Written by Naval Pant
Published by PYSSUM (2023)
ISBN: 978-81-964533-0-5
Language: English, pp. 171
-Dr. Prerna Raj
An Unplanned Journey is an effort to raise awareness about the existence of individuals who may require extra support or receptivity due to physical, mental or developmental challenges. It is a memoir that narrates various stories of both children and adults with special needs. It is a first-person account of the writer’s voyage who is the captain of the metaphorical ship called PYSSUM (Paramahansa Yogananda Society for Special Unfolding and Moulding). He is not only a special father but also a special human being for striving hard to cater to the needs of so many individuals with special needs. In this unplanned journey, the idea of divinity and the teachings of the writer’s Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, come across as the main catalysts which keep the journey dynamic and bustling throughout.
The title of the book is self-explanatory yet highly suggestive at the same time. The book is an initiative—an assertion regarding the change it wants to see in terms of inclusive education as well as the acceptance and acknowledgement of individuals with special needs as an integral part of the society. The reader is transported to a parallel existence, reflecting the multifaceted gravity of the book’s core concern, which not only evokes empathy but also calls for a lasting change in how individuals with special needs and their existence is treated.
The book is divided into fifteen chapters. First three are about Mukund, his parents, his grandmother, his struggles, his successes, his failures, his special being and above all, faith, love, tenacity, strength, and hope— things that are infused in his life by the positive environment which is given at home. Love, fairness, integrity, tenderness and devotion are the main ingredients in the long term for children with special needs. They should learn to speak for themselves and do the best they can. That is the key takeaway from Mukund’s story.
The next few chapters are about Manas, Tanu, Puja, Disha, Shrikant, Yogesh and Tanya who were all students at PYSSUM. They all came from different backgrounds, expostulations, misgivings, and incertitude about their identity and existence. The chapters are dedicated to these children as well as to the team at PYSSUM which incorporated persuasion, love, punishments, rigidity, care, trust, values, friendship, psychological insights and professionalism in dealing with these children. These chapters appear to showcase the passions and concerns of PYSSUM towards its cause which, undoubtedly, is empowering every iota of society by infusing the sheer understanding of humanity and divinity. Humanity sanctioned by divinity is evidently the crux of the relationship which the author has with PYSSUM and its every scintilla.
Two chapters in the book are devoted to illustrating the efforts which are required for dealing with an adult mind of a special being. It takes another level of collective effort, responsibility, shared support, guidance and undertaking to deal with individuals like Imtiyaz and Abdullah. Their skills were patiently developed and their sense of being was curated. The endeavours of the writers and his team are mystifying, inspiring and exhilarating.
Succeeding chapters are encapsulating. The writer, authorized by the trust in his Guru and his teachings, very daintily and breezily manages to portray different elements of the school. While reading about the school, we get to know about the thought process, reasoning, equipoise, prudence and judicious lucidity practiced by the author and his team to grow seamlessly as an institution.
Parenting is a complex loop where the key is love and patience. The book, somehow, teaches us that children (special or otherwise) need connection and not perfection. It shows how the validation of their presence means the world to these children.
The book will make readers cry. Simultaneously, it will encourage good parenting and sheer love between parents and children. The book proposes that parents play an important role in shaping a child’s personality. It is often seen when parents lack patience, love and care while nurturing a child, it has adverse effects on the child’s mental well-being.
Dr. Naval Pant has done a phenomenal job. His extremely powerful understanding of the nature of education and its connection with special children is beyond appreciation. His deep perception and sensible discretion are reflected in both, his writing and understanding abilities. In this book he has dealt with caregiving, nurturing and loving tiny beings. He speaks about special children, their condition, their ordeal, nightmares and trauma in specific.
The book is quite thought-provoking and vivid, encompassing a range of emotions, situations and circumstances. The essence of all chapters appears to be similar. Apparently, the focus is on the ordeal. The language is lucid and has the capacity to connect immediately. It is a must read for all parents and to-be-parents.
About the Reviewer:
Dr. Prerna Raj holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Lucknow. With over ten years of experience as an educator, she has extensively trained teachers and led Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiatives. In addition to her academic role, she has served as a career counselor for the past two years, guiding students toward their professional goals.
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