On February 28, 2012, the eminent Armenian author Dr. John D. Balian visited the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy, Kolkata, India from the United States of America, on the occasion of the promotion of his novel entitled ‘Gray Wolves and White Doves’. The Principal, Mr. Soumitra Mallik, on behalf of Very Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, Pastor of Armenians in India and Manager of Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy, welcomed and introduced the author to the students and the members of the staff. He thanked Dr. Balian for visiting Armenian College during a momentous time when Armenians all over the world are celebrating the 500 years of Armenian Typography and when the city of Yerevan has been named as the World Book Capital 2012 by UNESCO. Dr. John D. Balian, MD is a graduate of Columbia University and Tufts University School of Medicine. He currently works as a senior executive for a U.S. – based global corporation. ‘Gray Wolves and White Doves’ is his first novel on the survivors of the Armenian genocide. This unique novel is a riveting story of the human situation, its complex societal and religious rivalries, shifting alliances and sinister deeds, woven into the realities of contemporary experiences. The book is written in an engaging and effortless style, epitomizing the adage that every dark cloud has a silver lining. The novel is something of a Pandora’s box in the face of adversity. It urges the reader never to give in or give up as everything is possible. In his introductory speech Dr. Balian particularly stressed upon creating an awareness about the Armenian genocide … “You need to dream. Everything you do should be aimed at accomplishing those dreams despite obstacles. Those who realize them may not be the greatest but are certainly the most persistent.” An interactive session followed in which students as well as a few members of the teaching staff asked probing questions which Dr. Balian found very relevant. The occasion was literary and thought provoking.

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