Book review : Back to Life by Neetima Babbar

Book Review by Ila Pachauri Book Name : Back to Life Author : Neetima Babbar The book - *Back to Life* is an autobiographical journey of the author herself who defied death and came back to life. The author has mentioned the key areas in a person's life, who when get embedded in a sea of problems, should keep in mind to sail through. I realised that the book is a virtual conversation with God and His blessings that comes to us through more than one avenue. It is only up to us to identify and accept those blessings . Instead of questioning " Why me?" ,spend that energy into seeking solutions. Neetima surrendered her situation to Lord Shiva whom she refers as " The Supreme Soul ". Dr. Bhaswat C Roy writes in the foreword : Life is the true nature of God, life goes on with its divine flow and vibrancy. We feel lost when we are faced with undesirable or unforeseen situations.... this is the time to surrender to the Divine . Neetima chanted " God is with me, not the condition.". This unshakeable faith helped the author and her family sail through the ordeal. Difficulties in life do not come to scare us but to prepare us to create a better version of ourself ; not to break us but to make us believe in the hidden potential that lay dormant within us. We as human beings are programmed to face any problem but we generally surrender even before looking for the avenues and assistance available to us. Belief in self and supreme belief in the Almighty is the foremost prerequisite to start with. It was not just cancer that posed a threat , dwindling finances , shifting to a new house and locality , two sons who were growing up ... there were many obstacles that kept challenging Neetima. Not in a position to go for treatment in a private hospital, she had to seek treatment in a government hospital... where by the time she got an appointment, got her tests done, her cancer had gone to next level. The author candidly and elaborately explains the callousness of medical system ... the chalta hai attitude .At one place she writes" Hey Bhagwan ,mere sath sath in sarkari aspatalon ka bhi kuch karo". The unending wait for appointments , the killing wait for reports... shifting hospitals ....confusing advice by friends and family , leaving her sons behind ....so many tormentous situations only made her reslove to bounce back to life . Faced with the threat of a part of her tongue to be chopped off, it was feared that Neetima would never be able to speak in her life. But her sheer grit and blessings from the Divine, she could speak soon after her surgery. Neetima couldn't have come back to life without the constant support of her husband who stood like a rock besides her. Always with a smile on , he kept on going with positivity . This is an awesome message for caregivers of patients ... not loosing cool, never showing helplessness in front of the paitents . Apart from her husband it was her father who always pumped her with positivity. Her father was a kidney transplant patient and bith his legs had been amputated, but he did not lack mental strength and will power. Neetima probably inherited this strength to fight back from her father. Clutching on to her life , she dared to lock horns with Cancer only for her life lines ,her sons , whom she knew were waiting for her return. Neetima also talks about political pressure and partial ways of system where an illiterate MLA is treated like a king in this country . As commoners ee can do nothing about this ,but this is the system we have been born and brought up with . The book is a first hand account of the contribution of the medical fraternity who are akin to God, the callousness of nursing staff, indifference of system, of the prayers & blessings, faith & belief in self, attitude of gratitude in inner healing and staying positive while locking horns with her problems. There is pain and agony, crisis and turmoil, confusion and delusion, manifestations & expectations yet there is true reflection of faith in the scheme of almighty's planning. The author says at many places, surrendering her situation to God made her conquer a deadly disease like cancer. The author's long conversations with God, her sense of humour and her acceptance are so candidly expressed in the book. What gripped my attention to the book is that it isn't just a dismal description of the survivors journey, it has the subtle tadka of humour and punches that make you laugh. The book speaks of unshakeable bond between a husband and wife , the bond between the author and her doctor, the bond within the family and the paramount bond with the Lord above. True to self, the author has chosen to embrace life over disease and pain. And that is what makes her a champion". Reading the book, gives a new meaning to life, face it not fight it. Do not regret but regard your life. Respect what you have and make use of the resources. I strongly recommend the book for every hospital library to help Neetima to create new awakening and awareness on cancer and even otherwise to face any problem. This book should be gifted to cancer patients and their attendants. The proceeds of the book are marked for charity. It is my humble request to order a copy and gift copies of this absolutely magical book. Price of the book : 265/- Publisher: Neeyati Publishers Dx- 17, Kendriya Vihar, Sector -56 Gurugram - Haryana, 122001, India E-mail : info @neeyatipublishers.com