The author, Satish Kumar became a monk at the age of nine. Today, he is environmental activist with honorary doctorates from five UK universities. Drawn to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision-cum- commitment to reach out to the fellow beings and the environment they survive in. It is a must read for all those of us who are trying to survive in today’s world …amidst changing times. A book review by Humra Quraishi
Title of the book- Satish Kumar : Abundant Love
Authors- Jagdish Rattanani with Sudarshan Iyengar and Lisa Pearson.
Publishers – Triarchy Press
Pages – 196
Price – Rs 1000
Book Review
This book was launched earlier this week, in New Delhi, at the India International Centre. And even before I could hold a copy of this book and read it, I loved the discussion that took place at the launch evening. Though all possible aspects were discussed – religion, faith, happiness, sorrow, beliefs, cultural forms and anchorages, but there was that maturity-cum- grace-cum-balance-cum-wisdom to discuss and talk and put forth views and viewpoints, without shrieking or shouting sessions. It was indeed a great take off! Serene and powerful!
Not to be overlooked that prime fact that this book centres around none other than the monk of international repute and fame – Satish Kumar. Described as a ‘peace pilgrim’, he is the co-founder of Schumacher College and also long time editor of the Resurgence magazine.
Satish Kumar became a monk at the age of nine. Today, he is environmental activist with honorary doctorates from five UK universities. Drawn to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision-cum- commitment to reach out to the fellow beings and the environment they survive in, this book is focused on Satish Kumar’s views on the different and varying aspects to life and everyday survival and living – the very purpose of our life, Sarvodaya (living in harmony with all existence), the spiritual path and our daily life, health and technology, capitalism, beauty and aesthetic, caste- politics, soil-soul-society …
It is an important book. Yes, a must read for all those of us who are trying to survive in today’s world …amidst changing times.
Another significant factor to this book is the fact that it is first book in the series of what’s termed ‘Longform Conversations’. A great concept, as it’s not just full of spontaneity but all too direct and forthright, quick to read and absorb.
To quote the publishers, ‘Longform Conversations of the kind presented in this book were conceived by journalists Lekha Rattanani and Jagdish Rattanani, first as an anti-dote to ‘soundbite journalism’…Longform Conversations seek to celebrate a 30-hour (or even longer) conversation, not a 30-second soundbite. Here, we want to take time and space to listen to people to help draw experiences, reflections and insights. We can raise doubts, revisit positions and understand multiple perspectives…’
