Life As I Have Seen It - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Life As I Have Seen It" by Urmila S. Dholakia, based on the provided text:

Overall Theme and Author's Intent:

"Life As I Have Seen It" is a collection of memoirs and reflective essays by Urmila S. Dholakia. At 85 years old, the author aims to share her life's experiences, observations, and lessons learned, hoping to provide social awareness and inspiration, particularly to the younger generation. The book is written in a simple yet powerful language, reflecting her honest and truthful narration.

Dedication and Acknowledgements:

The book is dedicated to the author's mother and father, who instilled in her the importance of education and simplicity. The author expresses deep gratitude to them for their guidance and blessings. The translation of the book into English was a collaborative effort, and she expresses profound thanks to numerous friends and family members who contributed their time and talent to make this project a reality.

Author's Background and Philosophy:

Urmila Dholakia is described as an energetic, compassionate, and courageous woman who has navigated life's joys and sorrows with dignity. For over 20 years, she served as a warden for the Shri Sarojini Devi Ladies Hostel at M.S. University of Baroda, where she acted as a mother figure to the residents. Her extensive travels have exposed her to diverse cultures, enriching her perspective. She is an advocate for women's rights and education. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of reading, writing, and thinking, and she believes that literature holds greater value than worldly wealth. The book itself is a testament to her childhood dream of sharing her experiences.

Key Life Experiences and Themes Explored in the Chapters:

The book is structured as a series of chapters, each recounting a specific experience or observation. These include:

My Experiences - Sapna: The author shares her early childhood memories, her fascination with the outside world, and her initial impressions of hostel life. She recounts her appointment as Warden of Sarojini Naidu Hall and the immediate maternal bond she felt with the 300 girls. A significant incident involves a security officer overstepping his authority by questioning a student named Sapna, which teaches the author valuable lessons about fairness, research, and handling difficult situations with an open mind.
My Experience of an Incident...: This chapter details a harrowing incident where a thief attempts to steal from a student in her hostel room. The author's quick thinking, investigation, and the subsequent confession of a peon reveal a larger conspiracy involving the university's security officer. This experience highlights the importance of vigilance, courage (both of the students and the author), and thorough investigation to ensure justice and safety.
Manisha: The author recounts an incident where a student named Sunita loses her gold necklace and bracelet. Through the diligent efforts of another student, Manisha, the jewelry is recovered, and the culprit, a fellow student named Hema, confesses. This story emphasizes the power of genuine desire to help, concern for others' well-being, and the ability to resolve difficult situations through empathy and trust.
Group Spirit: This chapter focuses on the author's experience managing food bills and kitchen staff in the girls' hostel. She describes implementing a transparent action plan that improved food quality and reduced costs, earning commendation from the Pro Vice Chancellor. A subsequent strike by the kitchen staff due to perceived loss of extra income leads to the girls taking charge of the kitchen, showcasing their resilience, teamwork, and courage in the face of adversity.
Prasanna: The author recounts the story of Prasanna, a bright student whose engagement is threatened when she has a heated argument with her teacher and decides to quit her studies. The author skillfully mediates between Prasanna and her teacher, facilitating reconciliation and enabling Prasanna to continue her education. This narrative underscores the importance of patience, understanding, and empathetic communication in resolving conflicts.
Where a Thousand and Flowers Bloom: This chapter tells the inspiring story of Karamchandbhai and Dosabhai, two brothers who rose from poverty to become successful philanthropists. They establish schools for girls, a religious school, a dharamshala (inn), and a maternity wing, demonstrating immense dedication to their community and embodying the values of selflessness, hard work, and education. Their story is presented as a testament to the "fragrance" of good deeds.
Life: A Three Part Play: This is a deeply personal and poignant narrative of a woman's life marked by hardship. The author shares her experiences of an unfulfilling childhood burdened with responsibilities, a youth marked by societal ignorance surrounding sexuality and a premature pregnancy, and subsequent difficult marriages that lead to further emotional turmoil. The story highlights the impact of societal pressures, lack of sex education, and the resilience of the human spirit in finding inner strength.
Learning is Living: This chapter details the remarkable philanthropic efforts of Karamchandbhai and Dosabhai in establishing the Indrabai Girls High School and other institutions in Kutch. It highlights the challenges they faced in promoting girls' education, the bravery of the women who taught, and the ultimate triumph of knowledge and societal progress.
I Am Ready: This true story illustrates the strength of intergenerational bonds within a joint family. Bharat's determination to bring his elderly, hesitant grandmother to Kolkata for a visit showcases his deep affection and thoughtful planning to overcome her physical limitations, ultimately leading her to declare, "I am ready!"
On the Occasion of 80th Birthday Celebration of My Brother Pranjivan: The author celebrates her elder brother Pranjivan, highlighting his strong family values, loyalty, dedication to hard work and ethics, and immense generosity. The chapter recounts his supportive partnership with his wife, his community involvement, and his selfless devotion to his father during an illness. It also touches upon his own health crisis and the faith of his family.
True Service: This chapter tells the story of Kishanbhai, a simple and honest widower who dedicates his life to serving the hungry. He befriends a woman who has been cast out by her alcoholic husband, providing her with food and shelter. This story emphasizes the virtue of selfless service, compassion, and the enduring bond formed through acts of kindness.
Compassion: The author recounts her experience leading a group of hostel girls to provide relief during devastating floods in Gujarat. The chapter details their fundraising efforts, their organized distribution of essential items, and the profound impact it had on the girls. It also describes how leftover funds were used to establish an elementary school for children of working parents in a slum area, demonstrating the power of compassion and the tangible outcomes of social service.
Ratanben: This chapter shares the story of Ratanben, a devout and selfless woman who faces hardship with contentment and unwavering faith. Her devotion to Naag Devta is tested when her favorite food disappears, and her pure response leads to a miraculous appearance of the deity. The story highlights Ratanben's humility, endurance, and the rewards of selfless devotion.
Affection: This is a short, heartfelt letter from the author's daughter, Urvi M. Mehta, to her on her 70th birthday. It expresses deep admiration for her mother's courage, spirit, optimism, and her pivotal role in raising her children.
Choice Is Yours: This is a poem reflecting on life's journey, emphasizing the importance of shedding ego, cultivating purity of mind, embracing truth and knowledge, and making conscious choices that lead to happiness and fulfillment.

Overall Message:

"Life As I Have Seen It" is a rich tapestry of personal narratives, moral lessons, and insights into the human condition. Urmila S. Dholakia's life experiences, as shared in this book, underscore the importance of compassion, courage, education, family values, and selfless service. She encourages readers to learn from life's challenges, embrace their inner strength, and contribute positively to society.