I wish to write review for the autobiography of Capt. Gopinath’s book A Deccan Odessey - SIMPLY FLY. It is a wonderful book to read. I just finished it in 3 days flat. The book is all about life of Capt. Gopinath, his education, village life, army life, farming work, deccan aviation, Air deccan. The book is written in a very practical and simple English language. It is one of the wonderful book I have come across. The journey begins from his childhood his life in village, a simple boy with a background of strong Indian values. The way his father grew him up, the way he successfully passed examinations and got admitted in Army school. The description of the Army school life, NDA and IMA. War experience. Retirement from Army. Gopinath has described everything in a very humble manner.
His strong belief about the Indian cultural values, traditions, self confidence, things to create change are observed in the writing. The book is a series of adventures and thrill that Capt. Gopinath has gone through. It is like a fast paced thriller. Capt. Gopinath had extraordinary enthusiasm, energy, guts to set the things and set it in motion and think out of the box. The way he started his farm business, silk rearing business, his travel across many destinations across the world. The book is so full of knowledge, he has adapted to different careers his hotel business, motorcycle business, agricultural consultancy. Deccan aviation - Helicopter business, his work in Political world. He is a real extraordinary man. He emphasizes that life is full of surprises good as well as bad one. Simplicity, being happy to the core of your heart, not to give up ever, work hard, live a simple life and above all believe in your one self. It’s just so amazing.
Some of the incidents seem to be a really unbelievable. Also he has written many examples that shows how education can really shape out a businessman in somebody. I really wondered while reading the book the way face of Indian aviation has changed due to AIR DECCAN. He has written how he met some very good people those who trusted him and helped him in creating a wonderful Airline. He himself has criticized for wrong decisions. By reading this book any body can start his own airline. He has described the entire business model of Airlines business and the way aviation industry works. Capt. Gopinath has used his quick-wittedness everytime in his career, always worked at the ground level. His talent and achievements deserve true respect. I wished Air Deccan would have survived till now, he could have made an Indian fly to foreign destinations at a very economical rate.
I have myself traveled in Air Deccan some 15 times. I also flew my parents for the first time by air to cochin and back to Mumbai from Trivandrum by Air deccan. The book describes in detail about the nature of common man. Its just such a wonderful book my words feel short of describing it. Also the merger with Kingfisher airlines and the sad moments of end of a dream are described in a beautiful manner. The message from the book is very clear, think beyond, think high, work out to fulfill your goals, work hard, innovate, change things you want in your life to be, remain highly spirited, never give up, never feel dejected or sad, set the things rolloing on your own.
Do read this book and you will never require any self help book in your life. It also describes how after end of one venture he started Deccan 360 logistic company. The Photographs in the book are also good.