Dr. Rajani Tewari took center stage at Title Waves, Bandra, as Penguin India unveiled her latest work, Guilt Trip: Nine Stops to Selfhood. More than a book launch, the evening unfolded as a powerful celebration of storytelling — where shared experiences, humor, and raw honesty reminded women that they are not alone in their journeys.
The launch was attended by distinguished Guests of Honour Ms. Sarita Bahl (Impact Voice, Ex-Head CSR Bayer Foundation), Ms. Preeti Vyas (Founder & Chairwoman, VGC), and Ms. Saveeta Bajaj (Founder, Savvy World Media; Head PR & Corporate Communication, MMRDA & Essel), who each spoke about how the book resonates across generations and professional backgrounds.
The Book: Stories That Speak to Every Woman
At the heart of Guilt Trip is Ladoo Singh, a character who is not fictional fantasy but a mirror of nine out of ten women navigating expectations that often feel impossible. Through nine “stops” filled with wit and warmth, Dr. Tewari explores the everyday struggles of guilt — the kind that lingers in women’s minds when they fall short of being the “perfect” mother, professional, or partner.
“Women don’t just carry handbags; we carry guilt bags — big ones, invisible ones, the kind we never put down,” Dr. Tewari shared, striking a chord with the audience.
A Conversation with Dr. Rajani Tewari
Speaking to Global Newsmakers after the event, Dr. Tewari offered candid insights into the book’s origins and purpose:
Q: What sparked the idea for Guilt Trip?
A: “It started as a blend of personal experiences and stories shared with me. I realized guilt is almost universal for women — it weaves into our daily lives quietly. Writing the book was my way of giving those feelings a voice, wrapped in humor so they’re easier to process.”
Q: What obstacles did you face in the journey?
A: “Finding the right publisher and support wasn’t easy. At one point, the process felt too commercial and I thought of stopping. But faith and sheer willpower kept me going. I wanted this book to exist — not for me, but for every reader who would see herself in it.”
Q: What do you hope readers take away?
A: “That connection matters more than perfection. If even one woman feels lighter, less guilty, or simply understood after reading, then the book has done its job.”
Voices from the Launch
Ms. Preeti Vyas (Founder & Chairwoman, VGC):
“This book is about putting down that baggage of guilt and walking freer. Stories like these create cultural shifts.”
Ms. Sarita Bahl (Impact Voice, Ex-Head CSR Bayer Foundation):
“What moved me most was its unflinching honesty. Rajani’s storytelling is entertaining, yes, but also deeply relatable.”
Ms. Saveeta Bajaj (Founder, Savvy World Media; Head PR & Corp Comm, MMRDA & Essel):
“As I read about Ladoo, I felt like Rajani was writing about women like us — balancing everything, often at the cost of ourselves. What I admire most is that she doesn’t preach; she connects.”
About Dr. Rajani Tewari
Raised in a bustling joint family full of conversations, traditions, and relationships, Dr. Rajani Tewari grew up attuned to the nuances of human connection. Today, she balances her roles as a wife, mother to a 10-year-old aspiring sculptor, and Chief Human Resources Officer — drawing from her own lived experiences to bring authenticity to her storytelling.
Her vision as an author is simple yet powerful: “Write, write, and keep writing — not to please, but to connect and touch lives.”
Ode to the Girl Called Moti
They called her names, they weighed her pride, They stared as if she couldn’t hide.
But fat was not a flaw to mend, She shaped her self-love to defend
She wore her rolls like royal silk, A toast to curves and honeyed milk.
Her name was Ladoo, sweet and round — But oh, the strength in her rebound!
Guilt Trip: Nine Stops to Selfhood is now available on Amazon and at leading bookstores across India. More than a book, it stands as a journey — reminding readers that while guilt may be universal, the choice to set it down and embrace freedom belongs to us all.
