Book Review : Modern Buddha – The Incredible Journey Of Transformation By Biswajit Jha

His debut book Bike Ambulance Dada which came out in 2021 won rave reviews . Now journalist – turned author Biswajit Jha is back once again to woo the audience with his second book – Modern Buddha – The Incredible Journey of Transformation. The title of the book is intriguing making one curious to know what it is all about.

Termed as transformational – motivational novel dealing with the meaning of success and happiness in life. These two words which measure the well- being of any human being . Despite being so commonly used, but sadly most people fail to understand their exact meaning . And this is one of the reasons why people suffer throughout their life. This book challenges the popular belief that to be happy , you need to be materially successful .

In a riveting fiction tale the writer with panache  explores the  the concept of  Gross National  Happiness ( GNH) model of Bhutan . And to get the sense of the issue on the ground, Biswajit visited the Himalayan country known for its happiness and its peace-loving people. The visit to Bhutan was a game changer of sorts for him and literally changed his perspective towards life . His interaction with various monks made think more about life.

The writer captures the prevalent education system of India, the still existing middle-class expectations of parents from a brilliant child, the pressure on the child to compromise his dreams, to bear the burden of their unfulfilled desires, and the latent desire to live a life they dreamt of.

Siddhartha was passionate about football and perhaps he might have become a star if destiny had nurtured his innate talent. Alas! He had to live by the rule book of his parents and forget his dream and passion of becoming a footballer… and start believing that happiness was in what his parents had thought was the best for him.

Biswajit very sensitively is able to bring to the fore Love, family, loneliness, and the desire of a man in life in telling anecdotes . And the various characters fit the bill perfectly . They move people . As their struggle becomes ours and their happiness too of us .

The book is traveller’s delight too as one get to know the foothills oof the Himalayas as the story moves forward. The natural beauty of Bhutan with its mountains, streams , flora , fauna , hospitable, friendly people are captured well . Makes the book a pleasurable read .

Biswajit is kind hearted as well. After working in national media for 10 years he said goodbye to journalism and is today passionately working for the under privileged children of his area in the northern part of West Bengal . And his noble work has earned him kudos and good wishes. I have known him for years now and can vouch that Biswajit does his work with lot of zeal, and passion . And when these attributes combine one gets a fine product – Modern Buddha . A must read for all.

THE Book
Modern Buddha: An Incredible Journey of Transformation

Publisher: Sterling

Page: 280

Price: Rs 300

available on Amazon