Sushma Seth and other Fifty Eminent Indians aged over 75 share their ‘Mantras for Positive Ageing’ in new book

By Jyothi Venkatesh

Carrying a powerful foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, a new book titled ‘Mantras for Positive Ageing’ spells the personal mantras that have kept 50 eminent people productive beyond the age of 75, including influential and veteran public figures from all walks of life. Put together by the Guild of Service, a national non-profit organisation on the occasion of its golden jubilee, the book is co-edited by its Founder Chairperson Dr. V. Mohini Giri, and Trustee and Executive Vice-President Meera Khanna.

The book captures the lived experiences of 50 people including Dr. Karan Singh (erstwhile royalty from Kashmir, politician, diplomat, writer and scholar), Devaki Jain (gender economist and scholar), Fali S. Nariman (India’s foremost constitutional lawyer), Margaret Alva (career politician and former governor), Sushma Seth (acclaimed theatre and film actor), Mani Shankar Aiyer (career politician and diplomat), and Dr. Syeda Hameed (writer, speaker, and gender rights activist).

It also features the words of Subhashini Ali (grassroots activist, feminist, human rights activist), Sunderlal Bahuguna (Gandhian peace worker and eco-activist at the forefront of the Chipko movement) and Kamla Bhasin (gender rights activist, feminist), Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee: Gandhian (exponent of non-violence and the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and C Rajagopalachari), Major General (Retd.) Ian Cardozo (writer, speaker and vociferous advocate of the rights of those disabled in war), and Justice Sujata Manohar (Retd.), the first woman Chief Justice of both the Bombay and Kerala High Courts.

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The new book published by Pippa Rann Books & Media, ponders upon the belief that the post-pandemic world needs the productivity of the over-75s, and people want to be fulfilled beyond the age of 75. It asks of its readers: “As you grow older, would you be interested in remaining optimistic, youthful, and energetic?” Staying true to its title, it delves deep into the stories of fifty of the most fulfilled veterans of our times, whose life and work defy the ill effects of old age.

In the comprehensive book, key voices cover the physical, emotional, intellectual, and relational aspects of ageing from the worlds of armed forces, business & industry, differently-abled, diplomacy, economics, education, engineering, feminism, films, governance, government service, gynecology, human rights, law, medicine, music, performing arts, philanthropy, politics and religion.

‘Mantras for Positive Ageing’ is an essential read, for those who wish to be productive, positive, and graceful as they grow older. The 400-page title is available on online and offline bookstores from October 1, 2021. It was launched in a hybrid event on October 1, 2021, both physically at the Multi-Purpose Hall, India International Centre, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi-110003, and electronically on https://youtu.be/2wd9pLurdUk.

The book launch featured speeches and introductions by the publisher Prof. Prabhu Guptara, some of the 50 eminent authors, and by the Diplomat and writer Veena Sikri. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr Karan Singh. Moreover, there was a rendition of Sanskrit Shlokas by acclaimed singer Rene Singh.

List of Contributors- https://pipparannbooks.com/list-of-contributors-mantras-for-positive-ageing/