Mysuru: The autobiography of late Santosh (Sam) Nayar, Silver Linings in the Dark Sky, was released at Hotel Royal Inn recently by a gathering of his friends, admirers, writers, colleagues and social activists.

The 288-page autobiography, written with remarkable honesty and simplicity, has been edited by Dr. Alok Gupta, Ph.D and published by Pink Lotus, Varanasi. Dr Gupta announced that the Royalty from the sale of the book would be donated directly by the Publisher to the PM CARES Fund.

The book launch was attended by writers C.P. Belliappa and Sujata Rajpal, Range-1 Additional Commissioner of Income Tax Kalpalata Rajan, Chartered Accountants, friends and former colleagues of Santosh Nayar.

Nayar, a Chartered Accountant who lived and worked across continents, died on May 4, 2024. His manuscript survived him and has now finally appeared in book form. Written during a difficult period of his life, the autobiography goes beyond personal memories to explore ambition, loneliness, relationships, mistakes, dignity, suffering and hope. A significant part of the book also brings attention to bipolar disorder, a serious mental health condition that remains poorly understood and heavily stigmatised in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Alok Gupta said the book was not merely a story about mental illness. It was a deeply human account of loneliness, damaged relationships, mistakes, survival and stubborn possibility of hope.

“His story matters because Santosh was not simply a patient. He was a professional, traveller, writer, friend and human being who tried to understand an unpredictable mind,” Dr. Gupta said.

The book also serves as a reminder that mental illness should be discussed with the same openness and seriousness as physical illness. Stigma and shame often force individuals and families to suffer in silence, even when treatment and professional support are available, Dr. Gupta added.

The gathering recalled Santosh Nayar’s exceptional writing ability, courage and honesty.

Speakers said his autobiography should not be seen only as a record of personal suffering, but also as a message of hope to people struggling silently with mental health difficulties.

“Silver Linings in the Dark Sky” thus becomes more than an autobiography. It is a testimony of a life lived through extraordinary highs and painful lows — and a reminder that behind every illness is a human being deserving of understanding, treatment, patience and dignity.