Book Review: Visa, Stickers and other Matters Of The Soul

"Mama, I am an Indian right?"

"Right."

"But I am also Chinese, aren't I?"

"Hmmm... not really. The Chinese government calls you Chinese only if either of your parents or grandparents are Chinese."

"I know I am Indian, but I was born here, I grew up here. I am also a little, little bit Chinese, aren't I?" she persisted.

When kids are far removed from the social and cultural fabric of their home country and can't even call the country they are living in their own, how do you give them a sense of belonging, of identity? Should you then help them find that home within themselves, through spirituality? That's the idea author Lom Harshini Chauhan wants to use to help her daughter become a global citizen, but one who doesn't feel lost.

Visa, Stickers and other Matters Of The Soul takes you through the author's lovely journey of conscious living and parenting. Written in simple language and in an engaging style full of anecdotes that allow the characters to come alive, the book gives the reader a good mix of easy humour and depth.

It's a joy listening to Kyra as she inquires, opines and tries to connect events that she sees with what she's being taught by her mother. It's worth emulating Harshini, who doesn't brush away the child's curiosity and enthusiasm, but shows her respect by responding to her questions, sincerely. It's a pleasure to watch her try to strike a balance between being encouraging and pushy, and explain various realities and issues — such as religion or not-so-child-friendly aspects of pop culture — that her six-year-old encounters... All in the hope that Kyra grows up to be a free-thinking, yet responsible individual.

But this book is not merely for immigrant parents or even just parents, it's for anyone who considers himself or herself a spiritual seeker–he/she can join Harshini as she dips into her experiences and learnings from Sathya Sai Baba's Ashram in Andhra Pradesh as well as experiences post life at the ashram. It is for anyone who believes in miracles. It is for anyone who likes history, culture and travelling as she brings to you memories of Shimla of a bygone era and China of the present. Going from light to intense, the 294-paged read allows you to discover and dwell on the beauties and complexities of life.

Book: Visa, Stickers and other Matters Of The Soul

Author: Lom Harshini Chauhan

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Pages: 294

Price: Rs 299