Thursday, January 14, 2016

Book Review: Principally Yours by Bubloo Sen

Title: Principally Yours
Author: Bubloo Sen
Pages: 155
Publisher: Authors Upfront


Review

‘Principally Yours’ is a piece of nonfiction narrated by Bubloo Sen about her experience of teaching and moulding many lives to bring about positive changes in the society around her. Revolution can come from any sphere and in any size. What matters is the intention behind it and the result. This book is one such story of a mini revolution brought about in the lives of the economically challenged Jewish and Muslim students of an underprivileged school in Bombay during the 70s who were living a miserable life in squalor and poverty. It wasn’t an easy task given the odds, but Bubloo Sen, despite her petite frame and genteel ways, had a steely resolve and a charismatic disposition. She took under her wings her students enveloping them in the bonds of love and harmony all the while instilling in them pride and a firm belief that unstinting effort and commitment is all that is needed to re-write one’s script in life.    
Reading it reminded me of another book I had read long ago, ‘To Sir, With Love.’ It was one of the most remarkable and impacting books I read as a student. I found ‘Principally Yours’ equally motivating especially now that I’m a teacher myself.
The issues covered in this book are real to date and poignantly relevant. Mrs. Sen has written an autobiography so sumptuous with its many life teachings – making the book really one of those that is bound to change your outlook towards life. The book’s life lessons are many; the most profound being – respect begets respect. Against all odds Mrs. Sen taught her charges to expect the very best from life so that even in depravity they could hold their head high and walk down the aisle of life with dignity. This book teaches us that even those who seem most undeserving of anything deserve to be given a chance and be treated with respect.
The incidents narrated in the book took place in the 70s and we readily get a glimpse of that era. Through her writing Mrs. Sen really paints the picture of what the school she was teaching at like and about the students. I was immediately grabbed in and brought along for the ride. The writing style is a no-frill affair and hence easy to read and enjoy. The narrative structure is less academic and more like a story. The cover is a beautifully rendered watercolour composition that has its own charm. What you’re holding in your hands is Mrs. Sen’s thirty five years of faith and hope sandwiched within the pages. Hers is an exemplary life from which each of us can pick a leaf and follow suit.
For me it was an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to all.

Book Links


At thirty five, she epitomized the quintessential good wife and good mother. She had it all. A loving husband, three adorable children. Yet, she didn’t quite feel happy. 
It was a bunch of children from an underprivileged background living in one of the toughest areas in Bombay – Nagpada – that helped her find herself and a purpose so deep that it changed not just her life, but those of generations. 
She became the good teacher. 
Years dedicated to the altar of knowledge at SJSHS. Thirty five years of encouraging faith and hope amongst her young students who lived in squalor and poverty. A Hindu Principal teaching economically challenged Jewish and Muslim students. Enveloping them in the bonds of love and harmony. Instilling pride and a firm belief that unstinting effort and commitment is all that is needed to re-write one’s script in life. Not an easy task given the odds, but Bubloo Sen, despite her petite frame and genteel ways, had a steely resolve and a charismatic disposition. In her dictionary every No needed to be met with a resounding Yes.
Today at eighty two she exhibits the same resilience and joie de vivre. Her love for life is contagious. A renowned educationist, foodie, fashionista and now a serial author and actress! Life for her has to be king-size. A woman who greets every morning with surprise, wonder and a childlike innocence. A woman who believes that every day is a gift she needs to share with the world.
A woman of substance. Bubloo Sen.

I'd like to thank author Bubloo Sen for letting me review her book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!


This Review is a part of the Blogger Outreach Program by Read Out Loud in association with b00k r3vi3w Tours
*The review was first published on http://thetalespensieve.com/

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