About the Author:

Mandakini Tomar is the author of When the Universe Gives You a Kick: How to Rise and Shine. She is a young, vibrant, and exuberant person by nature, a voracious reader by passion, and a spiritual person by belief. She likes to call herself a seeker with her soul being her teacher and mentor. As a seeker of knowledge, her inclination towards academics fetched her a gold medal atThe University Level.  As an empath, to utilise her innate ability to feel other people’s emotions, she aims to guide people to heal their souls and become better versions of themselves. Her writings aim to propagate the learnings of holy scriptures and the wisdom of worldly masters to help people cultivate a positive lifestyle. A staunch believer of the “Divine Power” and “The Magic of Universe,” she strives to help people find the purpose of their lives and shine like stars.

Interview

Why this genre?

I chose this genre because being an empath I am naturally inclined to

help people. I feel words have tremendous power specially uplifting words by a soul that you can connect to. I have read a lot of books by enlightened masters and it motivated me and still motivates me to do better in life. I feel a lot of people face distressful times yet are unaware of how to turn such times to build themselves up and how to get in touch with their soul to overcome them. I want the readers to nourish their soul and specially the millennials in specific to use the golden time to turnaround their life. I want to connect with my readers at soul level with the help of my words to help and guide them so that they learn how to rise and shine.

If you have to write in some other genre what that would be?

Probably mythology !

Your favorite part from the book?

It has to be the third part of the book as it will give you deep insights to delve into the recess of your heart and soul to rediscover the true beauty in you.

You will feel enriched in every which way. It will also teach you beautifully on soul led love which is more of a Sufi take on the idea of emotional generosity. That is a rare gem. Also, the foreword by H.H. Saba Pataudi, who was kind enough to write it for me.

Tell us about the idea behind the book?

Well, the idea came after a lot of introspection and observations I made in life.

I discovered that I had a gift to sense things and make good observation which really helped me. I want people to become good souls and start believing in the power of Universe. The Universe always helps and protects the righteous and good souls. So, if you want to witness the magic this book guides you and helps you transform so that you can attract all the good things in life. This made me write this book so that people realise their own worth, can see their own beauty, know where they lack and how they can move from where they are to where they want to go. I wanted to write something which people can refer to again and again in life. Not just a book but a companion and a true friend for life. A book to treasure. If my words can help people, that is my biggest asset.

How much time it took in the process of writing?

Around a year! It was worth every minute and the most surreal experience ever.

What did the process of writing this book taught you?

Persistence and hard work always pays. It taught me about the power of self-discipline and self-belief. I would like to quote Brian Molko, “Being so honest in my writing is cathartic”. Also, writing the act of writing is so liberating and I realised it comes naturally to me. Writing to me is like meditating. The deeper you go to find the right words to express, the more peaceful you feel.

What inspired you to write this book ?

A nudge of motivation by my family and specially by my father, Mr. Pradeep Tomar. I  have always been good at writing and everyone specially my teachers used to appreciate my writing skills while I was studying also. So, I channelized my energy and skill in the right direction.

Also, I wrote an article on ‘Five things you should leave to become a happier person’ it was loved and appreciated by the readers with over 10,000 views. That really motivated me!

5 books one must read in lifetime

1. The Bhagvad Gita
2. Search for Truth by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
3. As a man thinketh by James Allen
4. The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
5. An autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananad

A book that had an impact on you, which helped you in writing this one?

Not any specific books but words of enlightened masters and Gurus.

Tell us about your publishing journey in 5 words.

It was a magical experience.

A quote, para from the book that inspires you?

• Pg. 153 – To unleash the power of a positive mindset, you must understand that uncertainty and duality is the nature of life. The only sure thing is that life tests all people. People who are more successful and happier than you also have faced crises and turbulences.

Even mythological texts are replete with information that talks about how even God had to suffer and endure hard times during their human avatars. You should rise and face the challenge irrespective of the severity of your challenges. In the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna encourages Arjun: “Shake off the petty weakness of heart and arise.” Lord Krishna led Arjuna through tempestuous times when he was almost on the verge of giving up. 

• Pearls of Wisdom in each chapter is my favourite and truly inspiring and transformational.
• The poem ‘Embrace your Glorious Soul’ written by me.

Tell us about your future plans? Planning a new book?

Yes! To write more book and a successful motivational speaker to guide the younger generation to gain a perspective in life. Also, creative works interest me so may be something into designing as well.

What is literary success for you?

Love and feedback of readers when they write to me how my words helped them.

Recently a reader from Spain wrote a mail to me how my words helped her and that she loved the book. It is truly satisfying and that for me is success to be able to touch lives of people, connect with them and guide them.

A message for all the readers .

Stay true to your soul, practice good Karma and The universe will reward you. Believe in the power of Universe and that there is a divine plan For all of us. Stay happy, stay in power and value yourself.

Love and Light
Mandakini Tomar