WISE WORDS
Art patron and philanthropist Satish Modi talks to Sangeeta Devi about his thought-provoking book titled “In Love with Death”
As a member of one of the wealthiest families in India, Satish Modi has had a fortunate childhood that led him directly into business. He helmed India’s first private airline (Modiluft, now known as Spice Jet) in 1993 and in 2013 he founded a football club in the UK known as Modi Town Football Club. However, Modi has realised that happiness does not lie in the material world because we will all meet the same fate in the end—death. His book titled In Love with Death inspires others into accepting death instead of fearing it, by leading a meaningful life. He tells us more about the fascinating read during his book launch held at Shalini Ganendra Fine Art Gallery.
What inspired you to write this book?
When the Japanese prime minister came to India with 30 top leaders, one thing led to another and I was invited to meet them. As I entered the hall, the Buddhist leader started crying. She took my hand and announced to everyone that she knew me from a previous life, and invited me to visit Japan. When I was leaving Japan, I asked her how we would keep in touch. She said we can communicate through dreams. It was a life changing experience and suddenly I realised, I was experiencing vivid dreams, and I tried to capture my thoughts in this book. It took five years to write though.
Can you tell us a little more about the book?
The book’s main idea is that death is essential, and if it is essential, it will liberate you, so you should love it. The book talks about reverse living, which means you start off by guessing your death date and focus on how much time you have left in order to make the most of life. You should forget about the past and try to figure out how you wish to live your life. In the book, I express my thoughts on dying as well. I think that it is a great equaliser because we are born unequal– somebody can be a prince and the other a pauper, but in the end, we all become equal and are reduced to 3kg of dust when we die. For each chapter, I’ve also included real life-inspiring stories from different individuals in London.
Did you face any challenges when writing this book?
Getting the book published was more challenging. In 2010, I took the manuscript to a publisher and they declined it saying ‘Who will ever read a book called So I got 500 copies printed on my own. Later on, when I was awarded the Prince of Wales medal for art and philanthropy, I was invited by Prince Charles to the palace in London for dinner. There, I met his brother-in-law who gave my book to his friend who happened to have loved it. One thing led to another and I was approached by Berlin Publishing who wanted to publish the book.
Where in Malaysia will this book be available?
In all MPH bookstores and at the Shalini Ganendra Fine Art Gallery. All proceeds from the book will go to the Arts for India charity.