It was November 2018, and I was full of excitement at the Gurgaon Literature Festival. I was waiting for my turn to go on stage and launch my first book, The Ineligible Millionaire. Everything felt like a dream. But suddenly, I noticed something that made me nervous. Every author who went on stage before me gave a long speech before launching their book. I had no speech ready! My excitement quickly turned into stress. I saw some authors standing near the stage with white papers in hand, possibly reading their notes. I thought to myself, “Why didn’t I prepare something? What will I say in front of everyone?”
I quickly pulled out my phone and opened the Notes app. Ideas started coming to my mind, and I began typing whatever I could. Just then, the event coordinator came to me and said I’d be called in 20–30 minutes. She asked if I had my speech ready. I smiled and said, “Yes,” even though I didn’t. She also told me, “If you get stuck in English, feel free to speak in Hindi too.” I nodded and kept typing as fast as I could. I managed to write a small speech in about 15 minutes. But when I read it, I realized it was too short — barely a minute long! I tried to add more, but my mind was going blank.
Soon, my name was announced. I walked up to the stage with my phone in hand. I placed it on the podium so I could glance at it if needed. I started speaking, but somewhere in the middle, I forgot a few words and quickly looked at my phone for help. Thankfully, the audience was patient. I delivered my one-minute speech, and to my surprise, people clapped. That moment made me so happy and proud. It was short, it was sudden, but it was real — and it was mine.
Speech: A very good evening to all of you. It's a big day because this is my first book 'the ineligible millionaire'. The journey of the book was not easy at all. It took me 3 years to write this book and get it published. First I thought to finish it in 3 months but the process to pitching publishers, getting rejected, reworking on the story took me 3 years of time. I would like to thank my friends who read my manuscript and gave a wonderful feedback. Also, I would like to thank team Invincible, everybody worked hard in last 5 months. This is a 10-year long journey of a man and his dreams together who slowly discovers something else he is destined for after a near death experience. Thank you once again all. Hope you'll like the book.