Author Shobhaa De discussed womanhood, intimacy, and self-worth at the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival. She highlighted the importance of empathy and self-awareness in an increasingly self-absorbed world, emphasizing that humans are wired for love. De spoke about the evolution of sensuality in relationships, stressing mutual respect and the enriching power of small joys. She expressed concern over social media's influence on young people's pursuit of pleasure over genuine emotional intimacy.