lived through history and those who must carry it forward.
Event Details at a Glance
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📖 Event: Book Reading of Farewell Karachi: A Partition Memoir
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👩💼 Author: Bhawana Somaaya
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🎤 Special Guest: Nandita Das
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🎙️ Moderator: Tarana Raja
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📅 Date: 22nd June 2025
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🕓 Time: 4:30 PM
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📍 Venue: Mcubed Library, D’monte Park Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
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🎟️ Entry: Open to all, with special invitation to seniors (60+)
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✍️ Includes: Book Reading, Q&A, and Signing Session
Final Thought: Building Bridges Through Books
“Farewell Karachi” is more than a memoir—it is an invitation. An invitation to remember, to feel, and to connect. Through this special event, GenS Life offers a space where stories aren’t just told, but deeply heard—where every chapter turned becomes a step toward understanding, empathy, and collective healing.
In a time when screens dominate attention spans and instant messages often replace real conversations, events like these serve as powerful reminders of the enduring value of words, memories, and face-to-face connection.
As Bhawana Somaaya turns the pages of her past, she invites all of us to reflect on our own—because sometimes, the most powerful journeys are the ones that take us back to where we began.
