Guwahati, Sep 11 – The Assam Royal Global University hosted a ‘Meet‑the‑Author’ programme on Friday, bringing together students and faculty to hear author and advocate Kartikeya Vajpai. The event, organised by the Office of Student Affairs, featured a discussion on the themes of intellect, wisdom, and self‑discovery.
Vajpai, who wrote the novel The Unbecoming published by Penguin Random House India, explained that intellect is rooted in thinking, whereas wisdom comes from experience. He warned that knowledge can create an attachment to what one knows, fostering ego and limiting fresh perspectives on familiar subjects.
The author also addressed the impact of the digital age on attention spans. He noted that constant exposure to algorithmic feeds triggers familiar patterns, and urged students to “ignite the observer” within themselves. By cultivating awareness beyond immediate thoughts, he said, individuals can break free from habitual responses.
Vajpai stressed that while intellect varies across people, wisdom is universal and must be cultivated. He encouraged listeners to adopt a seeker’s mindset and remain fully present in each moment as essential steps toward developing wisdom.
Beyond writing, Vajpai has a corporate background in marketing and runs a New Delhi‑based law firm. His debut novel draws on Advaita Vedanta, Buddhist philosophy, Transcendental Meditation, Kriya Yoga, and other contemplative traditions. The book is prefaced by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Swami Sarvapriyananda, who praise its exploration of identity, ego, attachment, and impermanence.
The session gave students a chance to discuss knowledge, spirituality, and the challenges of navigating contemporary life directly with the author.
