Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, a Harvard Medical School professor, shares insights on health, happiness, and philanthropy in an interview reflecting on his journey and the importance of community service.
Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, a professor at Harvard Medical School and author of several books, including *Brotherhood* with his brother Deepak Chopra, served as the keynote speaker at the annual fundraiser for Home of Hope, a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in India for over 25 years. In an exclusive interview with Bulbul Mankani Dasanjh, Dr. Chopra shared valuable insights on health, happiness, and the significance of community service.
During the conversation, Dr. Chopra’s passion for coffee became evident. When asked about his brother Deepak’s coffee consumption, he remarked, “Coffee is good for the liver. If you drink coffee, your liver enzymes are low. If you drink two cups, hospitalization and mortality from chronic liver disease drop by 50%. This is based on peer-reviewed science journals. So I wrote a book, *Coffee: The Magic Elixir.*”
Dr. Chopra emphasized the best way to enjoy coffee: “With a friend,” he laughed. He personally prefers his coffee black but noted that adding sugar and cream is acceptable for those who are not diabetic. He cautioned against artificial sweeteners, stating they are worse than real sugar. For those looking to prevent diabetes, he suggested drinking six cups of black coffee daily, while individuals with Type 2 diabetes should limit their intake to two cups.
“The best drink is water, and next is coffee,” he added. Citing a study conducted in Europe involving half a million coffee drinkers, Dr. Chopra noted that coffee drinkers exhibited lower mortality rates. He also mentioned that coffee drinkers have lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation, and that increased caffeine intake is associated with longer telomeres, indicating positive immunity.
Reflecting on his life journey, Dr. Chopra shared a poignant moment from his childhood when he realized his calling. “When I was 12, I experienced a terrifying incident where I suddenly went blind. My father, a brilliant cardiologist, quickly diagnosed me with severe bilateral optic neuritis, a rare reaction to a serum. After receiving the necessary treatment, my vision returned, and I knew my Dharma was to be a healer like him.”
Dr. Chopra also discussed *Brotherhood*, a book he co-authored with Deepak Chopra, which explores their shared dreams and experiences. “Steve Jobs once said, ‘The most powerful people in the world are storytellers.’ Deepak and I are fortunate to have inherited storytelling genes from our fathers and grandfathers,” he explained. The book features alternating chapters, allowing them to share their stories in their own voices.
One memorable anecdote he recounted involved a childhood incident where he accidentally shot his brother with a BB gun. “Deepak insisted I shoot at a Cherry Blossom tin while he stood in front of it. I missed, but he wouldn’t let me tell anyone about the bleeding. Eventually, my father discovered the injury, and Deepak ended up with a scar on his chin, which I jokingly take responsibility for,” he said.
Dr. Chopra also shared his thoughts on gratitude, stating, “Gratitude is the single most important ingredient for living the good life.” He outlined four key ingredients to happiness: surrounding oneself with good friends, practicing forgiveness, embracing humility, and cultivating gratitude. He referenced an 85-year-old Harvard study that identified friendships as the strongest predictor of health, happiness, and longevity.
He reflected on his mother’s influence, recalling how she quietly served the community while his father practiced medicine. “My mother would watch the line of patients and provide food to those in need, often without taking payment from the poorest,” he said. “Her service was simple yet profound, and when we left Jabalpur, thousands came to bid us farewell, calling my parents their saviors.”
When asked about his connection to Home of Hope, Dr. Chopra expressed admiration for its founder, Nilima. “I met Nilima four years ago and was bowled over by what she does. It is easy to write a cheque, but to give this service all your time and talent; that is true philanthropy,” he remarked.
In closing, Dr. Chopra offered tips for improving memory, highlighting the benefits of coffee, musical exercise, and learning new things. His insights reflect a deep understanding of health and happiness, underscoring the importance of community and service in leading a fulfilling life.
According to India Currents, Dr. Chopra’s journey and philosophies continue to inspire many, emphasizing the interconnectedness of health, happiness, and compassion.