Manohar Joshi releases his book ''1B''

Mumbai, Feb 22 (UNI) After ''Speaker's Diary'' last year, former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi has released his book ''1B'' that had left many wondering on the title.

It was left to Mr Joshi to explain the meaning of the title. ''It actually represents the seat number of an Air India plane, and the book revolves around the talks I held with passengers occupying this seat,'' he elaborated.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, former Mumbai University vice chancellor Snehalata Deshmukh, Hotel Orchid owner Vitthal, Union Aviation Minister Praful Patel's son Prajay, and a ten-year-old girl Anamika are among the passengers who have occupied that seat.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil was a bit apprehensive when he learnt that he found mention in the book. Although he could not make it to the launch function yesterday, Mr Patil sent in a written speech wherein he stated he had procured a copy of the book immediately upon learning about his mention. Upon reading it, he could breathe easy and even felt proud of the mention, Mr Patil stated.

Dr Snehalata Deshmukh, speaking on the occasion, said in these times when change is as frequent as one's breathing, there is a need for a book that reveals the true heart of a person like Mr Joshi.

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, who was also present for the book release, said the book revealed the studious nature of Mr Joshi who has been a teacher for long.

In a lighter vein, he likened the book to a sting operation. ''It was a sting operation. While people were airborne, the least they expected was to find their talks recorded in a book.'' UNI ARM MAZ PDS RAI0516