Award Winning Book Brainwashed by Ramdyal Bhola

This book, although not a chronological record of my life history, may shed some light on the influences of the various cultures I have lived in and offer an explanation as to why I am the person I am. In writing it, I tried to record instances and experiences that will not only be interesting and humorous for the reader but also demonstrate the influences of the different cultures on me as a person.

I have included many photographs to complement the prose and hope the reader finds these interesting. Where there are several people in photographs, their names are written from left to right.

Awards and Reviews

— Wildcard winner at the Hollywood Book Festival

— Winner of the Royal Dragonfly Book Award (self-help and inspirational)

— Winner of the New England Book Festival (Fiction)

A PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS

Brainwashed by Ramdyal Bhola, Balboa Press, $24.95. Desis who have grown up being told that there were only a few professions worth pursuing will connect instantly with the opening lines of Brainwashed: “Come hay, bai, si down and meh go teach yu fi say de alphabet and count, cause yuh gonna be a dacta”.

Ramdyal Bhola’s father, a jeweller by trade and Indian by origin who spoke Creole, had his son’s future all mapped out. He even named his son after the town’s physician. Brainwashed is the story of how he achieved that and more. It reads like pages from a personal diary, or letters one might leave behind for the next generation, with sections with titles such as Ram the son, Ram the sportsman, Ram the friend, Ram the traveller and so on. Even one on Ram the dancer!

But behind the personal anecdotes are details of a life spent on three continents, the cultural traditions, the challenges faced. The first 18 years in Guyana where he was born and raised, the next 11 in England where he studied to become a doctor and began his medical practice and the last 45 in Australia where he raised a family and enjoyed the fruits of a successful medical practice and entrepreneurship.

Canada plays a role in this memoir, too, as he shares details of considering Canada as a possible place to put down roots in. … “even though I did not like the thought of six months of winter each year”. Australia makes the final cut., but he visits Canada often, where some of his family is settled and enjoys a memorable trip on the Rocky Mountaineer.

There are a few typos. His father’s disciplining him with a chimta leaves “wheals” on his legs and “last rights” are performed after his wife passes away. But those apart, it is a warm and entertaining read studded with lovely family photographs.

– Yvonne

Brainwashed
by Ramdyal Bhola
Balboa Press

book review by Joe Kilgore

“I would like to say that if I have been a help to some people and have made a difference to others, then my life would have been worth it.”
This physician’s autobiography is not about just any doctor but rather one who came from the humblest of beginnings to provide knowledge, wisdom, and healthcare in a country far from his birth. His is a story of determination, sacrifice, and humility that has literally helped thousands of individuals. It is also a story of accomplishment, drilled into his psyche from an early age by a father who always believed what his son could one day become.

The tale of this life begins in Guyana, South America, in 1946. A young boy becomes part of a large family (eventually eight siblings) who initially live in a home without indoor plumbing but with plenty of tough love and discipline. His father is not well educated but is ambitious, not only for himself but also for his son, whom the parent is determined will one day become a doctor. Young Ramdyal leaves home at age twelve to live with his sister and her family to attend high school. From there, he journeys to England, where he attends college, medical school, secures an internship, and eventually becomes a general practitioner. Then, it’s on to Australia, where the next forty-five years of his life and career play out.

Author Bhola recounts his professional and personal life straightforwardly. His prose is direct, easy to understand, and seems infused with a sense of honesty, candor, and kindness that supplement his obvious intellect. This combination of capabilities enabled him to achieve success as both a family man and a doctor. Many of the practice management procedures he put in place are now standards followed by doctors throughout Australia. His is a life’s journey well lived, plus an inspirational story well told.

Brainwashed
by Ramdyal Bhola

Hiral Amodia’s review
Jun 12, 2021

really liked it

Brainwashed is an autobiography of a successful Doctor – Dr. Ramdyal Bhola.

The book is full of emotions. An Indian-origin boy, living small village in Guyana is inspired by his father since childhood to become a doctor. He takes this seriously and then drives his every action practically into fulfilling his father’s dream. Later he drives his every action into fulfilling all dreams of his wife whom he loves more than anyone else. All this commitment finally yields a successful life for himself – full of success, wealth, experiences, friends, family, happiness, and satisfaction.

I appreciate the minute details and honesty with which Dr. Bhola has shared all his life experiences. To me, all this is great learning.

I am sure that every reader would love this book, its first-class content, easy language, and stickiness. All this is stitched so well with numerous pictures that are printed along with the narration.

Another major takeaway from this book is about traveling over the world. I would surely say that anyone who loves traveling, would love this autobiography for the minute details of travels, routes, hotels, food, and attractions that have been mentioned in the book.

Signing Off
Hiral Amodia

Note: I received this book for an honest review and I am glad that this would book will always remain as a treasure in my personal library.