Publisher's Synopsis
'Palmful of diamonds' is the saga of life and love of an Indian psychiatrist born in a foreign land. He was the middle one in a large family. He was twelve when political uncertainty displaced his family forcing them to return to India as refugees. Faced with poverty and unexpected challenges, young Surya developed the attitude of a fighter. His exposure to the dynamic philosophy of Swami Vivekananda molded his character into one of a radical nationalist. This quality coupled with his all round stage talent endeared him to the youth and he emerged as an active student leader. But unknown to them, his personal life was checkered and tearful; destiny placed obstacle after obstacle in his path, testing his moral courage at every step. Hunger had not spared him; it was a painful task keeping it a secret. Upon his confession to his doting classmate about the realities of his life, she silently walked out on him plunging him into further misery. But his philosophy of life, and his multiple talents stood by him, winning him awards at the national level. During the infamous Emergency of 1975, his political awareness did not allow him to remain a meek spectator. He joined the opposition and vehemently fought against the undemocratic forces. Being disillusioned with society's attitude towards family physicians, he chose to specialize in psychiatry and joined the government Institute to pursue his Master's through the National Board of Examinations. His discovery of organized sex crimes targeting female patients, in the Institute, made him react, once again. But the lobby he pitted himself against was powerful. They subjected him to several threatening and humiliating situations and declared him insane. It was a Herculean task to complete his specialization. He was comfortable in a settled practice when young and pretty Sindhuri entered his life. She was an upcoming fashion designer, just out of college. She belonged to an inherently rich defense family. She was learning to swim when she accidentally kicked him on his face, underwater. This encounter evolved into genuine friendship. The bond between them was creativity. He inspired her to design textile art works based on Cosmic Sexuality and biological facts, which became an instant success. Learning about his challenging past triggered a reaction in the psyche of the young girl that later developed into overwhelming love for him. But, societal norms, and his, as yet, unsolved problems made him reject her proposal. Although he did not admit it overtly, he too developed deep feelings for her. He trained her in swimming, basic self defense, pranayama and meditation. He tried to convince her that true love is non possessive and that he would always be there as her good friend. He gently prevailed upon her to accept a suitable match approved by her parents. She thus got engaged to a handsome young army captain. But unfortunately her engagement could not last, and she had to break it under traumatic circumstances. An untimely bereavement in Sindhuri's family created a crisis that suddenly changes the dynamics of the story. Surya had not accepted her proposal thinking she would outlive him, but now her medical reports hint otherwise. How he deals with an emotional paradox and what decision he makes is a tribute to his personality and his value system which make a compelling read, for couples in love. The author's unique talent in presenting Indian literary finesse through a foreign language becomes evident when Sindhuri in a poignant situation poses a question to Surya, "Do you think we will meet again in the next janma?" He, in an emotion choked voice, replies, If our love is true as Truth can be We meeting next is destined to be Somewhere on the banks of a stream Somewhere in the depths of a dream ....... Some day we shall somehow we will Work out our karma and wish fulfill For the first time, perhaps, a psychiatrist opens his heart for the world to read its inner secrets... Re
