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The Dance of
Destiny
A Personal Journey
NAROOMA,
AUSTRALIA— The Dance of Destiny (published by Trafford
Publishing) by Raja Ratnam is a personal story. It details the major events affecting his life
chances, career prospects, and personal relationships, as well as his memories
of significant social, cultural and political impacts.The fact that these details are related
against the backdrop of the recent history of three modern nations, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia makes for a unique memoir, with historical
value.
Ratnam's story is shaped by many
cross-cultural, spiritual, psychic, and philosophical influences. His early
years were in colonial Malaya, first
controlled by the British and then occupied by the Japanese. He later moved to
Australia and stayed there, even though the marriage that took him there ended,
leaving him isolated from a supportive extended family, and denying him the
prosperity available amongst his own people.
Readers will be drawn to Ratnam's work
on several levels. First and foremost, The Dance of Destiny is a remarkable
story of an unusual person: life experiences in colonial times and under a
military occupation during World War II; the love life of a young Hindu
Malaysian/Anglo-Australian couple in British Singapore; the settlement
experiences of an Asian living in an often racially-charged Australia; and his
substantial contribution to civil society (especially in education) despite
denial of equal opportunity in the workplace.
Also appealing is Ratnam's attempt to
understand the role of Destiny and the spirit world in his life (because of
some significant psychic experiences), and to make sense of the often
surprising paths that revealed themselves on his journey.Despite the disasters he describes as "wheels
falling off" his life-chances cart, and his falling into holes "which were not
there", Ratnam learns to accept the best of each outcome.His well-written story is not only enlightening
but also inspirational.
About the Author
Raja Ratnam was born in British Malaya
of Ceylon Tamil parents. Sixty of his 80 years were spent in Australia,
where he was able to achieve both societal and professional success, despite
the overt racism and tribal discrimination that he experienced. Ratnam is the author of three books and a
number of critical articles on policy on migrant settlement; multiculturalism;
citizenship; refugee entry; and national identity. For more information, visit www.dragonraj.com .
NEW
MEMOIR EXAMINES THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY AND DESTINY IN THE JOURNEY OF LIFE
According
to the Pew Forum, a growing number of people (now 1 in 5) are embracing a new
identity as "spiritual but not religious," suggesting they are
abandoning the dogma of religion while retaining its spirit/soul. For example,
1 in 4 Christians believe in reincarnation, and the majority of Americans
believe there are multiple paths to eternal life.
Raja Ratnam examines the spiritual and philosophical
dimensions of his life in his new book, The Dance of Destiny. Ratnam's life
defining moments, he later discovered, were guided by unseen spiritual forces.
Ratnam reveals his journey through life, from a starving
adolescent living in constant fear in Malaya under Japanese military
occupation, moving to Australia for medical school and returning as a failure
and outcast, to returning back to Australia for good, only to be met by racism.
Even during difficult times and tragedy, his path in life
seemed ordained, as a yogi (spiritual guide) had predicted early on his
migration to Australia and failures. It wasn't until later that Ratnam began to
realize that his life had a distinct purpose and his trials and tribulations
all played an important part in forming his personal destiny.
"As fire tempers steel, so hardship can temper the human
soul," says Ratnam. "Those who have experienced severe hardship, as I have,
know they are stronger as a result."
The Dance of Destiny delves into
historical and current societal issues, such as:
·Spirituality -- how it
affects life in often unseen ways
·What life was like
under Japanese military occupation
·Growing up and being
shunned from a tribal community
·Moving on from life's
tragedies and failures
·The commonality of the
world's religions and why they all lead to the same path
·Facing racism as an
Asian immigrant living in Australia
"A life without hope is a meaningless life, risking
demoralization, debauchery,
destitution, or even
death," remarks Ratnam.
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New Memoir
Chronicles Life of Determination, Fate
History, Geography, Politics and More Combine
in "The Dance of Destiny"
AUSTRALIA— In his
comprehensive, philosophical new memoir, The Dance of Destiny (published by
Trafford Publishing) Raja (Arasa) RATNAM reflects on a rich, fulfilling life as
he ruminates on the true meaning of success, love and destiny.
Growing up
in World War II-era Malaysia, RATNAM begins with a heart-wrenching account of
life in his country after the Japanese invaded and forced the country to live
under their military rule. "Any anti-Jap individuals had their heads sliced off
and placed on poles on street corners initially," RATNAM recalls. "Later they
had their guts filled with water and then jumped on."
Determined
to escape the oppressive conditions in Malaysia, RATNAM's studies took him to
Australia. He encounters more hardships when his father dies at age 47, he
lives through a near-death experience and he fails out of his classes. A bright
light finally emerges: he meets his wife and they enjoy newlywed bliss.
Nothing is
ever as perfect as it seems, however, and The Dance of Destiny honestly and
openly shares the ups and downs of the author's marriage. Part one of the book
ends dramatically when his wife leaves him. Part two continues to chronicle
their eventual reconciliation and RATNAM then delves into racism, cultural
differences and professional setbacks. Never losing hope, he is able to learn
from his experiences and shares his insights with readers in this compelling
new autobiography.
Praise for
The
Dance of Destiny:
"A detailed explanation of a personal journey
through varying cultures and countries ... [RATNAM] writes with convincing
authority ... A fascinating account of cross-cultural insight that will interest
memoir, history and metaphysical enthusiasts."
--Kirkus
Discoveries
"Written by an 80-year-old who has been an
instrument of societal change while being changed himself, this is a unique
memoir. It is a remarkable story of an unusual person, which is not only
enlightening but also inspirational."
