Carmel author J.R. Sandadi welcomes 225 people to book launch

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A gathering of 225 people filled the Carmel Clay Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 17, to celebrate the launch of Carmel resident J.R. Sandadi’s debut memoir, The Eleventh Kilometer: A Memoir of Inheritance, Endurance, and Learning to Stay. Family and friends, including guests who traveled from India, joined members of the local interfaith and service communities for the event.

The memoir follows Sandadi’s journey from rural India to the United States. It explores family, immigration, distance running, loss, service, and the meaning of being present. Its title comes from the 11-kilometer walk his father made to school each day in rural Telangana.

Nitya Sandadi, the author’s daughter, served as emcee. She said the library was a fitting place for the launch because her family has spent countless hours there reading together. Library Executive Director Bob Swanay welcomed attendees, and Guru Anuradha Poduval offered the opening invocation.

At the heart of the program was a fireside conversation titled “Keep Moving, Learn to Stay.” Dr. Aparna Soni, Associate Professor at Indiana University, and Dr. Tej Pareek moderated, with questions exploring family influences, the courage required to share difficult experiences, and Sandadi’s decision to leave corporate life for service.

“Finding the extraordinary in ordinary life experiences” was a central theme of Sandadi’s reflections. The conversation explored how everyday moments, family relationships and acts of service can hold meaning worth preserving and sharing with future generations.

“JR’s book relates to our own journey of faith and our own journey of family. It will feed your soul,” The Rev. Jerry Zehr said.

Photos provided

Saumitra Gokhale, international coordinator of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, said every second-generation Indian American should read the book for a glimpse into their parents’ lives as first-generation immigrants.

The program also included a reading from the memoir’s epilogue and closing remarks by Charlie Wiles, founder of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, followed by a book signing.

The gathering brought together people from many stages of Sandadi’s life: family, local friends, fellow volunteers from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, classmates from BITS Pilani and Louisiana Tech University, and partners from his interfaith and community service work.

A longtime Carmel resident, Sandadi left a successful corporate career in 2017 to devote himself to service. His memoir reflects on the people and experiences that shaped that path.

About the book
The Eleventh Kilometer: A Memoir of Inheritance, Endurance, and Learning to Stay (Charaiveti Press) is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions. An Indian edition from Garuda Prakashan is also available. More information is at jrsandadi.com.