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The Dance of
Destiny
A Personal Journey
NAROOMA,
AUSTRALIA— The Dance of Destiny (published by Trafford
Publishing) by Raja Ratnam is a personal story. It details the major events affecting his life
chances, career prospects, and personal relationships, as well as his memories
of significant social, cultural and political impacts.The fact that these details are related
against the backdrop of the recent history of three modern nations, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia makes for a unique memoir, with historical
value.
Ratnam's story is shaped by many
cross-cultural, spiritual, psychic, and philosophical influences. His early
years were in colonial Malaya, first
controlled by the British and then occupied by the Japanese. He later moved to
Australia and stayed there, even though the marriage that took him there ended,
leaving him isolated from a supportive extended family, and denying him the
prosperity available amongst his own people.
Readers will be drawn to Ratnam's work
on several levels. First and foremost, The Dance of Destiny is a remarkable
story of an unusual person: life experiences in colonial times and under a
military occupation during World War II; the love life of a young Hindu
Malaysian/Anglo-Australian couple in British Singapore; the settlement
experiences of an Asian living in an often racially-charged Australia; and his
substantial contribution to civil society (especially in education) despite
denial of equal opportunity in the workplace.
Also appealing is Ratnam's attempt to
understand the role of Destiny and the spirit world in his life (because of
some significant psychic experiences), and to make sense of the often
surprising paths that revealed themselves on his journey.Despite the disasters he describes as "wheels
falling off" his life-chances cart, and his falling into holes "which were not
there", Ratnam learns to accept the best of each outcome.His well-written story is not only enlightening
but also inspirational.
About the Author
Raja Ratnam was born in British Malaya
of Ceylon Tamil parents. Sixty of his 80 years were spent in Australia,
where he was able to achieve both societal and professional success, despite
the overt racism and tribal discrimination that he experienced. Ratnam is the author of three books and a
number of critical articles on policy on migrant settlement; multiculturalism;
citizenship; refugee entry; and national identity. For more information, visit www.dragonraj.com .
