I found Sudha Murthy's "Old Man and His God: Discovering the Spirit of India" lying at our old apartment. The title didn't particularly interest me and assumed it would be some philosophical rendition of existentialism. Consequently the book was further lying around in my bedroom for several days before I picked it up one lazy Sunday afternoon for want of nothing better to do. How I regret not doing that earlier! The book is far from a discourse, it is in fact a collection of short stories, a third in a series, based on real incidences in Sudha Murthy's life and travels.
This is a book that can change your entire perspective of looking at people. Sudha Murthy's sincere, down-to-earth, practical writing style and the sheer simplicity of characters, stories and incidents portrayed in this book are apparent in every single page, every single line that she pens. The stories are crisp and have an inherent lesson or moral, but this is not clearly spelt out and left to the reader's interpretation. The reader is bound to relate to one or the other character every few pages and that keeps the interest alive through out.
I was especially touched by the story "The way you look at it", where Murthy recounts hearing criticism about a public toilet scheme started by her for rural women; but does not get discouraged by the remarks as no matter what you do, you cannot please everyone. However, if you are convinced about something, you should go ahead and do it with conviction nevertheless.
My verdict: Certainly not a book you can miss! A penguin publication, priced at Rs.150. I am now looking forward to reading the other two volumes in the series.
