It was a bright sunny day in Kolkata after days of heavy rains and Tharoor uplifted the spirit of bibliophiles with his subtle humorous punch, drawing a portrait with his captivating words and eloquent presentation of what they could expect from his book that he described was not at all 'political'.

During the event, 68-year-old Tharoor also launched the Kolkata-based non-profit trust Prabha Khaitan Foundation's book rack at Taj City Centre New Town.

Tharoor releases his latest book in the presence of dignitaries like Harsh Neotia and PKF women functionaries. Photo credit: PKF

"Prabha Khaitan Foundation is an organisation with which I have been involved with for many years," the Congress MP said.

"They have done some terrific work around the country in promoting books," he said.

Speaking on the book rack launch initiative, Tharoor said: "They will be unveiling the book rack which they will have across hotels, centres or institutions which will host their events."

"Doing something for Prabha Khaitan Foundation is always fun because they are always committed to books," he said.

Shashi Tharoor holds a select audience in thrall as he reads out from his new book in Kolkata. Photo courtesy: PKF

He praised the members of the foundation for keeping alive the book-reading habit at a time when the world was enthralled with mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.

"Several women readers are associated with the organisation and this is indeed fascinating in this world where we are more used to laptop, television or mobile phone screens. We no longer pick up books and read them," he said.

Tharoor, who returned to the Indian Parliament for another term this year by clinching victory in the Lok Sabha polls from the Thiruvananthapuram seat, said he hopes to see his readers enjoying his new book.

"This book is a slight departure from my usual kind of recent writings. It is not at all political," he said.

"It is all about joy and use of words. I hope you will enjoy it. The book is meant to be accessible and entertaining and in the process, if it can inform and educate then its purpose will be served," Tharoor d said.

Photo courtesy: PKF

The book is published by Aleph Book Company.

Among others who attended the launch event included industrialist Harshvardhan Neotia, PKF Executive Trustee Anindita Chatterjee, Cluster GM of Taj City Centre New Town Indranil Ray,  Chief Operating Officer of PKF Manisha Jain and Malika Verma and Gouri Basu ( Ehsaas Women of PKF, Kolkata).