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The Race of My Life: An Autobiography
by
Milkha Singh
Authored By: Milkha Singh, Sonia Sanwalka
Foreword By: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Introduction By: Jeev Milkha Singh
Milkha Singh has led a life dominated by running, running, running… From a boy who narrowly escaped death during Partition (most of his family was not so lucky), to a juvenile delinquent who stole and outran the police, to a young Army recruit who ran his very fir ...more
Foreword By: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Introduction By: Jeev Milkha Singh
Milkha Singh has led a life dominated by running, running, running… From a boy who narrowly escaped death during Partition (most of his family was not so lucky), to a juvenile delinquent who stole and outran the police, to a young Army recruit who ran his very fir ...more
Paperback
,
160 pages
Published
August 2013
by Rupa Publications India
(first published 2013)
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Community Reviews
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After being blown away by the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, I came across Milkha Singh's autobiography, 'The Race of My Life'. It was obvious that I had to read it. Now I normally take months to finish a book, often reading several books simultaneously. But not this one. It is the first book perhaps since school, that I read almost continuously.
The simple language and powerful and personal descriptions of the trials and challenges that Milkha Singh faced and overcame is pure inspiration. This isn't ...more
The simple language and powerful and personal descriptions of the trials and challenges that Milkha Singh faced and overcame is pure inspiration. This isn't ...more
Even the book is literally not attractive, the conveyed message message is strong. When we are in catastrophe he is a man from whom we can get an inspiration from. The Flying Sikh has proved that one will be at his best when they have nothing to lose.
The points which he puts forward for betterment of Indian sports are admirable.A little part of the movie and the writing vary a bit causing ambiguities.
Milkha Ji states that he wants youth to take up sports as a profession but they should be workin ...more
The points which he puts forward for betterment of Indian sports are admirable.A little part of the movie and the writing vary a bit causing ambiguities.
Milkha Ji states that he wants youth to take up sports as a profession but they should be workin ...more
Like many people I have watched the film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ before I actually read the book.’The Race of my Life’ is an autobiography of the great Indian track and field athlete ,Milkha Singh who won several golds in Asian Games.This book is co-authored by Milkha Singh and Sonia Sanwalka. Overall this book is trying to give the readers an understanding of the life of Milkha Singh whether it was his days on the field or his personal relationships and encounters with strangers and fans in life .
...more
The stirring life story of the ‘Flying Sikh’. The book is candid and centers on how he built his career as a world-class sprinter. He is India’s most towering athlete till date and spent his life, in his words, running, running and running. I had learnt during my school days about the freedom fighters’ struggle for our country’s independence and also their stories of victories. Never had I comprehended fully the callous manslaughter in India and Pakistan between Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs during
...more
Though I love to read, but it still took some time and vigor to read a book in one go, but this is like a sprint, where while except a loo break,i finished the book in one go in few hours seemed like a crime as book deals with the fractions of seconds of the race that makes or breaks any athlete.
The story of Milkha singh sobriquet as ‘flying Sikh’ has everything which an engrossing story may have. Partition, desperation, dejections, struggle for survival, romance, bit of luck, recognition, fame, ...more
The story of Milkha singh sobriquet as ‘flying Sikh’ has everything which an engrossing story may have. Partition, desperation, dejections, struggle for survival, romance, bit of luck, recognition, fame, ...more
A raw take on the joy and pain that turned Milkha Singh into The Flying Sikh, The race of my life is a quick and emotional read with high impact. It leaves little to the imagination as Milkha Singh unabashedly recounts the horrors of the Partition and the difficulties that followed. And then, it shows you the ability of the human mind to turn such horror into the impetus that can drive someone to achieve greatness. The book also gives you a deeper insight into the mentality of a sportsman and th
...more
Interesting to know about him who seems to be such a popular athlete worldwide in his prime time. I never heard of his name before the movie "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" came into limelight. I am amazed by his journey..... Expected the book to be even more detailed. 148 pages isn't enough for his running life let alone his other aspects of his life.
One of the best autobiographies, though it was very short! Milkha Singh inspired me through his book, though he lost his family at very small age-he fought through all the obstacles that came his way and ended up as a successful athlete of all time. As rightly said, success doesn't have any short cuts and hard work is the only way out. Dedicate yourself to whatever you want to conquer in.
The last words told in the book which will bring goosebumps to you though you already know are:
"Destroy your ...more
The last words told in the book which will bring goosebumps to you though you already know are:
"Destroy your ...more
A very short, sweet and crisp biography. The book gives an insight in the life of a very simple and hardworking man who after witnessing all the different shades of life joins the Indian Army to support his family and finally achieves his goal of becoming the best athlete in the world after vigorous efforts. The writing is simple and deeply affecting. Unlike any other Biographical work here any excess or unnecessary description of events has been avoided.So far I was unable to find any negative
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This book is literally the "Race" of Milkha's life. His life was dominated by separation. This explains why he simply keeps running, not away from his problems, but just to face them. This book is just like "The Alchemist" or "The Autobiography of a Yogi", in the sense of how a man with little idea of how his life is to change in the future, takes bold decisions and ends up being extremely successful.
Being a man who speaks his mind, Milkha frankly writes of the current state of Indian sports, In ...more
Being a man who speaks his mind, Milkha frankly writes of the current state of Indian sports, In ...more
The beauty of the autobiographies of self made legends is that these really serve as an inspirational piece of anecdote to win and excel in adverse circumstances despite the inherit limitations. The Race of my Life is no exception; the book does create an inspiring account of one man’s journey from rags to riches overcoming all the odds coming his way through his undeterred determination and never die attitude. Through-out his sprinting carrier, he was wholeheartedly dedicated to racing with vir
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I read this book after having watched the movie, but didn't find it any less impactful. Of course, the book is much more true to Milkha Singh's actual life and includes some details that were not there in the movie.
Moreover, it also refers to Milkha's attempts at sports administration, and eventual disillusionment with bureaucracy and apathy.
On a positive note, his romance with Nimmi - his eventual wife, is described in detail and that provides a heart-warming, fresh story. You get glimpses of ...more
Moreover, it also refers to Milkha's attempts at sports administration, and eventual disillusionment with bureaucracy and apathy.
On a positive note, his romance with Nimmi - his eventual wife, is described in detail and that provides a heart-warming, fresh story. You get glimpses of ...more
Not too happy with the book. Milkha is not a professional writer and all, but this was not what my expectations were. I did mot watch Bhaag Milkha Bhaag just to read the book before watching it on-screen. Somehow, the part that is supposed to inspire the reader to achieve his/her goals was put in a very limited set if chapters. The first few chapters were very promising, but somehow that zeal in the narration was lost. It almost turned into a crib-note towards the last couple of chapters. Max. 3
...more
Milkha Singh, an extraordinary sportsperson who achieved success from his hard-work and strong determination. I have already watched the movie "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag". Almost half of the book is covered in Movie but still I never lost interest. Book cover the actual story and put deep light on pre and post feelings of incidents happened in his life.
I really liked last few chapters of the book as he put depth insight into why we are doing so bad in International sports and why despite having example ...more
I really liked last few chapters of the book as he put depth insight into why we are doing so bad in International sports and why despite having example ...more
The following line sums up the life of the Great Flying Sikh !!!
Mita de Apni Hasti ko Agar kuch Martaba Chahiye!
Ke Dana khak me milke Gul-e-Gulzar hota hai !!
A soulful, patriotic and passionate tell-tale account of Milkha Singh's life. Read it before watching the movie by Rakesh Mehra and then watch the movie. Every scene will be loved then.
Long live Milkha Singh.
Mita de Apni Hasti ko Agar kuch Martaba Chahiye!
Ke Dana khak me milke Gul-e-Gulzar hota hai !!
A soulful, patriotic and passionate tell-tale account of Milkha Singh's life. Read it before watching the movie by Rakesh Mehra and then watch the movie. Every scene will be loved then.
Long live Milkha Singh.
I have to admit that I am not a keen follower of sports and knew very little about Milkha Singh before this book. It was the movie that kindled my desire to know more about him and I landed on this book (always prefer to read first before watch it on screen). This book is very straight and to the point. I dint feel the pain when he actually missed the Rome Olympics, but it was very painful when he says Someone has to get the gold that I missed in Rome. His nobility is not in the medals he won, i
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Amazing book of the dedicated sports person... the way he moulds himself,the passion, the desire to achieve target/goal in life is outstanding.
Hardwork, devotion towards his own challenges,complete focus makes him the perfect sportsman.
This book is must read for all of us.
'The Race of My Life' is the live example of "Nothing is Inpossible" in this world.
Hardwork, devotion towards his own challenges,complete focus makes him the perfect sportsman.
This book is must read for all of us.
'The Race of My Life' is the live example of "Nothing is Inpossible" in this world.
Hard work and precise regime to achieve success is the mantra of leading a life..
i enjoyed the book.. it was a fast read too.. neatly written.. clearly stating the problems with Indian sports and issues athelte faces in their life..
i enjoyed the book.. it was a fast read too.. neatly written.. clearly stating the problems with Indian sports and issues athelte faces in their life..
a truly inspiring masterpiece and what makes it so is a tale told so precisely with ease and which even makes it a one day read for a bit slow reader like me too.
I'm one of those people who would prefer reading the book, before watching a movie on it. But in this case it happened to be the other way round. So the first few chapters of the book felt like I was reading out the movie.
The narration is simple, like the man himself. Anecdotes, messages, everything straight and to the point. No masala. Definitely a good read.
The funniest part that i read in the book was : "My first pet in 1958, was a dog I named Dolly after an old girlfriend of mine". Hahahaha!
The narration is simple, like the man himself. Anecdotes, messages, everything straight and to the point. No masala. Definitely a good read.
The funniest part that i read in the book was : "My first pet in 1958, was a dog I named Dolly after an old girlfriend of mine". Hahahaha!
The Race of My Life, the autobiography of Milkha Singh, coauthored by his daughter Sonia Sanwalka is a must read. It delicately captures the key incidents of the sporting champion's life particularly the hardships he went through to achieve all those victories he did. I believe that in a biography, its more important to understand what it says rather than how it says. The candid and simple writing doesn't come at all as a negative. The book feels a little too abrupt and too short sometimes.
I rec ...more
I rec ...more
Being a sports enthusiast ,it was a wonderful read.Book very well says what it takes to be a champion.
There has been a derth of biographies of Indians who are not politicians, actors, or cricketers. This is the story of someone who has lived in interesting times and has a story worth telling... And he doesn't fall in any of the 3 categories.
It's a simply written book talking about his life post-partition, his passion for running, his disappointments, and his naivety at times. It's not a very detailed autobiography, but gives you a good enough look inside the life of the only (male) runner this ...more
It's a simply written book talking about his life post-partition, his passion for running, his disappointments, and his naivety at times. It's not a very detailed autobiography, but gives you a good enough look inside the life of the only (male) runner this ...more
Read this book thrice.
The Best Autobiography of an Indian I had read till date.
The Best Autobiography of an Indian I had read till date.
Dec 02, 2014
Ramu Gouti
marked it as to-read
the most memorable man in my life and i inspired by him.
Awesome raised to the power of awesome!! :) Read 150 pages in 2.5 hours.
I know that i cannot rate a person's life. but when i read this book about "the flying sikh", i felt like giving 5/5. the book shows the journey of Milkha Singh from a refugee boy to an athlete representing India. He also talks about his family. Actually, it is not only an autobiography but it discusses the current situation of Indian sports especially athletics. It also discusses about the effect of politics on sports.
P.S. : Forget about the movie "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" before you read this book ...more
P.S. : Forget about the movie "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" before you read this book ...more
I read this book afetr I watched the movie based on it. I didn't enjoy either. I regard Milkha Singh as a legend, and while both try to portray him as such, I felt it was not enough.
The athlete's daughter has helped write this autobiography, but I wish she could have got him to open up about more anecdotes and incidents. But who knows what challenges came up for precisely that reason.
A life like Milkha Singh's must be rich with detail, and this book (and the somewhat fictionalised movie versio ...more
The athlete's daughter has helped write this autobiography, but I wish she could have got him to open up about more anecdotes and incidents. But who knows what challenges came up for precisely that reason.
A life like Milkha Singh's must be rich with detail, and this book (and the somewhat fictionalised movie versio ...more
Legends are not made everyday. There's only one in a million who has that extra special in him/her to conquer the world with their work and achievements.
The story is about Milkha Singh & his life which he made large by working hard and making it a goal to do something good for himself and others.
He is a living legend and an inspiration for many. He has conquered and seen it all and has penned it down to perfection in the form of a book.
There are not many like him but he is undoubtedly the ...more
The story is about Milkha Singh & his life which he made large by working hard and making it a goal to do something good for himself and others.
He is a living legend and an inspiration for many. He has conquered and seen it all and has penned it down to perfection in the form of a book.
There are not many like him but he is undoubtedly the ...more
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