By
Rohit Mehta
Book review on Why Me? by
Dr. Kumar Krishen.
The book is dedicated to “those who have, are and will provide
hope, peace and prosperity to humanity”.
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I
recently had the honour
of meeting Dr. Kumar
Krishen,
who was visiting from
the US,
at a Kashmiri function
at Shiv Mandir, Pamosh
Enclave, New Delhi. He
was there promoting his
book,
‘Why
Me?’, and we got talking.
My first impression of
the man, was that of
instant liking and respect.
He came across as a fine
spoken, well mannered
gentleman. He told
me about his life in
the
US, and
his work with NASA and
his keen interest and
passion: helping fellow
human beings… Interesting
fellow I thought. Later
I got to know that he
ran a foundation back
home, that offered scholarships,
aid and charity to help
people in need and the
downtrodden.
I
was very impressed by his humility
and mannerism. He was very kind
to autograph his book which he
gave me to read later.
I didn’t know that this chance
meeting, would end up as an article
on Him
Vikas. His book was
pretty insightful and after online
research, I was really
astounded by what I found out.
Dr. Krishen is worthy of
praise. A man with such a high
stature
and yet so humble and giving. His
achievements, qualities and his
ongoing pursuit to help those
in need, is really worth mentioning
here.
Book Review:
Dr.
Kumar Krishen’s book, Why
Me?, distinguishes
it from other story collections
in the diversity of his characters.
Most importantly, this diversity
operates on a spiritual level –
irrespective of religion, an array
of voices sincere in their search
for meaning.
The
author presents some profound thoughts
and practical ideas that can shape
our way of thinking and the subsequent
action plans we can undertake to
be productive and happy.
While
guiding hic characters in their
spiritual journey, Dr. Krishen
has effectively created a sense
of society, both past and present.
One of the most important thematic
concerns of Why Me? Is Krishen’s
exploration of the forces that
pull a family apart.
Through
story telling and sharing of experiences,
the readers are exposed to the
subtle nature of human integrity
and culture that is produced by
the environment we live in. As
the stories are linked the challenge
is to find the context and the
meaning by assimilating the parts.
The author hopes that in the end,
a sense of joy will emerge in us
as we comprehend the hidden lessons
of this book.
Why
Me? Explores the complexity of
human nature, the richness of human
culture and the different dimensions
of religious understanding making
for delightful reading. It provides
a unique view of human struggles
common to all with a common set
of ethics. Dr. Krishen does not
tell the readers what to think,
he just tells the tale.
“The notion what we own this earth collectively and what we do impacts
others must take roots in our mind and actions”, says Dr. Krishen.
For
readers who enjoy spiritual exploration,
his book provides delightful reading
and in depth soul searching. The
most compelling thematic concerns
of the book are the authors exploration
of the forces- cultural, religious
and natural, that sometimes pull
a family apart. His book effectively
creates a sense of society.
Why Me? (Dr. Kumar Krishen) finds itself in the company of other books
which engages in the same metaphysical speculation as Snow Leopard (Peter
Matthiessen) Winter Count (Barry Lopez) and Celestine Prophecy (James
Redfield).
All
proceeds of this book will go towards
development, charity and aid efforts
through the Krishen Foundation
of Arts and Sciences. All those
desiring a copy of the book can
contact Ms. Geeta Shetri at Delhi,
Cell. 9312111300.
About the author:
Currently Kumar
Krishen, Ph.D., is the
chief technologist in the Technology
Transfer and Commercialization
Office at the NASA’s
Johnson Space Center,
Dr. Kumar Krishen is an accomplished
engineer, manager, and educator,
having over 30 years of experience
in government, academia, and
industry. Born in Kashmir and
went on the 1964 Hon’ble
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Prime
Minister of India scholarship to
the US for further studies.
He
was awarded the IEEE’s Third
Millennium Medal in year 2000.
Dr. Krishen also supports the science
and arts efforts through his Krishen
Foundation of Arts and Sciences.
He also champions the cause of
the environment and has been leading
efforts with the US Air Force to
develop pollution control and reclamation
technologies.
He
is a fellow of SDPS and
serves on the editorial boards
of Integrated Design and Process
Science, the International Journal
of Advanced Manufacturing Systems
and the Indian Journal of Radio
and Space Physics. He has authored
over 150 technical papers and reports,
45 of which have been published
with rave reviews. He is the Recipient
of several awards, medals and commendations
from universities and government
organizations. He is also listed
in 2000 Outstanding People
of the 20th century (England), Who’s
Who in the World, Men
of Achievement, and Personalities
of America.
An
amazing journey from Kashmir to
America indeed. Dr. Krishen can
be contacted by email at kumar.krishen-1@nasa.gov
I
Wish him all success.
Rohit Mehta.
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