The Books from My Shelves
By DP Dimri, PhD
The Rig Ved preaches, ‘Let noble thoughts come to us from every side’ and books serve as the most vital source for these. I have enshrined huge fascination for all kinds of books since my school days. These include patriotic narrations, biographies, ethics, history, management, fiction & non-fiction, volumes of short stories and recently acquired trait of skill development & entrepreneurship. Fascination for book reading has been so intense that I opened a ‘Home Library’ for all youth in the neighbourhood while in School and ‘Book Bank’ in college as university lecturer. And, the passion for inculcating reading habits in youth still continues with distribution of books to various colleges and schools as also opening libraries in a few towns of Uttarakhand. Books also form our favourite birthday and other occasion gifts. We value books as most precious and purposeful gifts.
There are several versions of the epic ‘Bhagvad Gita’ but the one created by C Rajgopalachari has a different flavour. It does not follow normal story telling but goes by selecting 226 shlokas out of 700 to describe ‘The Soul, Karma, Right action, Meditation, Ideals, Seeing God; etc ‘ with relevant brief interpretations and plausible explainations. A worth read by youth, in particular, who find lesser time otherwise.
‘ The World is Flat ‘ by Thomas Friedman is profoundly enlightening to make globalisations complexieties comprehensible. It provides a brief account of globalized world in the 21st century.
I found domestic worker and author Baby Halder’s ” A Life Less Ordinary ” deeply touching and impactful. This is a truthful tale of the lives of millions of ordinary Indian women. This makes a precious gift.
‘Rich Dad poor Dad’ by Robert T. Kiyosaki is a starting point for anyone looking to gain control of their financial future. Explains lucidly, what the Rich
teach their kids about money that the poor and middle class do not. It is plain and easily comprehensible by all.
Anupam Kher’s ” Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly ” is true simplistic story by the actor, who rose dust to world fame just out of his talent and hard work. He feels ‘ If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older ‘. It is an inspirational autobiography.
I treat Prof Kittu Reddy’s ” History of India – A new approach ” as an exhaustive work on Indian History. In fact , read in conjuction with J Bhagwati &
A Panagariya’s ” India’s Tryst with Destiny ” and ” Satyameva Jayate ” by Abhijit Joag , the book provides full canvas of aspirational India’s action plan for ‘ Viksit Bharat’.
” The Difficulty of Being GOOD ” by Gurcharan Das is another analytical study of epic Mahabharat to find answer to the vital worldly question: ‘ Why be good? ‘.
Highly thought provoking narration with pragmatic conclusive suggestions.
Another comprehensive tale on how India took present shape is presented by R P N Singh in his book “Sadar Patel- Unifier of Modern India”. It makes an enlightening and intreguing reading.
“Raag Darbari” by Shri Lal Shukl disrobs stories of scams, corruption, casteism, mass forgeries and malpractices in the society . Written over four decades ago with huge relevance even in today’s parlance. A thought provoking reformative narration, worth reading.
Last but not the least our childhood times plainly narrated tales of social evils, sarcasm, fun and inspirations by legendry Munshi Prem Chand, Jai
Shankar Prasad, Aacharya Chatursen, Krishan Chander and their contemporaries; are itched so deep in my memories. All their creations are exceedingly
relevant, entertaining and enlightening even today. Who can forget, the immortal short stories: Bade Bhai Saheb, Namak Kaa Daroga, Kafan, Idgaah, Mamtaa ,
Vaishali kee Nagarbahu , Ajaat Shatru and numerous such likes. All these are so refreshing and meaaningful . We actually grew up with them.
” Best Quotations for all occasions ” by Lewis Henry is my favourite companion during travels, being short, light with enormous wisdom and guidance.
Exhaustive reading, recommends 4 to 5 books each month, forming one of pragmatic solution for boredom for senior citizen, in particular. In some cases avid reading translates even into action oriented ‘Writings’ as in my own case. Consequent to extensive reading I was prompted to pen down my first impactful essay “Horror of the Nuclear War and future of the Universe”, during 1966 which ToI found relevant even post six decades to republish with minor changes.
So, never too late to inclcate and develop reading and writing of our interest. Quite often readings prompt compulsive inspirational writings.
(Author is a Social Entrepreneur and has been advisor GoI on S D E. Co authored text books in physics, Communication security, Skill development & entrepreneurship. Contributes articles to national newspapers and magazines on regular basis as also conducts career counselling sessions).
