Manisha Koirala launched Dr Yusuf Merchant's book, Happyness

Mumbai: Celebrated actor Manisha Koirala launched Dr Yusuf Mechant’s book, Happyness: Life Lessons from a Creative Addict, today at Fun Republic Social, Mumbai. Joining the launch was well-known restaurateur, Riyaaz Amlani,  CEO, Impressario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., who engaged in an enlightening and light-hearted conversation with the author and Manisha Koirala.

Dr Yusuf Merchant, one of India’s leading anti-drug crusaders and founder-president of the Drug Abuse Information Rehabilitation & Research Centre (DAIRRC), is no stranger to adversity. Losing friends and loved ones to dark addictions, and having endured betrayal, living on the streets, and struggling with the trauma of abandonment and the absence of hope, he empathises with his patients at a deeper level. He says that doing drugs or being clinically depressed is symbolic of a lack in a patient’s life; it is not the problem itself.

In his book, Dr Merchant offers forty-two different ways to live a peaceful and fulfilling life. Bringing together scientific theories on the functioning of the brain and how it alters under stress, depression and addiction as well as existential questions on karma and the meaning of life, he concludes that it is self-belief along with the integrity of character that offers a short-cut to happiness. 

Speaking at the launch, Dr Yusuf Merchant said, ” Happiness is within ourselves. If we are always seeking pleasure, we will never be happy. If we express gratitude for what we have, we will always be happy.”

Speaking about the book, Manisha Koirala said, ” Never be afraid of asking for help. Being sad and depressed are most natural-human feelings and we should never be ashamed or afraid of feeling or expressing them. Doc’s love and honesty are the best qualities about him and I hope this book teaches the readers more about happiness and how it can be achieved in many simple ways .”

Speaking about the doc and his everlasting influence on people’s lives around him, Riyaaz Amlani, CEO, Impressario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. said, ” Dr Merchant is an invaluable guy to discovering peace, love and happiness all within yourself ”

Dr Yusuf Merchant is a medical practitioner who has been working for the rehabilitation of people with mental health issues like substance abuse and depression for over thirty-five years. DAIRRC has a success rate of 85 percent. His unique treatment has been successful for patients from India, the UK, the US, Belgium, Mexico, Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Maldives. He has been an affiliate member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2004.

What Amitabh Bachchan has to say about the book: 

‘Dr Yusuf “Doc” Merchant presents a unique approach to dealing with what may well be the greatest social problem. Providing a wealth of information and practical advice, Happyness is an informative and curative book which busts a mountain of myths.’