Dr. Kiran Bedi at Crossword, Kemps Corner, Mumbai for a book launch‏

Dr. Kiran Bedi at Crossword Kemps Corner  (L-R- Swarup Nanda,
CEO Leadstart Publishing, Nishi Malhotra (Author) and Dr. Kiran Bedi)

Mumbai : Crossword and Leadstart Publishing hosted the launch of the book 'Tejas - Love is Worship', a novel by Nishi Malhotra. The novel was released by Author, Social Activist & Highest Ranking woman in Indian Police Services, Dr. Kiran Bedi at Crossword Kemps Corner. The evening was memorable as two eminent and highly knowledgeable women were seen interacting and sharing their experiences as authors with each other. The audience was enthralled and attentive as Nishi Malhotra along with Dr. Kiran Bedi read out a few excerpts from the book.

Dr. Kiran Bedi was impressed with the plot of the book, she pointed out saying that it connects instantly with every woman and the youth in general who are experiencing the dilemma of love. She not only appreciated the author Nishi Malhotra, who has interviewed her in the past, but also encouraged her to continue to keep writing from the heart and follow her passion. Nishi Malhotra, the author of 'Tejas- Love is Worship' was elated by the incredible response that she got for her book and said, "It's a story close to my heart, a tale of two people helplessly in love who want to be together in spite of the hurdles and challenges they face. I am sure the audiences are going to enjoy the journey while reading as much as I enjoyed while writing the book."

Swarup Nanda, CEO, Leadstart Publishing, was quoted saying "Leadstart Publishing is known for supporting creative talents who wish to share their story with the world. Nishi Malhotra is an extremely talented and an insightful writer and we wish to work with her on more occasions in future."About the bookTejas is a love story of vibrancy, incapacitated by rough weather of social alienation, yet bold and overwhelmingly conveying. An ecstatic state of fulfillment has glued the lovebirds Nalini and Tejas into an inseparable bond, who are hurdling over the challenges of falling apart. The story runs with the inertia and penetrates into periphery of conflicts and hypocrite stigmas. It escalates to lovely heights, constantly relishes the reader, with an invigorating feel of a cooling sensation, which one experiences after walking on blistering, hot and parched land. The writer attempts to offer a simple love story based on a wise repertoire of experience. The author of a poetry book titled "Enigma," now brings you a romance fiction, "Tejas-Love is Worship." 

About The AuthorNishi Malhotra was born in Delhi. She was educated at Delhi and graduated from Jesus & Mary College with a First class degree in Psychology Honours. She also has a diploma in Journalism, from IMI, Delhi and is currently pursuing a Counsellor's degree as well.
She published her first book of poems in 1998, and contributed several articles on the 'Girl Child' to the Ministry of Health. She wrote an interview based programme for the All India Radio in 1999, where she interviewed the then DG Police, Dr. Kiran Bedi and several other victims for her story on "Domestic Violence". She went on to write articles on, "Women and Drug Abuse."

About the Chief Guest Author, Social Activist & Highest Ranking woman in Indian Police Services - Dr. Kiran Bedi.
Dr. Kiran Bedi is an Indian social activist and a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Bedi joined the police service in 1972 and became the first woman officer in the IPS. Bedi held the post of Director General at the Bureau of Police Research and Development before she voluntarily retired from the IPS in December 2007. Bedi was the host and judge of the popular TV series "Aap Ki Kachehri" (English, "Your Court"), which is based on real-life disputes and provides a platform for settling disputes between consenting parties. 
She has also founded two NGOs in India: the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation for welfare and preventative policing in 1988 which was later renamed as the Navjyoti India Foundation in 2007, and the India Vision Foundation for prison reformation, drug abuse prevention and child welfare in 1994. Bedi was awarded Ramon Magsaysay award in 1994 for Government service.

About the Publishers:Leadstart Publishing is a leading publishing house from India. It is both creative and progressive in its vision and publishing focii. The Leadstart Lists feature distinguished authors and writing from across the globe. Today, Leadstart Publishing has 10 brands and publishes over 200 titles a year, with imprints and products in all major book categories.
Leadstart is also India's largest book distribution network, with a retail distribution spread of over 100 cities, almost four times the size of its closest competitor. Leadstart Publishing has been termed 'the fastest-growing book publishing company in India today,' by The Week magazine. Leadstart has offices in India and the US and operates around the world in association with global partners.

About Crossword:Crossword aims to be a point of cultural and social interaction where authors and poets hold court, where children are regaled, where people gravitate to be informed, to be entertained, even enlightened. The name embodies the vision of Crossword as a place and space for people who seek information, knowledge or just the pleasure of reading. Crossword stocks the widest range of Books - Movies- Music- Toys- Stationery- Magazines and CD ROM's.
With its large children's section and its focus on making the store a friendly, safe, fun-filled place, Crossword attracts many families who normally don't think of visiting bookstores. Services like Dial-a-book, Fax-a-book and Email-a-book enable customers to shop from their homes; and when they come to the store, the unobtrusively helpful staffs assist them in finding the right book, the right CD or the right gift for the right occasion. Facilities like the Crossword Gift Vouchers, the friendly 'Return, Exchange & Refunds' policy, the Cafes within the stores and the unique store experience make it easy and enjoyable for customers to shop at Crossword. Over 2.5 lacs loyal customers are rewarded through the Crossword Book Rewards Program with points, discounts, exclusive discounts & offers and more. 'eWords', a monthly e-newsletter with reviews of new books, news about in store events and bestseller lists, is currently mailed to these Members.

Among the numerous writers who have visited the store are Sir V S Naipaul, Arundhati Roy, Vikram Chandra, Vikram Seth, Kiran Nagarkar, Kiran Desai, Amitav Ghosh, Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De, Charles Handy, Ricardo Semler and Jack Canfield. Crossword bookstores also promote the reading habit among children with a weekly activity every Sunday morning across various stores. Promotional events include Pictionary contests, quizzes, slide shows and the annual affair with Santa and his elves. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull came for a signing, so did Macho Man Randy Savage, the WWF champion. Crossword also launched the Crossword Book Award in 1998 to recognise and reward the best of Indian writing.