"Gagan Grewal, inspired by a true story, brings us the inspiring story of a young man named Aakash whose life was a disaster. Thinking himself a complete failure, broke with only his bottle and brown paper bag to take him to the next day, he secretly hoped that day would never come. His life was in ruin since childhood. One day feeling desolate, damned and deserted while sitting on a park bench, a stranger seemed to appear out of nowhere and sat down. The stranger, an elderly man, listened to the young man tell of his life’s grief then gently said, “You were born perfect.” Aakash found such comfort and peace being able to talk with this kind man that he accepted the invitation to go to his home the next day to talk more. These visits became a daily ritual and like a gentle breeze, this young man slowly made his way to complete recovery. Aakash without knowing had discovered the true meaning of ‘becoming teachable’. While reading this book you will wonder if Aakash is actually the author. Perhaps the secret is in the book. This book reached into my soul with such warmth that I too have felt change in my own life."
~ Allan Engst, True Blue Magazine, BC
~ Allan Engst, True Blue Magazine, BC
"Becoming Teachable is a highly motivational book, especially for those who have given up all hope in their life. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone as there is something you will definitely learn from this book. Moreover, you have to believe in what is written in the book as it's not a made-up story, rather it is based on Gagan's own life story. Or is it? This book is a combination of the beliefs of East and West.
You have to read it to believe it."
~ Sonya Kapoor, South Asian Woman Magazine, Vancouver, BC
You have to read it to believe it."
~ Sonya Kapoor, South Asian Woman Magazine, Vancouver, BC
“Aakash had given up all hope in his life and was at the brink of death. For many years he suffered from severe depression and anxiety. Fast forward a number of years and today he is happily married, a father of two young beautiful boys, while working as a counselor. The dramatic shift in his life did not take place overnight but it did come with a spark from an elderly man who provided a flash of insight that cut through the darkness raging within. “You were born perfect,” said the stranger named Oscar. For Aakash who was in constant fear of the unknown, the guilt of the past and a lack of a purpose; these words were illuminating. Oscar would become his mentor and friend, and Aakash would begin his healing journey towards peace, faith, joy, and freedom from self. Today, this ‘student’ continues to pursue self-enlightenment, and personal growth. Gagan Grewal’s new book, Becoming Teachable – You Were Born Perfect, provides practical solutions, and spiritual guidance for people suffering from the increasingly uniquitous modern ailments of alienation and depression. The book narrates a young man’s journey from an existence ruled by debilitating anxiety and fear to a life empowered with abundance, love, joy, acceptance, and faith. Plagued with misery, stuck in hopelessness, and lacking purpose, the book starts with a protagonist who struggles to deal with an existence void of all hope in life, in himself and in God. He is consumed with anger, guilt, and resentment after enduring years of physical and emotional pain, as well as self-imposed isolation. This has left him mentally, physically, and spiritually stillborn. Documenting the journey from the dark into the light, Becoming Teachable is set within an combination of Western and Eastern cultural landscape and touches upon issues many 2nd and 3rd generation South Asians encounter in their lives.”
~ Jagdeep Mann, South Asian Post Newspaper, Vancouver, BC
~ Jagdeep Mann, South Asian Post Newspaper, Vancouver, BC
“My dear Gagan. I have just finished reading your book and it has touched a part of my soul so profoundly that I don’t think I could ever be the same woman again. This story needs to be shared with our entire community. The older and younger generations, for I know it can be beneficial to all. It does not matter where you are in life and whether you live in a mansion or in a card board box or whether you have multiple degrees or no education at all. There is something in this book for everyone to learn. God is everything or God is nothing. What was my choice to be? I choose God, Gagan, I choose God. Thank you my son for your amazing story. Maybe one day I too can come across someone who may need my help and I know in my heart that the first thing I will be doing is giving them this book.”
~ Satnam Boparai, Burnaby, BC
~ Satnam Boparai, Burnaby, BC
"Last week I received as a gift from my son your book "Becoming Teachable". It is one of the most wonderful books I have read in many years and it has touched me deeply. It has made me cry at times, it also has made me take a very hard look at myself, a more honest look that is. For many years I was a member of a religious group where it was expected to underline your study books and study articles. I did this because it was expected of me and I disliked it from day one for it did not come from the heart but it was expected. In your book however I nearly felt the need to underline some passages for I felt that they were truly inspirational and important to remember. This little treasure of a book will stay close to my heart and often looked at again. Thank you so much for have written a book with a message that is far better then medication from doctors or any other substance we may feel we need to get through the next day or night. I am truly grateful for this little gem that my son gave me."
~ Marylin Austin, Nanaimo, BC
~ Marylin Austin, Nanaimo, BC
"I just finished your autobiography. I applaud you for sharing your journey with its pain, desperation and then hope, peace and joy. I could relate to many of your feelings. It takes courage and humility to open one’s heart. Thank you for touching mine."
~ Melissa K., Burnaby, BC
~ Melissa K., Burnaby, BC
"I cannot stress enough how important your book is to our community. More young people in our community need to read this book.
Keep up the good work. We are very proud of you."
~ Gurpreet Singh Malli, United Kingdom
Keep up the good work. We are very proud of you."
~ Gurpreet Singh Malli, United Kingdom
"What an amazing story Gagan. This book should be made into a movie! Keep up the good work, the world needs you."
~ Anita Mehta, Mumbai, India
~ Anita Mehta, Mumbai, India
"I really enjoyed reading your book. In fact, I enjoyed the story so much that I will be reading it again very soon. This book should be in every home. I will definitely be recommending this book to my family and friends."
~ Ranjeet Rai, England, United Kingdom
~ Ranjeet Rai, England, United Kingdom
"For years I have suffered from this uncontrollable fear inside of me. Medications, doctors, you name it I have tried it. Nothing ever worked. As your book says, they became an external solution to an internal problem. But, I honestly have to say there was one area I never bothered looking and that area was inside. Your book made me realize this Gagan. And for that I thank you."
~ Michael Collings, Chicago, United States
~ Michael Collings, Chicago, United States
"A spiritual journey which uplifts and energizes the soul. I cannot express in words how much I enjoyed reading this book."
~ Lawrence DeSouza, Calgary, Alberta
~ Lawrence DeSouza, Calgary, Alberta
"I just wanted to say thank you for writing your story. Over the last few years I've started looking at life in the way described in your book. Becoming Teachable came into my life at the perfect time, I was at a point where I had needed a reminder & as fate would have it I came across your page which led me to order your book. The last few chapters really resonated with me; I have a tendency to find it difficult to practice many of the things you discussed in part because of cultural negativities, etc so reading your book really helped me get back on track. It was very heartwarming to see that you are paying it forward. PS: I really enjoyed the quotes & stories."
~ Jasmin Sajjan, Surrey, BC
~ Jasmin Sajjan, Surrey, BC
"Gaganji, you have given me another reason to live. Your story has made me realize that life is not something to blame or be angry at, but rather life is something to become. For we are life. I thank you for writing your story for now I know how to continue mine. God bless you Gaganji."
~ Aditya Harswami, India
~ Aditya Harswami, India
"I was a little skeptical in regards to this book when I first received it. I started reading it later that afternoon and I swear I just could not put it down. I finished reading the entire book around 3 am in the morning. A story of love, inspiration and faith. Absolutely beautiful. This book is going to help many, in fact millions. This I have no doubt."
~ Priyanka Mehta, Richmond, BC
~ Priyanka Mehta, Richmond, BC
"Wow! Only one word to describe this book. Amazing. An awesome mixture of the East and West...absolutely loved it.
Looking forward to reading it again."
~ Ron Hazenwood, BC
Looking forward to reading it again."
~ Ron Hazenwood, BC
Where has this book been all my life? A must read for everyone who is looking for the inspiration to apply change in their life. This book is in conversational mode between two main characters, Aakash and Oscar. I have already recommended this book to all my friends and family.
A true Gem!"
~ Mandy Sekhon, Surrey, BC
A true Gem!"
~ Mandy Sekhon, Surrey, BC
"I really want people to read this book. A simple written story with a profound impact. Made me think and dig deep within myself. I would also check this authors website. Very intelligent and truthfully inspiring. "
~ Lisa Grander, London, Ontario
~ Lisa Grander, London, Ontario
"What an awesome story. One of the best self-help books I have read in years. It is true, when the student is ready the teacher will appear!"
~ Shiv Nagra, Toronto, ON
~ Shiv Nagra, Toronto, ON
"Your book is amazing Gagan and I was really inspired after reading it. I read every single page of your book and in most places I was able to relate myself with your life. How you overcame from those hard times you went through is amazing. What a wonderful story."
~ Mannu Nijjar, Victoria, BC
~ Mannu Nijjar, Victoria, BC