India : 24.03.2013
Mayan, a book recounting the spiritual journey and family bonds of a cancer patient, was released at the Lucknow Literary Festival Today on 24th March by Padmashree Dr. Nityanand with book introduction from Padmashree Ms. Roona Banerjee. The heart-warming tale delineates the small victories and spiritual transformation of its protagonist, Mayan, who lived a wholesome life with positive thoughts, despite having cancer.
The author Dr. A.P. Maheshwari, a 1984 batch I.P.S. officer, told festival goers that the book catalogues his mother’s battle with cancer, and “is an introspective tale, which challenges readers to reflect not only on death, but also on life, its meaning and the ultimate purpose of our human existence.” Dr. Maheshwari hopes it will speak to cancer patients’ loved ones everywhere.
The matriarch Mayan (“mother” in the Rajasthani language) first arrives in the city as a young girl after marriage, and navigates the ups and downs of family life with great equanimity and humour. However, her biggest test arrives when she is diagnosed with cancer in the latter years of her life. From the time of her diagnosis to the endless rounds of therapy, she relies on her family’s support, her own resilient spirit and her deep, unshakeable faith in the divine.
She beats physical challenges with mental strength and mental limitations with her faith in the divine. As the disease progresses, she sets her sight firmly on spiritual ascendancy, and through faith, love and determination, she achieves ultimate liberation from this world.
Through its intimate portrayal of the emotional landscape of a cancer patient’s family, Mayan provides a sensitive behind-the-scenes look at the psychological and emotional states of a cancer patient, and what it takes to care for someone suffering from cancer. Ultimately, it tells the story of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of a lethal, cantankerous disease.
Through its biographical narrative, Mayan also explores the pathology of the disease and discusses the treatment options available to a modern day cancer patient, ranging from cutting-edge research to palliative prescriptions available in the world of natural therapy.
Dr. Anand Prakash Maheshwari is the author of eight books based on his experiences in the Police Force. His writing blends logical exposition with startling glimpses of humanity. His book on ‘Communalism’ has received the Govind Vallabh Pant award. Professionally, he has been decorated with the President’s Medal for distinguished services and the Police Medal for Gallantry. His latest book Mayan is published by Prabhat Publications, New Delhi (www.prabhatbooks.com) and is available in bookstores across the country.

सुरेन्द्र अग्निहोत्री
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