This autobiography by an author, publisher and journalist R M Lala Is notable for the insights it makes available to the reader on finding a faith. Strongly influenced by the Moral Re-armament movement and closely associated with the Tata establishment, he had authored more than a dozen books that could be read with profit by men in various fields of human endeavour.

The author observes that among his books, no book has given him and the readers greater satisfaction than the 'Celebration of Cells.'

It was in 1989 that doctors examining a swelling on one side of his neck and after proper tests, pronounced that he had a battle ahead—the battle with cancer. ‘When I was diagnosed with cancer, I acquired a new perspective, on my seemingly normal life. I learnt many things. To meet the challenge. I awakened to the deeper issues of life and death. I needed to face realities, reorder my priorities, embark on a journey of faith. I had to summon the doctor within myself and to channel my thoughts in a positive direction . I understood once again the value of a sense of purpose. I learnt to cultivate joy, to embrace laughter and humour, and to face death squarely and with equanimity. I also began to appreciate the immense power of prayer and healing,’ he recalls. It is all these and more that he had tried to communicate to cancer sufferers in his book, Celebration of Cells.

Quite understandable because its comforting messages must have touched the hearts of people whose lot in life consisted struggles of various kinds and shapes--not necessarily cancer. Words that offer hope for those under pain would always create an impact. The more than 80-year old author had sought comfort from the scriptures and he has very skillfully communicated to others the palliative gems that reach the very depths of human hearts. Dr Abdul Kalam who read the same book gave copies to several friends. So too several other readers who felt convinced of its messages.

'The Thread of God in my life' is an autobiography with a difference. Rajmohan Gandhi's counsel to Russi M Lala that he should write is biography so that his life could be a source of light to many more, did not go in vain.

Though he thought, unlike many others, that he had no greatness to dwell upon nor startling disclosures to make, he felt, after initial reluctance, his search for God and answers to life's perplexities were worth writing about. And that is what makes the book valuable to many in search of God. Unlike Gandhi, he does not start with a backlog of a 'nationalistic spirit' having to defend his own concepts and the cultural background from which he originated.

Lala had his share of problems and struggles ; hopes and achievements. But these are not the substance with which he builds up his autobiography. There are passing references to events in his life but then belief in God and supportive evidences for such belief in a personal God are found throughout the pages of the book.

His canvass for painting God should be considered far broader than that of many writing from an Indian background. If 'Celebration of Cells' abounded in Biblical verses and quotes from Christian authors, this book again exposes his wide reading. His thoughts and influences seem to have been inspired by the works and lives of such persons like Mother Teresa, St Augustine, St Francis of Assisi, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dr Schweitzer, Henry Drummond. No doubt he had his circle of Parsi friends which included his one time boss, JRD Tata. But zoroastrian or Hindu beliefs such as emphasis on 'karma', incarnations and idol worship do not figure prominently in the book. Going by the book, the Moral Re-Armament (MRA, now renamed Initiatives of change) seems to have exercised the strongest influence on him. (Refer Page 30) When he started the Himmat weekly along with Rajmohan Gandhi and others, it was the moral standards of society he wanted to uphold rather than mingling in politics. The four years stay in London from the ages of 31 to 35 were significant for what he learnt about the MRA, life in general and about human nature.

One play by Peter Howard, 'Ladder', had a deep influence on him. It was about a politician who was going fast up the ladder of success and fame. The lead was played by Paul Campbell, who had given up his own promising career, to work with the MRA. Towards the climax, recalls the author, Campbell would climb up the ladder, with a velvet belt of the awards he had received. In the background would be the strains of the hymn, 'Old Rugged Cross' The words '...all my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown' would continue to ring in his heart. They drove home man's vanity and passion for power and self-aggrandisement. Equally fascinating to read is his reaction to watching the film, 'The Robe' by Lloyd C. Douglas on the wide screen. 'During the scene of the soldiers whipping Christ, as he carried the cross up the hill, 'I wanted to hold their hands.'(Page 136) When from the cross Jesus uttered those famous words: 'Father forgive them, they know not what they do!' they pierced his heart. A stream of tears flowed down his cheeks. But a still greater impact of the scene was felt eight days later, when a Baptist pastor spoke of men re-crucifying Christ. The Pastor recalled how he once thought of taking his own life and desisted from the same because ' it would amount to crucifying Christ again!'

At that time, he was carrying the pain of a deeply hurt fellowship, that happened while he was 21. He nursed the hurt for four more years. That bitterness was in him when he watched the crucifixion scene. Now the pastor’s remarks worked on his mind. It dawned on him that his refusal to let go his hurt would be like crucifying Christ again. A wave of repentance came over him. He walked to a room and in the silence knelt down imagining that he was at the foot of a cross. He then 'wrapped up my parcel of bitterness and respectfully placed it at the foot.' Surrendering his long stored up ill feelings at the Cross, he felt light: as if all the burdens had been lifted up from him in a moment!’

Reading some of these incidents were like testimonies straight from ‘Born Again ‘ Christians who felt a touch of God and underwent a renewal. This is the renewal the Bible also speaks about by which a person gives up old ways and puts on a new nature.

All those authors whom he had admired, it must be noted, hold a Christian world view. Further the author himself extensively reproduces verses from the Psalms, St Paul’s letters and other portions of the Book of Books with which even some Christians may not be familiar. And how many educated Christians could boast of having read at least some of the books listed herein by the Parsi author?

Former president Abdul Kalam, releasing the book at a Mumbai function had said: ‘When I read the book, I found that it is a book of books…you feel every page is scholarly and touches the heart. Many authors appear in the book; many poets appear in the book; many scriptures appear in the book….’Of course only the Bible is called the ‘Book of Books.’ What the president meant was probably that he found much resources that would be useful for a person in the search for faith.’

The good Lord has caused all the laws of life to be sown in the literature of the world. No particular country or culture can claim monopoly of the knowledge of God. Russi M Lala has accomplished a great task by bringing into focus all these laws written on the tablets of the human heart by the Spirit of God. And it is his agreement with that Spirit that enables him to conclude the book with those famous lines: ‘ Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee, In life, in death, O Lord Abide with me.’

Certainly the book has succeeded in realizing the lofty aims of the author, who wrote: 'After my radiation treatment in 2003, I realised that nothing was more important than bringing people closer to God, ' he writes in his preface and adds: 'If this book can give faith and point to a path that enables others to find a deeper meaning to life, I shall feel amply rewarded.' Did he succeed? To me, the answer is ‘yes.’