Jiwanta Sambandha

Jiwanta Sambandha ( Nepali: जीवन्त सम्बन्ध) is a memoir by Nepalese cardiologist Om Murti Anil. It describes the importance of human relationships in modern life. It is inspired by the personal and professional experiences related to the death of his father and the author highlights the social responsibility of an individual.

The book received attention from readers for its emotional and relatable storytelling. The entire revenue from the sales of this book are used to support vulnerable elderly people, conduct health camps, and provide scholarships to underprivileged students through the Dr. Om Foundation.

Background

Jiwanta Sambandha is the second book by Dr. Om Murti Anil, who authored his first book “ Ma Pani Doctor” in 2013 with the aim to promote health awareness in Nepali language. Dr. Anil is a cardiologist and public health advocate.

Anil wrote this book based on his relationship with his father Tej Narayan Singh, who died from prostate cancer. Singh, a social worker from Mahottari district, had played an important role in shaping not only his career but also his moral values. As a father, he left a lasting impression on his son.

The author witnessed the painful final days of his father’s life, but he couldn't ease his suffering despite being a doctor. He neither could shield himself from the emotional trauma of the experience. The personal and professional experiences he gained before and after the death of his father, made him realise the impermanence of life, the importance of family and relationships. This emotional journey finally took the shape of a book.

The book serves not only as a tribute to his father’s legacy but also a reflection on themes such as life, death, duty, emotions, and relationships in day to day life. The cover photo of the book was revealed at a pre-launch event in September 2023, where Anil shared the reasons for writing this book with the media.

Plot and themes

''Jiwanta Sambandha'' consists of 53 chapters and 240 pages, and is published in both hard cover and paper back editions in Nepali language. The book presents the author's personal reflections after the loss of his father. It includes personal memories with observation on family relationships of contemporary Nepali society.

It explores the emotional bond between parents and children, highlighting caregiving to parents not as a burden but as a responsibility that is rooted in emotional connection and personal growth.The author, himself a doctor, draws from his professional experience and offers practical insights, sharing moments of ethical dilemmas, grief, and compassion, and advocates a holistic approach to healing that extends beyond clinical practice and treatment.

The book also addresses societal changes. It includes spiritual and cultural references from Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana.

''"'' ''If one performs their duties sincerely and wholeheartedly, society benefits from it, and in the long run, it also benefits oneself."'' (Page 6)

Some chapters such as “The Defeated Doctor,” “Tears of the Heart,” “Beyond Medicine,” “Good Parenting,” “Generation Gap,” “Family Values,” “Relationship with Parents,” “Essence of Life,” and “Final Days” receive specific mention.

Publication and Launch

''Jiwanta Sambandha'' was published by the Dr. Om Foundation. It was launched on 22 September 2023, Kathmandu and the event was attended by individuals from literary, medical, and cultural sectors. The book was launched by Rajkumari Devi Singh, the author’s mother. Dr. Anil chose his mother to inaugurate the book to honor the central theme of ''Jiwanta Sambandha'', which emphasizes the importance of parent–child bond.

Popular artists duo Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya ( Maha Jodi) attended as chief guests. Shrestha said, “Reading the book made me feel as if Om Murti Anil had written a book describing the relationship between me and Hari Bansha Acharya.” Similarly, Hari Bansha Acharya mentioned “ The readers would imagine their own parents while reading the book, as it intentionally excludes specific names and images of parents.”

Professor Jagadish Prasad Agrawal, former Dean of the Institute of Medicine, commented on the spiritual insight of the book. Dr. Bhagawan Koirala, president of the Nepal Medical Council, also conveyed a message of support.

Dr Anil stressed on the importance of living in the present moment. He said, “Life finds meaning in achieving a balance between one's purpose and social relations within the family. Purpose is only a part of life, not life in its entirety, and that many people lose sight of this distinction.”

Reception and popularity

Several people have reviewed this book in national media from different perspectives. Bishwambher Pyakurel, an economist, noted in The Rising Nepal that the book explores the relationship between parents and children, particularly the responsibilities of adult children.

Dr. Ravindra Sameer, a literary person, described the book as an exploration of life, culture, family struggles, and the duties of children toward their parents. Similarly, Sumit Sharma Sameer, an author, in The Kathmandu Post discussed the weakening of family bonds in today’s Nepalese society and advocated strengthening of relationships between generations.

In Gorkhapatra , Kiran Kumar Shrestha, CEO of Rashtriya Banijya Bank,wrote that the book encourages younger readers to reflect on their duties toward their parents amid changing family dynamics. Naveen Kumar Ghimire, former Chief of CIAA, viewed the book as a mix of science and spirituality and commented on how the author drew from personal experience and philosophical texts to present his views on duty and care.

Other reviewers also linked the book’s content to social themes. For example, Sabhyata Jha in Khabarhub, a data scientist, suggested that the book presents an alternative to brain drain by showing how one can pursue a meaningful career without leaving the country. Mina Gyawali, former member of National Assembly, focused on the book’s discussion of parenting and questioned traditional customs such as death rituals.

Subodh Acharya, a medical student, found the book relevant for young doctors, pointing out its emphasis on empathy and service over outward success. Krishna Adhikari of Rastriya Samachar Samiti wrote that the book reflects on duty and emotional connection.

Criticism

Some reviewers expressed concerns about the book’s structure and consistency of the content. Nirmal Aryal in Kantipur Daily noted that certain chapters like ‘Selfless Advice’ were too short and ended abruptly. He also pointed out the absence of a photograph of the author’s father and the limited discussion of the mother, which he felt were significant omissions in a book centered on family.

At the book’s launch, Haribansha Acharya also remarked that not naming or including photos of family members might make the narrative feel less personal for some readers. Mina Gyawali in OnlineKhabar observed that some ideas were repeated across chapters, which affected the narrative flow.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

The revenue from the sales of ''Jiwanta Sambandha'' fund initiatives of the Dr. Om Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Dr. Om Murti Anil, to support activities related with health, education, and social transformation. In 2025, the foundation used books sales to provide nationwide scholarships to underprivileged government school students worth 2 millions. Similarly the fund from the book has been used to conduct health camps, smokers are not selfish anti tobacco campaigns and clothes and foods distribution for needy ones.

Legacy and Influence

''Jiwanta Sambandha'' prompted conversations among readers about the importance of family relationships and individual responsibilities. The readers gifted the book during festivals as a present. The actor Hari Bansha Acharya emphasised the need of inclusion of the book in the school curriculum stating its relevance for younger readers. Few people also have encouraged children and adolescents to read this  book to learn  personal values and family roles.

References

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2023 non-fiction books
Nepalese memoirists