Creation and Criticism

My Malawi Trip by Hon. Col. (NCC) Prof. Dr. Ram Bilas Misrà is a moving and emotional reportage that documents not just an important academic achievement but also a quest of determination, intellectual success, and self-reflection at the age of eighty five. Prof. Misrà, the author of more than 80 books, was awarded Honoris Causa D.Sc. degree by Texas (USA)-based CII-University, with its satellite centres in Lilongwe, Malawi and other places of South Africa, for his lifetime achievements in academia— a compliment to his distinguished career spanning six decades and a testament to his lasting legacy as a renowned scholar, careful mentor, and sensible human being.

The reportage begins with the appreciation Prof. Misrà shows for the constant support of his family, dedicating it to his wife, Rekha, his son Rohit, daughter-in-law Keerti, and his grandchildren, and his late nephew, Yogesh Chandra Mishra, an advocate. He recognizes their love and sacrifice for his academic passion: “This book is dedicated to whom I often ignored for my passion” (My Malawi Trip 8). This dedication also refers to the individual sacrifice that a life for scholarship demands and the price sacrificed by those people who were alongside him.

The reportage recounts Prof. Misrà’s journey, sharing the events that led to the honour. In his preface, he recalls an important instance where he dwells on how this degree arose: “Prof. José Carlos got impressed from my knowledge about Prof. Kosambi and others. He recommended me to the authorities of a Grand Valley, Texas (USA) based CII-University for the honours to be conferred upon me at this advanced age” (My Malawi Trip 7). His anticipation at being recognised for his prolonged academic commitment is evident through the narrative, introducing the backdrop of a profoundly personal and introspective account of this great honour.

The reportage contains 10 chapters that, each individually, present an in-depth perspective on Prof. Misrà’s golden experiences during this excellent trip. The first chapter— ‘Invitations Received’ relate the story of his cordial invitation: “As such, Rev. Prof. Gadama, the 2^nd Vice-Chancellor of the University invited me to act as the Guest of Honour in the International Graduation Ceremony of the University pre-scheduled on 4^th November, 2023 at Lilongwe” (My Malawi Trip 7) and receive an Honoris Causa D.Sc. degree.

The second chapter— ‘Procurement of Visa and Air-Tickets’ recounts the realistic challenges that beset him regarding procuring his visa, flying tickets, railway tickets and the other preparations toward traveling to Malawi. The details of the preparation for the Malawi Trip are presented by Prof. Misrà in a very truthful manner: “Great confusion and uncertainty continued till October 24, 2023 concerning procurement of necessary entry visa to Malawi and the air-tickets for my proposed international travel” (My Malawi Trip 7). At last, he gets the valid visa and air-tickets for the journey and feels elated to join the grand ceremony.

The third chapter— ‘Graduation Programme’ includes the details about the university’s International Graduation Ceremony held on November 4, 2023. It elaborates about the programme at length, including the honorary awards and the author’s inclusion under sr. no. 36. It also gives details about the members of the University Graduation Council, who were instrumental in conferring the honorary degree to Prof. Misrà. Prof Mishra recalls it as a momentous occasion, where the academic community came together to honour his contributions.

The fourth chapter— ‘Author and his Academic CV’ examines the author’s educational background and achievements. It also emphasizes the author’s publication-list, including research papers, papers read at several conferences, expository articles in mathematics and general topics, reviews of research papers, books and research monographs, as well as fellowships and awards won. It also places emphasis on the learning process of the German language by the author, along with information regarding Bonn University and membership in several academic organizations, including the International Academy of Physical Sciences.

The fifth chapter— ‘Some Perspectives on Academics & Research’ describes the author’s views on research and academics, providing insight into the academic life and research in general. The sixth chapter— ‘Some Analogues in Maths and Philosophy’ is a discussion on mathematics and philosophy and some thought-provoking puzzles, including acknowledgements and references. Prof. Misrà’s introspective manner of work presents a challenging insight, whereby readers are invited to investigate the overlap between mathematics and philosophy. This is particularly seen when he explores how the two fields, even though seemingly unrelated, inform each other as methods of interpreting the world.

The seventh chapter— ‘My Long Tirade and Consistent Efforts’ begins with a sad remark: “Alas! Neither my parents are alive to rejoice this rare occasion nor my worst critic in this life - Prof. Tribikram Pati, who on my insistence only was helped by my Ph.D. supervisor Padmashree Prof. Dr. Ratna Shankar Mishra ji to get a Professorship at his own alma mater (University of Allahabad) and become the unworthy successor of Prof. Mishra in May 1973” (My Malawi Trip 193). Accordingly, the chapter is a look back at the author’s personal experiences, such as a regret in silence, possibilities for a degree, God’s disposal and some consolations along the way.

Throughout the book, Prof. Misrà reflects on his academic career, which has taken him across the globe— teaching at 24 universities worldwide. His immense contributions to the field of mathematics are explored in these chapters. His impact on the academic world is undeniable, as seen in the heartfelt messages of his friends and relatives in the eighth chapter— ‘Messages and Appreciations.’ Among these is a message from Prof. H. S. Dhami, the Vice-Chancellor of Surajmal University, Kiccha, who remarks: “Congratulations. Great News. This is in recognition of your capabilities and high-quality research across the globe” (My Malawi Trip 203). Prof. Dr. Vijay Kumar Agrawal, the Vice Chancellor of RKDF University, Bhopal also writes: “Congratulations. All Indians must feel proud of you, Sir” (My Malawi Trip 203). These words highlight the sense of pride that comes with such international recognition.

The reportage concludes with Prof. Misrà’s gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of his visit to Malawi, such as hotel workers, other participants in the ceremony, and other people of the society. Prof. Misrà remarks: “My continued service to the academics brings this honour that I dedicate to my parents, family, all teachers/mentors, well-wishers, and my dear students spread all over the world” (My Malawi Trip 197). This dedication sums up the spirit of his work— a life committed to the service of education, mentorship, and intellectual inquiry and research.

My Malawi Trip is more than a straightforward account of an important academic feat, covering even the minute details of his passion, persistence, and great thankfulness. Prof. Misrà’s commitment to scholarship, his international reach in mathematics, and his relentless pursuit of intellectual development are exquisitely brought to life in this reportage.

Released in 2023 by Hardwari Publications, Prayagraj, U.P., India, this 240-page e-book is a must-read for anyone who would like to learn about the life and legacy of a remarkable scholar whose work continues to resonate across the globe.

About the Reviewer:

abnish-pic-2025 Abnish Singh Chauhan/ अवनीश सिंह चौहान (b. 1979), MA, M.Phil, Ph.D, is a bilingual poet, short story writer, critic, translator and editor of Poorvabhas and Creation and Criticism. He has authored/edited 14 books, including two collections of poetry and a book on poetry translation, and contributed over 100 articles, book reviews, and research papers to prominent journals, magazines, and newspapers in Hindi and English. He was invited as an author and speaker at ‘Ahmedabad International Literature Festival’ in 2016 and served as a judge and speaker at ‘Young Poets Competition’ during ‘Rendezvous 2017’ at IIT, Delhi. His Hindi and English lyrics have been included in more than two dozen edited anthologies, including Samkaleen Navgeet Sanchayan – Part 1, published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. He has received several prestigious awards. Currently, he is a Professor and Founding Head, Department of English, as well as Founding Principal of BIU College of Humanities and Journalism at Bareilly International University, Bareilly, U.P., India.