Please, Mom! It’s my Life
Written by Dr. Jaideep Singh Chadha
Published by Pustak Mahal
“ It is no good to be studying so hard to be doctors, engineers, IT professionals and then going down with heart attacks, hypertension, and diabetes at the age of 30! This is the basic idea behind writing this book,” writes the author, Dr Jaideep Singh Chadha, MBBS, MD, in the final chapter of his book. He feels however, that “ Understanding life …… at the right time, “ (instead of learning the excruciating way after being knocked silly by bitter experience), could be another title of this book.
Most of us will wholeheartedly agree.
Written in a humorous vein, rich with anecdotes and stories, “ Please, Mom! It’s my Life!” from the publishers, Pustak Mahal, New Delhi, is based on the writer’s own experiences, and echoes his feelings, that many mistakes we make, particularly as teenagers, can well be happily avoided, if proper guidelines are provided, “ at the right time. “
While the author himself insists that he has written the book “ exclusively for the adolescents and their way of life,” in fact it makes excellent and informative reading, for teachers, parents, and those who are in charge of formulating state policies.
A story which I personally found outstanding and illuminating, from the many used by the author to illustrate what he wishes to express, is about the plumber, who has a highly frustrating day at work, but who spends the evening happily with his family, has a restful night’s rest, and returns to work the next day, refreshed.
His method --- he tied up all his troubles and tensions to a twig wrapped in a bundle, to the tree outside his house. He then left the problems to GOD, and forgot about them for the moment, and enjoyed the time spent with his family.
I immediately tried out Dr. Chadha’s recipe. Believe me, it really works!
Similarly, the observation, that while stress is useful and necessary, it is our faulty handling of it that creates trouble for us, is thought provoking, but the treatment by the author is refreshingly light-hearted.
The chapters on the various Attitudes we need to adopt in order to avoid unnecessary self-created problems, bring a smile to the reader’s lips, and also ignite spark in the cranium.
The story of the two monks, one of whom carried a young lady across a river, breaking his vow of not touching ladies, made me chuckle all evening.
Dev Lahiri, Principal, Welham Boy’s School (Dehradun,India), has expressed his response to the book eloquently. “ In this day and age, when there seems to be growing alienation between us and our children, primarily on account of the mid-boggling rate of change. …… “Please, Mom …
becomes almost like a lifeline. We all need help, and this book gives it!
Dr. (Mrs.) Shayama Chona, Padma Shri, Principal, is even more exuberant in her views.
“.. is a book not only for parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors, psychologists and medical practitioners, who are concerned about the well being of their wards. ….. It highlights
Issues connected with life styles, attitudes and values of our society, and provides insight to the mind of the young adolescents.
Sister Reenat, Principal, writes: “ This book is for everyone who wants to be empowered.”
“ None can make you happy or sad, without your permission, “ Eleanor Roosevelt, is one of the many witty quotations, sayings, and teachings you will find and remember, in the book.