Book Review:

Naturalized US Citizen: Memoire of an Indian American Medical Scientist

By Mahadev Desai

The book just published by Dr. Bellamkonda K. Kishore, titled Naturalized US Citizen: Culture, Tradition, Integration, Loyalty, and Patriotism, with a subtitle Journey of an Immigrant Scientist, has many facets, like its multi-faceted author. In this book, Dr. Kishore takes the readers on a journey spanning about 70 years of history and struggles of India, the United States and the world vis-à-vis his own life over four continents pursing scientific research. While doing so, he deals elaborately about four aspects of life, which are relevant to any naturalized US citizen and more so to the Indian American community, which has reached 5 million mark recently.

First, as the title shows, the book deals with the subject of naturalization, what it means to the individual seeking naturalization, what is pledge of allegiance, and how it changes everything for that person. Second, the author expounds the American Dream, what it means, and how it is interwoven with the fabric of the United States and its foundations, and how to preserve it intact and pass it on to the next generation. Third, Dr. Kishore elaborates the role of legal immigrants in preserving the American Dream and passing on it to the future generations. Fourth, throughout the book, the author presents his own journey as an aspiring immigrant medical scientist who lived and worked on four continents while pursuing his research goals with single mindedness. Finally, the author, who has equal aspirations and interests in both scientific research and spiritual thinking and pursuit in life seamlessly moves between these two topics throughout the book and thus positions himself as a role model for younger generations.

Reflection on the United States: At the outset, the book is a profound reflection of the founding principles and enduring spirit of the United States and their relevance to the present time. The author observes that the establishment of the United States as a nation created by the people seeking freedom and human endeavor based on The Constitution – rather than dictated by religious or dynastic authority – marked a transformational moment in human history. He went on to say that the true strength of the United States does not stem from its mighty military power, unparalleled economic prowess, or technological innovations. Instead, it lies in the character and integrity of American people and their enduring vision and purpose, especially when confronted with issues that threaten the Constitutional Republic.

The American Dream: Dr. Kishore writes: The United States is perhaps the only country on earth where an ordinary immigrant can do extraordinary things, which he/she may not be able to do in his/her home country. Many immigrants realize their true and full potentials after coming to the United States. But very few Americans and immigrants know what American Dream really means and how it helps them. So, in his book, Dr. Kishore gives an elaborate description of the American Dream, its components, and how it should be preserved. Dr. Kishore thinks: The fabric of this nation needs to be taken care of as a precious “altar cloth”, if the United States must preserve its unique standing as a balanced land of freedom, opportunities and law and order with its American Dream, and refuge and haven for the persecuted. He observes that no power on earth can challenge the might of the United States militarily and take away its freedom. But the altar that holds the fabric of this great land ever since it was formed as a distinct Constitutional Republic has not been taken care of as it should be but is left to elements like the Statue of Liberty.

Legal Immigrants are Torchbearers of the American Dream: Dr. Kishore considers that the future of America depends on how deeply the legal immigrants are committed to their adopted land without watering down its founding principles and undermining its core values. He emphasizes that legal immigrants are torchbearers of American Dream. Never in its history, the United States needed so much commitment from its legal immigrants to keep its fabric intact and thus to help realize the American Dream for all, as it does today. After availing the opportunity of the American Dream, it is the responsibility of every legal immigrant to protect and preserve it for future generations, including their own children and grandchildren. In this context. Dr. Kishore elaborates on the culture, tradition, integration, loyalty and patriotism which every naturalized US Citizen should understand from their true perspective. For instance, while naturalized US citizens can practice their culture and tradition, they must be loyal and patriotic to the United States. Otherwise, they breach their pledge of allegiance to the US flag. Dr. Kishore also explains what is meant by “true integration” as opposed to integration socially. He says, unless one understands the history and tradition of the land, one cannot truly integrate like son/daughter of the soil.

Scientific Career and Spiritual Pursuit Two Sides of the Same Coin: While the theme of the book is to give a comprehensive picture of what it means to be a naturalized US citizen, and how one should conduct oneself in the adopted land, the book is also a very rich source of historical facts about India, world, and the United States starting from the time of independence of India until now. To build such a rich literary work, the author used his own journey in life on four continents – and gives an in-depth presentation of his medical research and spiritual pursuits, which he seamlessly transitions back and forth throughout the book, with the ease of flipping a coin. As a medical researcher, Dr. Kishore worked with top scientists in India, Japan, Belgium and the United States, including Nobel Laureates. At the same time, he also came in close contact with great spiritual figures like Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and ascetics in Banaras, including a descendent of Lahiri Mahasaya, a Himalayan Yogi. Dr. Kishore’s single-minded pursuit of research following his inner voice at an early stage in his life, despite the difficulties associated with such an uncertain career, stems from his staunch belief that life is creating oneself, and Passion, Perseverance, and Patience (3Ps) are the only things one needs in life to be successful. In support of his single-minded and lifelong pursuit of scientific research, despite tough path, but resulting in patents for developing innovative therapies for conditions such as obesity and diseases of the kidney, liver and other organs, Dr. Kishore cites Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, the Founder of Arvind Eyecare System: Intelligence and capability are not enough. There must also be the joy of doing something beautiful.
 

The book is available on Amazon in the USA and many other countries. It is priced modestly ($20). The book is also available in Notion Press and Flipkart in India (₹600). A Kindle version of the book is in preparation and should be available soon on Amazon platform. Please scan the QR code to access the book on Amazon USA.

Author: Prof. Bellamkonda K. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA is an academician and innovator turned to entrepreneurship. He is an Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah Health; Co-Founder, President, CEO & CSO of ePurines, Inc., in Salt Lake City, Utah; and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Kishore received several academic and community awards and honors for his contributions, such as induction as a Fellow of professional bodies, citations in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare and European Biographical Directory; Nelson Mandela Leadership, Mahatma Gandhi Leadership, Hind Rattan (Jewel of India), and Pravasi Rattan (Indian Shines in USA) awards from the NRI Welfare Society of India, New Delhi. Currently, he is Vice President of the US Chapter of the NRI Welfare Society of India, which was started with the noble objective of strengthening the emotional bonds between India and Non-Resident Indians. Dr. Kishore was also conferred the title of Global Unity Ambassador by the INDIAN.Community. Dr. Kishore believes that life is creating oneself.