R.M. Lala's impressive career spans journalism, publishing, philanthropy and book writing. Yet for him, the only thing in his life worthy of mention is that there has been 'a thread of God in my life.' It is the journey of this thread that the book elucidates.

Lala believes that through incidents, events, encounters, whispers, books and sometimes through firm bidding God weaves the pattern of life. 'Is there a God? Many — even the spiritual are not quite sure,' he writes. Belief in God is then the golden thread that runs through this entire work —

although the message is understandably muted; it is not loudly proclaimed with any missionary fervour.

In a conversational style the author gives a vivid portrait of the times he has lived through, allowing the reader glimpses into his intensely personal memories, experiences, as well as encounters with the personalities who shaped the 20th century such as Mother Teresa and Morarji Desai.

This book is informed throughout by the author's enduring faith has supported him through two
serious illnesses, healed a broken marriage, taken him from financial adversity to financial security and guided him through four careers over two continents.

The book is not meant to be read at a stretch. The reader may like to pause, reflect and relate to some aspects of his or her own life. 'If this book can give faith and point to a path that enables others to find a deeper meaning to life, I shall feel amply rewarded.'

Lala became the first non-white member of the British Publishing Association and established the first Indian publishing house in London. He writes, 'Publishing in the UK in the 1950s was a pleasure.' Since publishing houses at the time belonged to lovers of books.

Although he left London in 1963, he vividly recounts his stay mentioning his flat at Knightsbridge, having tea at Lyon's Tea House, and watching Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady and describes England of those days as 'orderly and peaceful.'

In 1989 at the age of 60 as he was breezing through life, he met cancer. 'One is never prepared for a cancer diagnosis, and when it comes one realises how utterly unprepared one is for it.'

Nevertheless he acquired a new perspective on 'his seemingly normal life' where he 'awakened to deeper issues of life and death.' He describes it not as the end of life but the beginning of a new one 'where one draws on one's
immense resources.'

For someone who is suffering from or has had a bout with cancer, the book offers huge help as the author shares his ideas, feelings and perspective on suffering the challenges of the disease.

'Next to the discomfort is the uncertainty of the disease. When you are well, it hangs like a Sword of Damocles. When you are not, it tends to preoccupy you.' Or when he writes, 'It is essential to recognise that life is larger than cancer.'

Towards the end of the book are incredible revelations about Lala's exciting journeys to world heritage sites of the world, the values life taught him and his experience of discovering himself through faith.

'When in my early 60s, I felt that 75 was the right age to go. When I was nearing that age, God told me one day You did not create your own life. Your life was given to you. Who are you to decide your life span?'
 
The Thread of God in my life

By R.M. Lala

Penguin Books, India

ISBN 0-67-008268-1

194pp. Indian Rs399