Sai Baba of Shirdi by M.V. Kamath and V.B. Kher (Book Review)!!!

 

         Some books are not meant to be finished in a go or in a day. They are meant to be experienced, to be consumed gradually. Like an ayurvedic medicine works slowly hence they are consumed little every day for a long period of time, same applies to some books that are meant to stay in our life, memory and soul for a long period of time. And hence this book that I am reviewing today took me 4 months to complete. Yes, I know many of you would be astonished to know this if you are acquainted with my reading speed. But this is truth. I have always been an admirer and staunch follower of Sai Baba and hence I always wanted to read about him. Fortunately, S.P. Ruhela, a prominent writer on Sri Sathya Sai Baba is my grandfather's brother. But as I am not a follower of Sathya Sai Baba but Sai Baba, I wanted to read a book that is written with utmost care and responsibility without giving any false information of Sai Baba.

            I ended up picking "Sai Baba of Shirdi" written by M.V. Kamath and V.B. Kher. The book also has the tagline: A Unique Saint. The 320 pages book is as serious as a devotee like me. It does not guarantee entertainment because the life of Baba wasn't entertaining but inspiring and devotional. I am also happy with the way book has unfolded because writers didn't discuss fictitious facts of Baba that our news channels keep on flashing just to gain TRPs. Book is written as if its about a leader who had a life that was scrutinized by everyone. And that's the specialty of this book. As we know that there has been no full details regarding Sai Baba, writers have made it possible with the help of their extreme research and analysis to let people know almost 80% of Baba's life. 

           With Sai Baba, you also come to know about different saints that left their mark on this land of India because as I said, this book is written in a historical manner, authors have discussed everything about India in that contemporary period. Authors have specifically spoken about how India was pre-independence and arrival of Sai Baba bought what changes among people and their mentality. After almost 80-100 pages, writers start talking only about Sai Baba which starts interesting us. And then starts some unbelievable facts about Baba's doing and lifestyle. The book costs 295 but its totally worth it. Even if it would have been of 500 bucks, I would have recommended it to you. I am not asking everyone to read it to turn into Baba's follower but just to know about this saint who changed mindset of many and went without asking for anything. Right from the cover page of the book to everything, this book touches the soul of reader. I am in awe of this book and thus I recommend to all. At least, Baba's devotees should have this in their shelf. :-)

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!