#Review: Echoes of Faith by Novel Lavasa & Ashok Lavasa

Echoes of Faith: Tales of Explorations, Nature and Divinity
Author: Novel Lavasa & Ashok Lavasa
Publisher: Rupa Publishers
Rating: 4/5

Echoes of Faith: Tales of Explorations, Nature and Divinity is a mesmerizing journey through the intertwined paths of nature, exploration, and spirituality. The authors weave a narrative that challenges the conventional understanding of faith, presenting it as something that can emerge not just from religion, but from an intrinsic connection with nature’s elements.

The thrill of discovering the sources of rivers, conquering fears in dark caves, and the joy of witnessing unattainable snowcapped peaks are depicted with a vividness that brings these experiences to life. These moments, as described by the authors, are rooted in a faith in our ability to become one with the natural world. For those who eschew traditional religious paths, this book posits that the journey itself is the destination, filled with instinctive joy and profound insights.

The narrative is enriched by comprehensive information and carefully selected stories from the author’s three decades of explorations and expeditions. The book is meticulously organized, guiding the reader through various landscapes across India, from Ladakh’s rugged mountains to the Deccan’s serene streams, and Madhya Pradesh’s deep forests to the roadside shrines in Rajasthan. Each locale is brought to life with vivid descriptions and supported by evocative pictures that capture the essence of these powerful places. These elements of the universe drive, motivate, and astonish us, portrayed in their full spectrum—both furious and gentle, bountiful and wild.

Nature, in Echoes of Faith, is a source of faith, echoing Wordsworth’s sentiment that to the faithful, it is a hidden language, a mysterious communication from the creator to the creation. The authors’ deep appreciation for the natural world is palpable, and they invite readers to stand in awe, admire and appreciate, and start believing in a world beyond the immediate.

This book is a travelogue and philosophical treatise on faith and the human spirit. It highlights lesser-known yet significant places in India that are steeped in faith and have become integral to local and cumulative culture. Each story is a ‘spot of time’, reflecting on moments gone by and those that can be relived, offering surprising insights and uncovering well-known and obscure figures and places.

Echoes of Faith is a tribute to the enduring human spirit and the timeless bond between humanity and nature. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the profound connections between exploration, nature, and divinity. This book will not only take you on a journey through India’s mystical landscapes but also invite you to introspect on your own beliefs and experiences, making it a deeply enriching read.

Find this book here.