Sunday, August 06, 2023

सफलता के संघर्ष - आत्मकथा



During my last trip to Doon, as a ritual I stole a few books from my brother's shelf, bought a few from the iconic bookstores of Dehra and borrowed a few from Mom. The one I borrowed was सफलता के संघर्ष    - (Struggle for Success) is written by Mr KP Sharma, our friendly  neighbour Sharma uncle. 

His autobiography brought out many amazing things about them that we, the next door neighbour didn't know e.g. he had tea with the then Prime Minister more than once. We just saw him as the one who lives somewhere in some foreign country and earns a lot of money, as he could send his son to Sherwood, Nainital to study. 
 
The description of his early life, education, job in Indian Navy, SITA travels, and many administrative posts, adventurous expeditions etc is absolutely engrossing.

Usually celebrities write autobiographies. It's a good trend now that people are writing autobiographies just for their family and friends. Others may not find it interesting as they do not know the author personally. But this book can be enjoyed by all.I wonder why I did not find this book in the book shops of Dehra.

Sharma uncle is a role model for sure. Apart from enjoying the book, we can also learn from him that how should we utilise our time and life fruitfully, and how should we take care of our health.


Wednesday, June 28, 2023

The Golden Years by Ruskin Bond




During my Dehradun trip, one fine evening, I went on a 3 km walk where I passed by Haridwar Road, East Canal Road, Parade ground and reached Book World. Bought a couple of books. Such a Ruskin Bond thing! His readers would know.

Book World, Dehradun



The title of the book The Golden Years could have been 'How Not To Be Repetitive While Writing on the Same Topics for Six Decades'. The 60 topics in the contents looked like a big buffet to devour. Short and amusing articles on the topics we relate to. Flipping through the pages I stopped  at my favourite topic, The Afternoon Siesta. It took me to the cozy and cool bedroom in which mom used to retire after her day's chores. God forbid, if we entered that room to take a toy or a storybook and made a sound by mistake, we were sure to get a lesson for life.Mom was friendly and polite, but we knew our limits when she used to take her power naps in the long  afternoons.





Parade Ground, Dehradun


I flip further to find wise words on loneliness, solitude,laugh, joy, and woes of old age and  how the great men handled it. He also writes about morning, evening, night, midnight, twilight, hate, love self love and trees. Although he never ever wants to preach, but who can stop me from taking lessons from his wise words.
This book had to be in my bookshelf as whenever in doubt I go to my books,  contemporary and classics, to get solace and tips. 


I'm in no hurry to finish reading it, rather I'm delaying to enjoy it for some more time.