In His Words

Parth Mehrotra, Chief Editor at Juggernaut, Sets the Stage

Parth Mehrotra’s introductory words on what made Lifequake a story worth publishing:

“Former Chief Justice of India, Dr Justice D.Y. Chandrachud; Mrs Manmohan Singh; Ms Barkha Dutt; Tarini’s friends and family who are here from around the world; ladies and gentlemen—on behalf of Juggernaut Books, welcome to this event to celebrate Lifequake, a memoir by Tarini Mohan.

Lifequake is a book that defies easy categorisation and resists every cliché you might expect of a memoir shaped by trauma.

When we first read the manuscript, we didn’t just read a story—we encountered a voice: clear, unsentimental, and remarkably composed. What began as a tragedy becomes, in the pages of this memoir, something far more unexpected—a quiet act of rebellion. This is not a survivor’s tale designed to inspire. It is not meant to console, nor to instruct. It is simply honest—and in that honesty, fiercely moving. There isn’t a single false note.

The author—whom we will hear from shortly—underwent what few of us can imagine: a life-altering injury in the prime of her twenties, continents away from home, in a random accident. Her body no longer obeyed her, her cognitive abilities were compromised, her personal space had suddenly shrunk, and an important relationship had become strained. Who was she—the same person, or a profoundly altered one?

« My publishers at the launch of Lifequake–from L to R: Parth Mehrotra, Chief Editor, and Chiki Sarkar, Co-founder, Juggernaut Books.»

What follows is not just physical rehabilitation, though there is plenty of that. It is a remaking—of identity, of ambition, of love, of self.

And yet, what impressed us most was not the arc of recovery, but the sharpness of insight, the dry wit, and the refusal to flatten the story into either pity or triumph. There are passages that are unsparing—and others that are darkly funny. A woman learns how to walk again, yes—but she also learns how to flirt again. How to navigate love, ambition, and self-doubt. How to sit in an Ivy League classroom with an orthotic brace and sharp opinions—and with the conviction to pursue meaningful work in the development sector.

As editors, we often speak of voice—that elusive quality that lets a writer inhabit the page with authenticity. With Lifequake, that voice arrived fully formed. There was very little for us to do—except stay out of its way.

Let me also say this: Lifequake is a book for readers who are tired of neat endings. It’s for young people wondering what to do when their lives fall apart. It’s for parents learning to let go. It’s for anyone who has had to rethink what strength looks like—and who it belongs to.

On the cover, it says: “A story of hope and humanity.” And that is truly what this book is. What shines through is the deep love and unflinching support of Tarini’s family and friends; the empathy shown by strangers whose paths crossed hers; and above all, Tarini’s own love of life—and her desire to live it fully.

Yes, ultimately, Lifequake is a love story.

We’re proud to have published this book. For publishers, all books are special—but some books are just a little more so. Lifequake is one of them. We’re proud to have stood witness to its making. And most of all, we’re proud to introduce you to a writer who has taken her greatest vulnerability and turned it into literature.

I’d like to end by saying: from Tarini, we’ve learned two important things. First: her disarming bluntness and honesty. So let me be blunt too—those misguided souls who think Tarini needs their pity have it backwards. What we need is her work ethic. That’s the second thing we’ve learned from her.

Working with Tarini has been an extraordinary experience. Her professionalism, her rigour, her drive, her openness to criticism, and her relentless desire to get things just right have all been off the charts. We’re really going to miss her cheerful but determined emails—landing first thing in the morning, and last thing at night.

Thank you, Tarini, for the honour of letting us publish your book.”

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Thanks, Parth, not only for setting the stage for what would be a launch of my wildest dreams but also for the smoothest possible ride through the publishing trenches. All authors with the choice: trust me, and go with Juggernaut.