Arun Shourie on his book:
He is a man who calls a spade a spade. He is not afraid of ruffling feathers. He has been there, done that and has no regrets. A man with a deep sense of commitment who does not believe in living in delusions: that is Arun Shourie for you.
Dr Arun Shourie was in the city on an invitation from the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi. A PhD in economics, he is well known as a statesman and journalist but this morning he donned another mantel and spoke to an extremely receptive audience as writer: a man who has been through intense suffering and emerged as a strong and noble soul. Shourie is the father of a special child and the spouse of one who suffers from a debilitating Parkinson's disease. What is it like being trapped in such circumstances and how does one cope? He survives and keeps going with the help of a positive approach to life. He is not afraid of talking about his experiences, relating them to wider issues, reaching out to the world beyond his immediate circle.
In his address today Dr Shourie remained focused on his book Does He Know a Mother's Heart? that begins with private pain but transcends to a public plane as the author shifts his attention to theology and religion. If there is a all-knowing God the father, he asks, why does he make his children suffer? Why does he cause them pain? Why does he punish them, torture them, crush them under piles and piles of suffering? There are no answers to these questions but we human beings, seeking a momentary stay against pain and grief, hang on to the abstract concept of an omnipotent deity.
So what is his advice to those who are faced with similar situations? Arun Shourie lists a few practical steps. Help others, he says, particularly those who are unable to return your favours; focus on the essentials, not on trivia; never look for reasons or for a purpose behind your suffering (for there is no design, no purpose); do not lapse into self-pity; do not be under the delusion of reprieve for fore will be none; above all, accept your situation cheerfully. Sounds like easy advice but Arun Shourie has actually been practising all this over the last three decades and more, ever since the birth of his son, the special child.
The audience listened spell-bound to Shourie. It was evident that he had touched a sensitive spot in the hearts of all those who were present. When he finished there was a barrage of questions for him, asking him practical advise on the everyday management of suffering. With wit, humour and infinite patience, Dr Shourie responded to their queries. He further mentioned that he is now working on a book on spirituality and mysticism, exploring the many things that are beyond the ken of the human brain.
The session was organized under the auspices of the Chandigarh Heritage week being held in the city. Tomorrow (on 18th August) CSA will hold a session with the poet-lyricist Nida Fazli at the UT Guest House at 5.45 pm.
Photographs of this morning's session with Arun Shourie will soon be posted on the CSA blog and Facebook.
