Young medico's book released

Mangalore, May 30: 'Small Things That Matter Much', a book authored by Edmond Fernandes, a medical student cum writer, was released at the auditorium of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, on Wednesday.

Dr. Henry D'Souza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese, released the book published by Dhatri Pustaka, Bangalore.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. D'Souza said that Mr. Fernandes is blessed with multi-talents which is a gift from God. Commenting on the title of the book, Dr. D'Souza said that small things hardly attract people's attention but in reality are very valuable. Quoting the Bible, the Bishop said that Jesus Christ (pbuh) wanted little children to be allowed to come to him. “The candle although small compared to the sun, still lights a room”, he said, adding that Mr. Fernandes' book is a “faith inspiring and faith provoking book”.

Dr. Derek Lobo, President of Catholic Association of South Kanara, which co-sponsored the book, presenting his observations of the book said that Mr. Fernandes had collected thoughts, quotes of influential people, and even quotes from the Bible to give a message as to how important love, friendship, family bonding, positive attitude, converting negative attitude into something beneficial, etc are. Although the book appeals to people of all ages, the youth in particular must give it a read, he said.

Giselle Mehta, author and former bureaucrat, and Dr. B K Ravindra, Dean, Karnataka State Law University, were the other guests present on the occasion.

Speaking to Coastaldigest.com, Mr. Fernandes said that willingness to do something different had prompted him to write the book. He began writing the book two and a half years ago and completed it within a month, he said, but the publishing aspect had to be taken care of and therefore took time.

The book basically questions the inherent worth of a human being and how he has lost the sense of appreciation due to materialistic world around him, he said.

Mr. Fernandes said he is working on his next book of about 1.5 lakh words dealing on the topic of healthcare delivery in India. “The book is in the concept stage but I am in the look out for a publisher. Publishing houses must encourage young writers he said, keeping their business interests aside”, he said.