If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right. -Henri Ford
There are many examples that will confirm what Henry Ford said. The same is true about the author of the book, Bihar se Berkeley (in Hindi). The struggle and difficulties he went through to fulfill his dream. Yes, the dream of going to America for higher studies from Patna. Which he did despite being from a middle class background and no financial support at all. What the author, Shiva Chandra Jha had was his determination, an idea and a perfect plan to make his dream come true.
Got inspired by JP in 1942 during Quit India Movement
Yes, 1942 was the year, when the writer of the book, Shiva Chandra Jha got inspiration from the then revolutionary leader and activist Jayaprakash Narayan. However, it took some time before he could really prepare himself to sail for the United States. As a simple intermediate student of Patna College at that time, he dreamt of seeking admission in California University, Berkeley. It required more courage and determination than you and me can think of in today’s times. In fact, without a solid financial back up, it is simply unimaginable to even think of pursuing higher studies at world class universities like UC Berkeley.
Sea Voyage from Calcutta to Hong Kong
Travelling by sea had its own charm and challenges. The author Shiva Chandra Jha has narrated the story of his experiences on board while going to Hong Kong from Calcutta. Then spending a few weeks in Hong Kong just to wait for another ship which would take him to San Francisco. His experience of visiting Rangoon, Penang (Malaysia), Indonesia and Singapore before hitting the shores of Hong Kong has been lucidly covered in detail in his own words.
From Hong Kong to San Francisco
The second phase of his journey talks about sea voyage from Hong Kong to San Francisco. Reaching Guam, visiting Hawaii, Honolulu, and finally reaching the shores of US after almost 1 and a half month’s journey. Sounds unimaginable today when we can reach the US in less than a day, but it must have been highly adventurous in those days, i.e in 1949 when India had just become independent a few years back.
Student life in California in 1950s
Well, studying in the US as a foreign student has many challenges even today. But in those days, especially for the author, it became even more challenging as he had no financial back-up. He worked part time and pursued studies at Yuba College, Marysville and later got enrolled in the University of California, Berkeley. Completed his MA and MJ and returned to India in 1955.
Working in Summer
Earning to pay for his studies was obviously the first priority for the author, Shiva Chandra Jha during his stay in California. He worked in farms, and how it was difficult for him initially, but later he became accustomed to this, has been explained in detail in the book . He also worked in cannery, factories and other places to live a comfortable life while pursuing studies. Plight of Mexican labors, their struggle for equality with factory workers, class war and wage differences in 1950s, American Labor Movement all have been covered by the author, in the book, Bihar to Berkeley.
High Quality Health Care for Students
Author fell ill while in California. How he was taken care of by doctors and nurses and how the best possible treatment available at that time was given to him, all have been mentioned in detail. Being a student of UC Berkeley, he was entitled for free treatment for 30 days at that time. He received the best possible medical care and got well after a surgery by some of the best doctors there. He has expressed his gratitude for all those who helped him get well in the land across the seven seas from his home.
World of Movies-Hollywood
How movies influence the life of a common man. There are many rags to riches stories in Hollywood, and some of them have been covered in the book. Also, the historical events and characters that often dominate the contents of American movies. Though it may not be correct in today’s context, the author has wrote about what was popular in those days.
From San Francisco to New York by road
The book concludes with some glimpses of author’s journey from California to New York by Scenicruiser bus, which was newly launched in the US and was quite popular for long-distance travel by road in those days.
Back to India Via London
From New York, the author came to London and stayed there for almost 40 days with one of his friends. In those 40 days, he tried to see the city as much as possible. He compares the lifestyle of London and that in the US. This part of the story was also published in Patna Daily (Hindi) in 1955 . The whole article has been published as is to complete the story of his journey to the US and coming back to India after almost 6 and half years.
Summing up
The author’s story can be an inspiration for those who tend to limit their own potential by remaining within their comfort zone, by not dreaming big and by simply finding excuses and blaming circumstances for everything that does not happen the way they expect. I’d say it is worth reading, and getting inspired from. You can order if from Amazon.