Miriam Stoppard, 79
Interview with Miriam Stoppard, 79
Published: 10 February 2017
I’m deeply in love with India, its people, its culture, its food, its music, its dancing, and the Hindu gods and goddesses.
Author and advice columnist Miriam has published more than 80 books and sold in excess of 25 million copies worldwide on conception, pregnancy and birth, childcare and development, women’s and family health. She currently writes three pages a week for the Daily Mirror newspaper.
Brought up in a Jewish Orthodox home, Miriam says she is now an atheist. However, she would like to explore her spirituality more in India. Miriam has visited India twice but feels she has barely touched the surface. She adores the country and feels that India is her spiritual home: the religions, philosophy, dance, music, culture and alternative medicine… all of it excites her.
Did the experience allow you time to reflect?
Yes, absolutely. Even while we were on our adventures there was time to reflect on Indian culture and the slow pace of Indian life. For instance, when we sailed up the backwaters in Kochi we were surrounded by calmness, tranquillity and the simplicity of village life, so different from our hectic lives at home. Sipping tea at a tea plantation high in the mountains with a view for many miles and miles was in strong contradistinction to our frantic western way of life.
Do you see India as somewhere you could live?
Yes, absolutely. I’m deeply in love with India, its people, its culture, its food, its music, its dancing, and the Hindu gods and goddesses. I only have to hear a few bars of Indian music to feel tranquillity creeping over me. Life in India is so varied that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
How was the rest of the group?
It was a privilege to be with the group, we got on so well. It seemed that we brought out the best in each other because everyone really liked each other. There was no friction, no bust-ups, we were all supportive of each other. Frankly, I was surprised, because going away for a month with seven strangers wasn’t high up on my list.
