The Literature Times: Congratulations on the release of your book Akhilasaaraṁ: The Secret of Life and Happiness. What inspired you to write this book at this point in your life?
Dr. Akhil Paul: There are many conflicts among us—frequent quarrels, stress, and deep emotional agony. If we do not realign our mental orientation at this point, it may become extremely difficult to reclaim it later.
The Literature Times: Akhilasaaraṁ explores deep questions about life, suffering, and happiness. Was there a personal experience that shaped the core message of the book?
Dr. Akhil Paul: Many of the instances described in this book are drawn from my own life. At times, we may not get the opportunity to learn everything through our personal experiences alone. That is when learning from the experiences of our fellow beings becomes invaluable.
The Literature Times: As a doctor, academician, and writer, how has your medical profession influenced your understanding of life and human emotions?
Dr. Akhil Paul: It is often said that the walls of a hospital hear more genuine prayers than those of a church. Being a doctor, and more specifically, a pulmonologist and intensivist, I witness immense agony, failure, loss, and helplessness on a daily basis. These experiences have profoundly helped me understand human emotions in their truest sense and have guided me in seeking a deeper inner meaning behind them all.
The Literature Times: Your book is available in both English and Malayalam. Why was it important for you to present Akhilasaaraṁ in two languages?
Dr. Akhil Paul: All my previous books were written only in English. I want this book to reach everyone around me, including my patients. Many of them are unable to read or fully understand English, and therefore I wanted this particular book to be available in Malayalam as well.
The Literature Times: Many readers struggle to remain positive during difficult times. What is one simple principle from Akhilasaaraṁ that can help them cope with adversity?
Dr. Akhil Paul: The simple principle is to understand that life and all the happenings in this world are temporary, and that a happier, permanent life awaits us in the end.
The Literature Times: You strongly advocate balanced living through fitness, discipline, and mental well-being. How do sports and physical activity contribute to lasting happiness?
Dr. Akhil Paul: Sports and physical activity teach us the importance of preparation, camaraderie, friendship, and mutual support. They are not merely habits or hobbies, but a disciplined way of living.
The Literature Times: Having written both medical textbooks and crime fiction, how was writing a philosophical and motivational book different for you?
Dr. Akhil Paul: Medical textbooks follow a well-defined structure that we adhere to closely. Crime fiction, on the other hand, evolves as the writing progresses, guided by a skeletal storyline. Writing a philosophical book, however, demands far more planning. Both the tone and the content must reach the reader with absolute clarity; otherwise, the message may backfire.
The Literature Times: Who do you think will benefit the most from reading Akhilasaaraṁ? Is there a particular age group or life stage you had in mind?
Dr. Akhil Paul: Akhilasaaraṁ is meant for everyone who can read and understand, irrespective of age, because the emotions and uncertainties of life are universal.
The Literature Times: If readers take away just one message from Akhilasaaraṁ, what would you hope it to be?
Dr. Akhil Paul: As I have mentioned at the end of the book, “Enjoy life irrespective of the situation, without harming our fellow beings, and help others as much as we can.”
The Literature Times: Are you active on social media? How can readers connect with you and follow your work?
Dr. Akhil Paul: I am active on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. However, if you wish to connect with me personally, please feel free to email me. The email ID is provided in the book.
The Literature Times: Where can readers purchase Akhilasaaraṁ: The Secret of Life and Happiness, in both English and Malayalam editions?
Dr. Akhil Paul: Readers can purchase Akhilasaaraṁ on Amazon.in, Amazon.com, Google Play, Google Books, Flipkart, Kindle, and Literatureslight.com.
The Literature Times: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Do you have a message you would like to share with your readers?
Dr. Akhil Paul: Understand the meaning of our life; it will make it far more enjoyable.
About The Author
Dr. Akhil Paul is a renowned pulmonologist in Kerala, known for his excellence as a clinician, academician, and mentor. In addition to authoring many textbooks in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, he has also written acclaimed crime fiction novels, including Lost Angels, The Land of No Return, and Guilt.
A passionate sportsman, Dr. Akhil Paul strongly advocates the importance of sports, physical fitness, and overall well-being in everyday life. He firmly believes in the philosophy of balanced living and lasting happiness.
Through Akhilasaaraṁ, he explores the deeper mysteries surrounding human existence and unveils the true meaning of life. Drawing from stories and real-life experiences, he offers practical insights, tips, and techniques to help readers lead a fulfilling and joyful life, even amidst hardships and suffering. This book serves as a distilled reflection of his guiding principles and thought processes as a motivational speaker.