Another Sort of Freedom – A memoir

Biographies and autobiographies have always fascinated my reading interest, particularly those centered around the lives of accomplished business leaders, entrepreneurs, or seasoned executives who have weathered the storms over multiple decades. One such compelling narrative that came to my attention was Gurcharan Das’s ‘Another Sort of Freedom,‘ a discovery I made at the Dehradun Literature Festival, where I also got a chance to shake hands with him. Intrigued by Das’s insights shared during a captivating conversation with the moderator, I was compelled to dive into the pages of his memoir.

What does the book cover?

‘Another Sort of Freedom’ unfolds with a delightful touch of humor, Das’s ability to infuse cheerfulness into the chronicles of his life. The narrative commences with his birth in the pre-partition era, and navigates the various phases of his life up to the present. Motivated by a desire to leave a lasting legacy for the future generation, Das crafts a memoir that encapsulates the essence of his journey—a journey that spans continents, decades, and diverse experiences.

Chronologically structured, the book navigates through key eras such as the days of partition, Das’s formative years in India, and a transformative period spent in the United States, which proved to be a defining moment in his life. The author recounts his educational pursuits in the U.S., portraying it as a transformative phase that laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Returning to India, Das shares the subsequent chapters of his life—his professional pursuits, marriage, and the joys and challenges of parenthood, all contributing to the rich life that he lived.

Interesting aspects from the book (chosen randomly)

1. America, O America – Gurcharan Das recounts his journey in the United States, as featured in a story by the Washington Post titled ‘Boy on Visit from India Stays to Excel at School.’ The narrative highlights how, despite facing initial humiliation based on his race by his vice principal, Das, hailing from a middle-class background, triumphed academically. He not only secured the top position in his class but also earned a place in prestigious universities. The chapter reflects on his silent revenge against the vice principal who had humiliated him four years ago, as Das turned the insult into motivation, working diligently to excel in his studies.
2. Harvard – Gurcharan Das discovered that while a university education imparts thinking and reasoning skills, maintaining a free and open mind to possibilities is the true essence of a meaningful life. Far from turning him into a pessimist, Harvard instilled confidence in him, providing both a sense of direction and the freedom to shape his own future.
3. At the End, I’ll Laugh at Anything – Gurucharan Das sums up his life journey, a meaningful existence marked by dignity. He reflects on how we choose to live our lives and expresses the desire for a peaceful, natural death, perhaps in his sleep listening to the music with a smile on his face – at the end simplifying the life of a complex creature called Human Being.

What’s in it for me?

For readers like me who like to understand the trajectories of successful individuals, Das’s memoir is a breath of fresh air. The narrative flows seamlessly, and the absence of complex language makes it an engaging read for a broad audience. More than just a chronological account of events, the book imparts valuable life lessons—gems of wisdom that have the potential to guide one toward a happy, simple, and profound life simultaneously.

My recommendation

The book is not just an exploration of Das’s life; it is an invitation to reflect on one’s own journey. Read, absorb, and select the inspirations that resonate with you, for in Das’s narrative lies a wealth of experiences waiting to be translated into personal growth. There’s no harm in immersing yourself in the journey of another’s life, especially when it holds the promise of enriching your own.

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Sarika Chavan

Sarika Chavan is a public relations professional with over 15 years of work experience.

Sarika has previously had stints with with Weber Shandwick as Vice President - Client Experience, Adfactors PR, Text100 (now Archetype) and Perfect Relations. With keen observation and analytical skills, Sarika has successfully led PR campaigns for key brands across multiple sectors by leveraging her strength and expertise in the communications arena.

She is a post graduate in communications from Xavier Institute of Communications. She is based in Mumbai and in her free time loves to spend time with her daughters, play with her dogs, read and travel.