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Books For All Ages

To make BluOne Ink the thought leader in the Indian nationalist and dharmic space by creating a robust and dynamic community of Indic and dharmic thinkers, writers, critics and artists.

Hindutva

Hindutva: Origin, Evolution and Future studies Hindutva in both critical and holistic terms—an approach that is oft found missing in most studies on Hindutva, where a lot of critical knowledge has been left out either intentionally or out of ignorance. This omission has led to characterize Hindutva as a dangerous exclusivist majoritarian supremacist ideology. Hindutva is often studied like other extreme right-wing ideologies. However, the thesis presented in this book is built on the strong foundation that Hindutva is not an ideology but a historical-civilizational process. As such, it does not fit the expectations of any ideological framework.

Veda Made Simple

Veda Made Simple is an important book. In a strikingly clear, lucid and straightforward manner, the author reveals the rich and complex philosophy and symbolism of the Veda for anyone who is open in mind and heart to receive the wisdom of humanity’s oldest spiritual scripture. That the author does this in the light of Sri Aurobindo—inarguably among the very few who realized and lived the deepest and highest Vedic truths in their beings—makes it even more significant. This book comes at the right time too, as Indians globally begin to reawaken to their timeless Vedic and Sanatan heritage.

Integral Education — Beyond Schooling

Integral Education—Beyond Schooling explores a new paradigm of education, taking learning and teaching beyond conventional schooling, towards what may be called evolutionary education and the growth of consciousness.

 

 The book is premised on the idea that we humans are still evolving in consciousness and have reached an evolutionary tipping point where we need a radically new way of learning and growing, a radically new way of perceiving, understanding and organizing our world and living our day to day lives in it, more in harmony, oneness and peace.

 

This book is a must-read for all who are interested and involved in the development of human future, immediate and long term.

This Is Sanatan Dharma

We speak often of the Hindu religion, of the Sanatan Dharma, but few of us really know what that religion is…This is the Dharma that for the salvation of humanity was cherished in the seclusion of this peninsula from of old. It is to give this religion that India is rising. She does not rise as other countries do, for self or when she is strong, to trample on the weak. She is rising to shed the eternal light entrusted to her over the world. India has always existed for humanity and not for herself and it is for humanity and not for herself that she must be great. 

 

These are the words of Maharishi Sri Aurobindo. But what is this Sanatan Dharma? Is it just the religion and rituals that Hindus follow or is it really the secret of life and consciousness that is embedded in the very fabric of our cosmic existence? This book reveals, layer by layer, the subtler spiritual dimensions of Sanatan Dharma, and its timeless relevance to human existence and civilization.

Hindus in Hindu Rashtra

To those who claim we are now living in a totalitarian, fascist, Hindu Rashtra, one must ask: What kind of a Hindu Rashtra is this where a billion-strong Hindus have been, through our parliament, through our courts, our education system, and our constitution, reduced to not just second-class but, rather, eighth-class citizens? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Durga pooja processions, and even Garba celebrations, are attacked and stoned with impunity? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where a sitting Prime minister says minorities have the first right to resources? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where Hindus are forced to be refugees in their own land, where one can settle 40,000 Rohingya Muslims but not 700,000 Kashmiri Hindus, the land’s original inhabitants; where the judiciary says it is too late to prosecute those who raped, murdered, and ethnically cleansed lacs of Hindus? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where Hindu temples are exclusively controlled by the State, where Hindus must beg for Waqf land to celebrate their festival while the government usurps hundreds of thousands of acres of temple land and is responsible for more than 100,000 temples losing lakhs of crores in rental income? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where the Right to Education Act discriminates only against Hindus and their schools, forcing tens of thousands of them to shut down? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where monsters like Aurangzeb and Tipu who perpetrated large-scale Hindu genocides are eulogised through State sponsored publications, naming of roads and cities, and organising of festivals? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where a law was about to be enacted through with only the Hindus would have been held guilty in a communal riot even if they were in a minority for example in Kashmir? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where court judgments like the Sabarimala and legislative enactments like the Hindu Code Bill purport to reform only Hindu religious practices but dare not touch practices of other religions, and if they do, the decisions are promptly reversed like in the Shah Bano case? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where The Places of Worship Act continues to deny the Hindus their legitimate right to correct historical injustices and reclaim thousands of demolished temples? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where the Waqf Act gives overarching powers to Muslims to declare a 1500-year-old Hindu temple to be on Islamic land when Islam is only 1300 years old? If this is how a Hindu is rewarded in a Hindu Rashtra, he’d much rather be in a Muslim Rashtra because then at least there’d be no pretence of equality – a Kafir will get what he deserves. In this searing commentary penned with clinical precision, the author shreds to smithereens once and for all the guilt-tripping, self-loathing fake narrative that Hindus have been duped with since Independence. There is no pretence, no political correctness, only unvarnished truth – that the Hindus are living under State-sanctioned Apartheid.

HINDUS IN HINDU RASHTRA (Marathi Edition)

To those who claim we are now living in a totalitarian, fascist, Hindu Rashtra, one must ask: What kind of a Hindu Rashtra is this where a billion-strong Hindus have been, through our parliament, through our courts, our education system, and our constitution, reduced to not just second-class but, rather, eighth-class citizens? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Durga pooja processions, and even Garba celebrations, are attacked and stoned with impunity? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where a sitting Prime minister says minorities have the first right to resources? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where Hindus are forced to be refugees in their own land, where one can settle 40,000 Rohingya Muslims but not 700,000 Kashmiri Hindus, the land’s original inhabitants; where the judiciary says it is too late to prosecute those who raped, murdered, and ethnically cleansed lacs of Hindus? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where Hindu temples are exclusively controlled by the State, where Hindus must beg for Waqf land to celebrate their festival while the government usurps hundreds of thousands of acres of temple land and is responsible for more than 100,000 temples losing lacs of crores in rental income? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where Right to Education Act discriminates only against Hindus and their schools, forcing tens of thousands of them to shut down? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where monsters like Aurangzeb and Tipu who perpetrated large-scale Hindu genocides are eulogised through State sponsored publications, naming of roads and cities, and organising of festivals? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where a law was about to be enacted through with only the Hindus would have been held guilty in a communal riot even if they were in a minority for example in Kashmir? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where court judgments like the Sabarimala and legislative enactments like the Hindu Code Bill purport to reform only Hindu religious practices but dare not touch practices of other religions, and if they do, the decisions are promptly reversed like in the Shah Bano case? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where The Places of Worship Act continues to deny the Hindus their legitimate right to correct historical injustices and reclaim thousands of demolished temples? What kind of Hindu Rashtra is this where the Waqf Act gives overarching powers to Muslims to declare a 1500-year-old Hindu temple to be on Islamic land when Islam is only 1300 years old? If this is how a Hindu is rewarded in a Hindu Rashtra, he’d much rather be in a Muslim Rashtra because then at least there’d be no pretence of equality – a Kafir will get what he deserves. In this searing commentary penned with clinical precision, the author shreds to smithereens once and for all the guilt-tripping, self-loathing fake narrative that Hindus have been duped with since Independence. There is no pretence, no political correctness, only unvarnished truth – that the Hindus are living under State-sanctioned Apartheid.

हिन्दू राष्ट्र: हिन्दुओं की रामकहानी

जो यह दावा करते हैं कि हम एक अधिनायकवादी हिंदू राष्ट्र में रह रहे हैं उनसे यह पूछा जाना चाहिए कि यह किस प्रकार का हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहां एक अरब शक्तिशाली हिंदू यहाँ की संसद, अदालतों, शिक्षा व्यवस्था और हमारे संविधान द्वारा न सिर्फ दोयम दर्जे के नागरिक करार दिए गए हैं बल्कि उससे भी नीचे धकेल दिए गए? यह कैसा हिंदू राष्ट्र है जिसमें दुर्गा पूजा और गरबा के आयोजनों पर बेरोकटोक पत्थरबाजी की जाती है और प्रधानमंत्री की कुर्सी पर बैठा एक शख्स कहता है कि इस देश के संसाधनों पर पहला हक अल्पसंख्यकों का है? यह कैसा हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहाँ हिंदुओं को अपनी ही धरती पर शरणार्थियों की तरह रहना पड़ता है और जहाँ कोई 40 हजार रोहिंग्या मुसलमानों को तो बसा सकता है लेकिन इसी देश के धरतीपुत्र 7 लाख कश्मीरी पंडितों को नहीं और जहाँ अदालतों का कहना हैं कि हिंदुओं की हत्या, बलात्कार और जातीय संहार करने वालों पर मुकदमा चलाने के लिए अब बहुत देर हो चुकी है? यह किस तरह का हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहाँ हिंदुओं के मंदिर सरकारों के कब्जे में हैं और अपने त्यौहार मनाने के लिए हिंदुओं को वक्फ बोर्ड के सामने जमीन के लिए हाथ फैलाने पड़ते हैं? यह किस तरह का हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहाँ शिक्षा का अधिकार अधिनियम में केवल हिंदुओं के स्कूलों के साथ भेदभाव किया जाता है और उन्हें ताला लगाने को मजबूर कर दिया जाता है? यह किस तरह का हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहां औरंगज़ेब और टीपू जैसे बर्बर शासकों को लेकर सरकारी खर्चे पर प्रकाशन किए जाते हैं, सड़कों के नाम रखे जाते हैं और त्योहारों का आयोजन होता है? यह किस तरह का हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहाँ एक ऐसा कानून बिल्कुल बन ही जाने ही वाला था जिसमें केवल हिंदुओं को, जबकि वे अल्पसंख्यक थे, सांप्रदायिक दंगों के लिए दोषी ठहराया जाता जैसा कि कश्मीर में देखा गया? यह किस तरह का हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहाँ सबरीमाला प्रकरण में अदालतों के फैसले और विधायी कानून केवल हिंदुओं के धर्माचारों में सुधार के लिए किए जाएँ लेकिन दूसरे धर्म को छुआ तक न जाए और अगर ऐसा कोई करे भी, तो वहाँ शाहबानो के मामले की तरह फैसले को पलट दिया जाए? यह किस तरह का हिंदू राष्ट्र है जहाँ हिंदू पूजा स्थल अधिनियम आज भी हिंदुओं को उनके प्रति हुए ऐतिहासिक अन्यायों को दुरुस्त करने के उनके विधिसम्मत अधिकार पर रोक लगता है जबकि वक्फ एक्ट मुसलमानों को एक 1500 वर्ष पुराने हिंदू मंदिर को इस्लामी संपदा घोषित करने की अनियंत्रित शक्ति दे देता है, गो कि इस्लाम अपने आप में महज 1300 वर्ष पुराना है? अगर एक हिंदू राष्ट्र में हिंदू को इस तरह नवाजा जा रहा हो तो इससे अच्छा है कि वह एक मुस्लिम राष्ट्र में रहे क्योंकि वहाँ कम से कम बराबरी का ढोंग तो नहीं होगा, एक काफिर को वही मिलेगा जो उसे मिलना चाहिए। अपनी इस कड़वे बयान में आनंद रंगनाथन आजादी के बाद से हिंदुओं के साथ धोखेबाज़ी करने वाली ग्लानि भरी झूठी कहानी और आत्मदोषानुभूति पर एक निर्णायक प्रहार करते हुए उसे चकनाचूर कर देते हैं। यहाँ कोई स्वांग या राजनीतिक शुचिता नहीं है, अगर है तो केवल राज्य प्रायोजित नस्ल भेद की वह ठोस सच्चाई जिसके साथ हिंदू जी रहे हैं।

Completing Vyasa’s Mahabharata

Embedded within the primary narrative of the Mahabharata lie numerous sub-tales known as upakhyaanas or upakathas. These lesser known stories play a vital role in completing the grand tapestry of the Mahabharata, thus giving this book its apt title. Unlike verse translations found in unabridged versions, the 67 upakathas presented here serve a different purpose. While they may appear as diversions, these narratives serve as vital threads, connecting the text and offering answers to lingering questions that readers may have. For instance, why did Ambaa, the princess of Kaashi, become the catalyst for Bheeshma’s demise in a later life? The Ambaa upakhyaana holds the answers. Similarly, the stories of Sage Parashuraama reveal why a brahmana like him possessed warrior-like qualities. Two upakhyaanas shed light on this enigma. Additionally, the Yayaati upakhyaana elucidates the reasons behind the Kurus descending from Puru, Yayaati’s youngest son, rather than the eldest. Moreover, the intriguing dialogue between Duryodhana and Shalya, where Duryodhana persuades Shalya to become Karna’s charioteer, is also explored in these Upakathas.

Gods Dancing Among Men

Theyyam, an ancient tradition of North Malabar, is a captivating blend of folk art, religious ritual, and profound spirituality. Gods Dancing Among Men: The Mystical World of Theyyams of North Malabar delves deep into the rich history of theyyam, exploring its roots and relevance in contemporary belief and worship. This book sheds light on both the luminous and shadowy facets of this tradition as well as the enigmatic grey areas that define it.

 

Every aspect of the theyyam cult, from the vibrant and intricate costumes to the wild and transcendent dances, is fascinating. The practitioners of theyyam display astonishing abilities, including clairvoyance, prophecy, and the power to fulfil wishes. The pantheon of theyyam includes Shaivite and Vaishnavite manifestations alongside a diverse array of Bhagvathy theyyams. Popular deities such as Muthappan, Muchilot Bhagavathi, Thee Chamundi, Gulikan, Kuttichathan, and Pottan Deiyvam hold a special place in the hearts of the people. Additionally, the theyyam tradition incorporates animals into its repertoire with performances featuring monkeys, tigers, buffaloes, crocodiles, bees, and snakes. One of the most astonishing aspects of theyyam is the fearless interaction with fire. Performers nonchalantly walk on embers and even hurl themselves onto immense mounds of fire, known as meleri, repeatedly. Despite the influence of Aryanization, the sanitizing impact of British colonial rule, the teachings of social reformers, the remarkable literacy rates, and the prevalent communist ideology in the region, the sanctity of the theyyam tradition remains unblemished. Theyyams are living gods, cherished and revered by the people of North Malabar, and their blessings hold immense significance.

मोदी का बनारस

मोदी का बनारस -यह सिर्फ़ पुस्तक नहीं यात्रा है। गंगा यहाँ की जीवनरेखा है। गंगा, बाबा विश्वनाथ के बिना इस नगरी की कल्पना अधूरी है। नरेन्द्र मोदी का बनारस से चुनाव लड़ना राजनीति की असाधारण घटना है। बनारस का सामर्थ्य, कर्तव्य को पूरी दुनिया ने देखा है। अगर सोच लिया जाए, ठान लिया जाए, तो कुछ भी असंभव नहीं है। नरेन्द्र मोदी ने बनारस में अपने तप से चुनाव तो जीता ही, साथ ही बनारस में अपने ख़िलाफ़ की जाने वाले दूसरी पार्टी नेताओं की साज़िशो को भी विफल कर दिया। देखते ही देखते मोदी ने अपने जीत का परचम बिहार, झारखंड, बंगाल तक फहरा दिया। मोदी की जीत एवं बनारस को लेकर लिए गए फ़ैसलों की कहानी है यह पुस्तक, जिसे हमेशा याद रखा जाएगा। यह पुस्तक आपको यह भी बताएगी कि बनारस से जीत की पटकथा कैसे लिखी गई, उसकी रूपरेखा किसने तैयार की थी। अमित शाह ने वर्ष 2010 में बनारस में क्या संकल्प लिया था। जिसे पूरा करने के लिए उन्होंने ना दिन देखा ना रात। यूपी और बनारस का चुनाव जीतने के लिए अमित शाह ने राजनाथ सिंह से ऐसा क्या वचन लिया था, जिसे लेकर सबके बीच में उन्होंने कह दिया कि मैं होता तो यह वचन कभी नहीं देता। नरेंद्र मोदी ने कोविड काल के समय को ही बाबा विश्वनाथ मंदिर के कायाकल्प के लिए क्यों चुना। क्या आप को पता है कि बाबा विश्वनाथ मंदिर के लिए जमीन एकत्र करने के क्रम में जमीनों की सभी रजिस्ट्री एक विशेष समय में की गई थी। आखिर क्यों? क्या आप यह जानते हैं कि बनारस के विश्वनाथ मंदिर में कितना सोना लगा है? एक आश्रम का तिलिस्म जिसकी जमीन को खाली करवाने में एक साल लग गया। आखिर कैसे खाली हुई वह जमीन। कैसे पीएम मोदी ने आर्किटेक्ट के पहले बने नक्शे को खारिज कर दिया था। क्योटो में ऐसा क्या है जो उसे बनारस से जोड़ देता है। मोदी ने जापान के शहर क्योटो को ही क्यों चुना? बनारस का ऐसा घाट जहां पर आप हेलीकॉप्टर से पहुंच सकते हैं। फ़्रांस के राष्ट्रपति ने बनारस में ऐसा क्या पूछ लिया, जिसकी पूरी दुनिया में चर्चा होने लगी। इन सब सवालों और जिज्ञासाओं का उत्तर आप को इस पुस्तक मोदी के बनारस में ही मिलेगा।

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Vijaya Viswanathan

” Mechanical engineer and follower of Vedanta.”

Vijaya Viswanathan

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देवदूत

कहानी संग्रह के रूप में प्रस्तुतदेवदूतऐसी सच्ची घटनाओं का संग्रह है जिनमें जीवन से निराश व हताश लोगों के जीवन में एक अप्रत्याशित मोड़ आता है और किसी व्यक्ति के सहयोग से उनका नारकीय व दुखद जीवन सुख की लालिमा को देखने लगता है। देवदूत की कहानियों में वे ही घटनाएं चित्रित की गई हैं जो उन पात्रोंसे साक्षात्कार करते समय मुझे बतलाई गईं। 

 

इन कहानियों को खोजते हुए मैंने मानव विषाद व वंचनाओं को अति निकट से देखा एवं मेरी लेखनी ने उन सभी मार्मिक अनुभवों को एक क्रम में सजाने की कोशिश की है। 

 

देवदूत में एक ऐसे ही व्यक्ति के जनकल्याणकारी कार्यों का वर्णन है, जिनसे पीड़ितों व उपेक्षित लोगों को उनके बुरे समय में इलाज, वित्तीय सहायता, सम्मान, सुरक्षा, भोजन, वस्त्र, योजनाओं का लाभ आदि प्राप्त हुई और उनके जीवन का विषाद अचानक से कम हो गया। 

 

जैसेजैसे आप इस पुस्तक के पन्नों में चित्रित उन सच्ची घटनाओं को पढ़ेंगे, वैसेवैसे आपको उन पीड़ितों की पीड़ा और उनकी पीड़ा को हरने के लिए उनके जीवन में आये देवदूत के जनपरोपकारी कार्यों के बारे में पता चलेगा। 

प्रतीक्षा शिवाची

ज्या सहजतेने काशी किंवा वाराणसी आपल्या इतिहासाचे प्रचंड ओझे वाहते, तशी जगातील फार थोडी ठिकाणे असतील. ही नगरी आपल्या संस्कृतीच्या आत्म्याचे आणि शतकानुशतके आलेली विपरीत परिस्थिती, हल्ले सहन करूनही पुन्हापुन्हा उभी राहत आपल्या अपराजित वृत्तीचे दर्शन घडवते. 

 

 प्रतीक्षा शिवाचीकाशीज्ञानवापीच्या सत्याचा शोधया पुस्तकाच्या माध्यमातून विश्वेश्वर किंवा विश्वनाथाच्या रुपातील शिवाचा अधिवास असणाऱ्या काशीचा इतिहास, तिची प्राचीनता आणि पावित्र्याचे दर्शन घडते. जो या शहरात आपला देह ठेवतो त्याला मोक्ष मिळेल असे वचन प्रत्यक्ष शिव देतो. हे पुस्तक या स्वयंभू ज्योतिर्लिंग विश्वेश्वराच्या इतिहासाचा सखोल शोध घेते. आपल्या भक्तांचे आश्रयस्थान असलेले हे विश्वेश्वर मंदिर हे नेहमीच धर्मांध मूर्तीभंजकांच्या निशाण्यावर राहिलेले आहे. परंतु जेव्हा जेव्हा हे मंदिर उद्ध्वस्त करून त्याचे अस्तित्व पुसून टाकण्याचा प्रयत्न झाला तेव्हा तेव्हा हे मंदिर पुन्हा उभे राहिले आणि भरभराटीला आले. 

 

मंदिराच्या इतिहासातील या प्रलयंकारी घटनांचा लेखाजोखाप्रतीक्षा शिवाचीहे पुस्तक मांडते. जुलमी मुघल बादशाह औरंगजेबाने १६६९ मध्ये या मंदिरावर घातलेला घाव वर्मी बसला आहे. त्याने मंदिर फोडले आणि मंदिराच्या पश्चिमेकडील अर्धवट तुटलेल्या भिंतीवर घुमट उभे करून त्याला मशिदीचे रूप दिले. आज ज्याला ज्ञानवापी मशीद म्हणतात ती मशीद आणि त्याच्या आजूबाजूची आणि अठराव्या शतकात बांधल्या गेलेल्या नव्या विश्वनाथ मंदिराजवळची जागा यावरून नेहमीच वादंग माजलेला आहे. भूतकाळात या मुद्द्यावरून अनेक वेळा रक्तरंजित दंगली झाल्या आहेत. इंग्रजी सत्तेच्या काळातही या जमिनीच्या मालकी आणि ताब्याच्या मुद्द्यावरून अनेक वेळा ब्रिटिश न्यायालयांचे दरवाजे ठोठावले गेले आहेत, त्यासंबंधीचे खटले चालवले गेले आहेत. स्वातंत्र्यानंतरही हा पूर्ण परिसर मुक्त करावा अशी मनीषा हिंदूंच्या मनात कायमच वास करत आली आहे. २०२१ ला नव्याने दाखल करण्यात आलेल्या एका खटल्याने या फार काळापासून ठसठसणाऱ्या जखमेवरची खपली निघाली. भारतीय पुरातत्व विभागाकडून सर्वेक्षण होऊ नये यासाठी अगदी सर्वोच्च न्यायालयापर्यंत वारंवार अपीले करूनही हे सर्वेक्षण झाले आणि जानेवारी २०२४ मध्ये या सर्वेक्षणाने या पूर्ण प्रकरणातील सत्य उजेडात आणले. 

 

विक्रम संपतचे हे नवे पुस्तक या मंदिराचा बहुपेडी इतिहास, त्यात आलेली नाट्यमय वळणे, घडलेल्या गूढ घडामोडी, या जागेवरून झालेले कडाक्याचे वादविवाद या साऱ्या गोष्टी उलगडून दाखवते. कितीतरी काळ ज्ञानवापीमध्ये दडपून आणि लपवून ठेवलेल्या या गुपितांना या पुस्तकाच्या रूपाने वाचा फुटली आहे.

Kashi

Kashi: The Valiant History of a Sacred Geography tells the story of the most sacred of all Hindu holy cities through the prism of sacred geography as is extensively documented in the Sthala Purana. The book features a summary of the Kashi Khanda from the Skanda Purana, an ancient text on the divine origin and leela surrounding the kshetra of Kashi. The history of this kshetra is enriched by the accounts of warrior sadhus, sages, kings, queens, devotees and ordinary citizens who dedicated their lives to preserving and reviving this sacred geography by doggedly building and rebuilding temples, taking up arms against invaders, meticulously documenting Kashi’s history and lore, and tenaciously sustaining pilgrimage routes and practices covering the holy sites of this pivotal city.

 

In particular, the lesser-known story of the warrior sadhus who defended the Kashi Vishwanath temple from marauding invaders is explored through the lens of sacred geography. Studied in this light, Kashi is both a spatial and metaphysical contestation. The current controversy and litigation over the Gyanvapi site cannot therefore be satisfactorily resolved without taking recourse to the idea of sacred geography, which has since time immemorial informed Hindus and indigenous societies worldwide about their identity and the relevance of space and place, culture and metaphysics, civilization and the development of nationhood.

Apostles

In his debut book, Biswaroop offers an insight into career lessons he has learned in his long years of managing organisations and talent. Through a collection of reflections and musings, he invites readers to join him on a journey of discovery, reflection and growth. He brings with him the perspective of an experienced practitioner who is passionate about making a difference in organisations and the lives of the employees.

 

From navigating leadership to fostering a positive organisational culture and managing uncertainty and change to crafting strategic talent agenda, each reflection offers a unique perspective on various dimensions of managing organisations and talent in today’s ever-evolving workplace landscape. Whether you’re an HR professional seeking inspiration, a business leader looking to understand the intricacies of HR management or simply curious about the inner workings of human resources, this book provides a gem of a lesson to all those interested in people and talent management.

Bangaliyana

The word ‘Bangaliyana’ roughly means ‘the Bengali way of life’. Bangaliyana, the book, is a delightful look at the author’s experience of life through his doodles and cartoons. Each page is infused with the vibrant spirit of Bengali culture, cuisine, and language from the author’spoint of view.

 

Being a probashi Bengali, the author straddles the ‘native’ and the ‘cosmopolitan’ effortlessly and shares a unique perspective of the intersection by blending personal anecdotes with humour. The heart of the book beats with humour because of a delightful medley of doodles and cartoons. Over the span of the last decade, the author, a self-taught cartoonist, dedicated most of his weekends cartooning. Among numerous cartoons he created during this period, his exploration of Bengalis and Bangaliyana filled one of his sketchbooks up to the brim. It was within those pages that the seed of inspiration for this book took roots.

 

The book defies being pigeonholed into a single genre. It is part memoir and part short story/humour. While everyday situations have provided a rich repository of ideas for the sketches, the book also captures moments of nostalgia from the author’s growing-up years. It allowed him to dig deep into his memory bank to fish out stories that most probashis will instantly relate to. Bangaliyana is not a critique of Bangla or Bengali culture but a tribute to the spirit of a true-blue Bengali. Whether you are a probashi or simply curious about the Bengali way of life, this book promises a heartfelt laugh.

Invaders and Infidels

Invaders and Infidels: From Sindh to Delhi: The 500-Year Journey of Islamic Invasions is a work of gripping history, which tells the story of the origins and trajectory of Islamic invasions into India. It begins with the first Muslim conquest and ends with Babur’s invasion of Hindustan, spanning the period of the Delhi Sultanate which was in power for almost 320 years. This epochal story encompasses a vast sweep of events, which changed the history of India forever, and introduced it to an alien faith and a religious despotism such as the country had never experienced before. It comprises major and minor sagas of great heroism, untold savagery, stout resistance, brutal intrigues and epic tragedies.

 

Embedded in this narrative are two major themes, largely overlooked in the inherited Indian historical and cultural memory. For more than three hundred years, alien Muslim invasions into India were largely fleeting, transitory and unstable. However, the lasting legacy of these Muslim invasions is the permanent destruction and disappearance of Classical India. Invaders and Infidels will fascinate anyone interested in the story of pre-Medieval India, a gateway era in the history of this ancient culture and civilisation.

Nastik

Nastik chronicles the transformative journey of a modern Indian sceptic who initially embraced Western neo-atheism. It begins with the protagonist’s disillusionment with religious dogma and his subsequent adoption of Western neo-atheism, characterized by a staunch denial of theism and a critique of religion’s influence on society.

 

As the narrative unfolds, he encounters the rich tapestry of Indian philosophy. He discovers the nuanced perspectives of nastik schools of thought in Indian tradition, such as Charvaka, Jainism and certain interpretations of Buddhism, which reject the authority of the Vedas and the existence of a creator god yet engage deeply with ethical and philosophical questions. His transformation into a nastik and Nirishvarwaadi is marked by an appreciation for the complexity of Eastern scepticism, which often intertwines with spiritual and moral considerations unlike the more direct and often materialistic scepticism prevalent in the West. The book delves into the differences between Western and Eastern scepticism, highlighting how Eastern traditions offer a nuanced view that accommodates doubt within a spiritual framework.

 

As his worldview evolves, he critiques the emergence of neo-atheism’s successor, ‘wokeism’, which he argues marks a shift from scepticism to a new form of dogmatism. He argues that neo-atheism inadvertently paved the way for wokeism by undermining traditional structures without offering a sustainable alternative, leading to a vacuum that wokeism has filled with its own set of moral certainties.

 

At the penultimate stage, the protagonist explores the concept of Hindu scepticism, which is considered part of the broader Hindu tradition. The inclusiveness of this tradition highlights the unique ability of dharma to absorb various strands of thought. As the narration closes, he learns that at the heart of dharmic traditions lies a commitment to mutual respect, reciprocity and ahimsa (non-violence), which have allowed for a diverse array of beliefs and practices to coexist and flourish within the Indian philosophical landscape.

Stalled Wheels of Justice

‘Justice delayed is justice denied’ is a legal maxim that is often used to buttress the need for speedy justice. But what do we make of justice if it is served to a humble postman accused of stealing 57 rupees and 60 paise or a poor bus conductor charged with siphoning off 5 paise after legal battles that lasted for 29 years and 41 years, respectively? What do we make of justice if it costs so much that a retired senior bureaucrat and a senior Supreme Court judge say that they cannot afford the cost of litigation?

 

What comes closest to this idea of manifest injustice is ‘justice delayed’ and ‘unequal access to justice’. There are various impediments and roadblocks to the dispensation of justice that can be termed as fair. Many of them are beyond the control of the judiciary itself. But a Bharat envisioning to become developed by 2047 needs to have a judiciary enabled by technology, guided by integrity, and motivated to provide quick relief. Piled-up case files, vacant judicial positions, and crumbling spaces cannot be the hallmark of a ‘nation on the move’. To clear these impediments, a concerted effort is required from all the stakeholders starting from government to litigants to the bar and the bench.

 

The judiciary needs to be sophisticated and driven by the zeitgeist of high productivity, and judges need to have modern courtrooms so they can deliver justice swiftly. Stalled Wheels of Justice is not a commentary on law. That is something best left to jurists, lawyers, and constitutional experts. This is the story of law not being able to transform into justice. This is the story of denied insaaf and delayed nyaya. This is the story of a process that the author witnessed as a court reporter—a process that former chief justice of India N.V. Ramana equated with punishment. When the process itself becomes the punishment, poor justice-seekers become the first victims. Even when relief and judgments come forth, they are often empty of substance for they are pyrrhic victories. Much has been said and written from the points of view of persons in black robes, university professors, and intellectuals. But what about from men and women of the country who bore the heavy burden of injustice? This is the story of a faulty process, solvable unsolved problems, and, above all, of people at the end of the spectrum.

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