Harish Tolani Talks About His Book “Finding Me”

About the Author:

Harish Tolani is a passionate educator and Chartered Accountant by qualification from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, with a deep commitment to nurturing the minds and spirits of young students. As a Senior School teacher at an ISC school and the subject coordinator for Accounts and the Financial Literacy program, Harish Tolani brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to their work. In their debut book, “Finding Me: Students and Spirituality,” Harish Tolani weaves a compelling narrative that combines real-life challenges with timeless spiritual wisdom. The story of Rohan’s transformation serves as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for young readers navigating the complexities of adolescence. Through this work, Harish Tolani aims to inspire and empower the next generation to find their own paths to inner strength and fulfilment.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A: What inspired me to write this book is my deep connection and empathy for students, born from years of close interaction and understanding their unique challenges. Having been a student myself, and still feeling like one at heart, I recognize the confusion and lack of direction that many young people face today. They often find themselves drifting without a clear sense of what they truly want or where they are headed, struggling to discern right from wrong in a complex world. I experienced similar feelings of uncertainty during my student years. However, spirituality played a pivotal role in transforming my life.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: “Finding Me: Embracing Spirituality during Student Life” is a heartfelt guide aimed at helping students navigate the challenges of modern academic and personal life through the lens of spirituality. Drawing from my own experiences as both a student and a teacher, the book addresses the common feelings of confusion and lack of direction that many young people face today. In this book, I share how spirituality, particularly the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Lord Krishna, provided me with clarity, purpose, and inner peace during my formative years. The book is designed to be a companion for students, offering them practical insights and spiritual wisdom to help them make informed decisions, find their true path, and lead balanced, meaningful lives.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: The title “Finding Me: Embracing Spirituality during Student Life” encapsulates the essence of the book and its message: “Finding Me”: This part of the title signifies the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It reflects the idea of students uncovering their true selves, understanding their values, and identifying their purpose in life. It suggests a transformative process where individuals gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they aspire to be. “Embracing Spirituality”: This phrase highlights the central theme of the book—integrating spiritual practices and principles into daily life. It suggests that spirituality is not just an abstract concept but a practical guide that can help students navigate their challenges, find inner peace, and achieve a balanced life. “during Student Life”: This part contextualizes the book’s focus on the specific period of being a student. It acknowledges the unique pressures and experiences faced by students and emphasizes that spirituality can be particularly beneficial during this formative stage.

Q:How Long Does It Take You To Write A Book?

A: It took me 7 to 8 months to write “Finding Me: Embracing Spirituality during Student Life.” The first part of the book and the stories came together fairly quickly, taking about two months. However, the most time-consuming part was crafting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The text is complex and the messages are profound, so translating these into a conversational form that students could easily understand and relate to took considerable effort and time. My goal was to distill these deep spiritual concepts into practical advice that resonates with young minds, which required a lot of thoughtful consideration and revisions.

Q: Where Do You Get Your Information Or Ideas For Your Books?

A: I gathered information and ideas for “Finding Me: Embracing Spirituality during Student Life” from various sources and experiences: Personal Experience: My own journey with spirituality and personal growth provided a foundation for the book. Reflecting on how spirituality influenced my life helped shape the narrative and themes. Teaching and Mentoring: Interacting closely with students over the years gave me insights into their challenges, aspirations, and questions about life and spirituality. Their stories and struggles inspired many aspects of the book. Spiritual Texts: I drew heavily from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual texts. These ancient wisdoms provided the philosophical backbone and guiding principles that underpin the book’s messages. Research: I conducted research on topics related to spirituality, student life, and personal development to ensure the content was informed and relevant. This included studying scholarly articles, books, and contemporary discussions on the subject. Conversations and Dialogues: Engaging in conversations with students, colleagues, and spiritual mentors helped refine ideas and gather diverse perspectives.

Q: How Did Publishing Your First Book Change Your Process Of Writing?

A: Publishing my first book has refined my writing process in several ways. It has taught me the importance of structuring my ideas more clearly and effectively. I’ve learned to balance creativity with practical considerations, like deadlines and revisions. The experience also highlighted the value of feedback and editing in transforming initial drafts into polished work. Overall, it has made me more disciplined and focused, with a deeper understanding of how to engage readers while staying true to my original voice.

Q: What, In Your Opinion, Are The Most Important Elements Of Good Writing?

A: In my opinion, the most important elements of good writing are: Clarity: Clear and precise language helps readers understand your message without confusion. Originality: Bringing a unique perspective or voice keeps your writing fresh and engaging. Engagement: Captivating content that holds the reader’s attention through compelling stories or arguments. Structure: Well-organized writing with a coherent flow and logical progression enhances readability and impact. Authenticity: Genuine expression and honesty resonate with readers and create a deeper connection. Revision: Rigorous editing and revising ensure that your writing is polished and free of errors. Voice: A distinctive voice or style adds personality and makes your writing memorable. These elements work together to create writing that is effective, impactful, and enjoyable to read.

Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?

A: To me, success means achieving a sense of fulfillment and making a positive impact, whether in personal or professional life. It’s not solely about external accomplishments or accolades but about finding satisfaction in pursuing one’s passions, living authentically, and contributing meaningfully to others’ lives. Success involves setting and reaching personal goals, growing through challenges, and maintaining a balance that brings joy and purpose. It’s a deeply personal concept that varies for each individual, reflecting their values, aspirations, and sense of achievement.

Q: Where Do You Get Your Greatest Ideas For Writing?

A: I get my greatest ideas for writing from a variety of sources: Personal Experiences: My own life experiences, including challenges, growth, and insights, often inspire my writing. Interactions with Others: Conversations with students, colleagues, and friends provide fresh perspectives and real-life scenarios that can spark ideas. Reading: Books, articles, and research papers expose me to new concepts and viewpoints, which can lead to creative ideas. Observations: Observing the world around me—people, events, and everyday moments—often reveals interesting themes and stories. Spiritual and Philosophical Texts: Insights from spiritual and philosophical texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, provide profound ideas and guidance that influence my writing. Current Events: Trends, news, and societal issues can inspire relevant and timely content. By drawing from these diverse sources, I can create writing that is both engaging and meaningful.

Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?

A: To aspiring authors, I’d offer the following advice: Write Regularly: Make writing a daily habit. Consistent practice helps improve your skills and build discipline. Read Widely: Expose yourself to various genres and styles to understand different writing techniques and inspire your creativity. Embrace Feedback: Share your work with others and be open to constructive criticism. It’s a valuable way to learn and grow as a writer. Revise Relentlessly: Writing is rewriting. Be prepared to revise your work multiple times to refine and perfect it. Stay Authentic: Write from your own experiences and perspectives. Authenticity resonates with readers and makes your work stand out.

This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.