In “Why I Am a Hindu,” Shashi Tharoor, one of India’s most insightful public intellectuals, offers a profound exploration of Hinduism. He begins with a personal examination of his own faith, then expands to cover a wide range of topics, including the Great Souls of Hinduism like Adi Shankara and Swami Vivekananda, major schools of thought such as Advaita Vedanta, and key philosophical concepts. Tharoor also critically examines the various manifestations of political Hinduism in the modern era, including the rise of Hindutva and its impact on India’s plural, secular democracy.

Why You Should Read?

• Gain a Deep Understanding of Hinduism: The book offers a comprehensive exploration of Hinduism, covering its history, philosophy, and major schools of thought.
• Learn from Great Souls: Discover the contributions of influential figures like Adi Shankara, Swami Vivekananda, and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa to the essence of Hinduism.
• Explore Modern Political Hinduism: Understand the rise of Hindutva and its impact on contemporary Indian society, including the challenges posed by extremism.
• Appreciate India’s Pluralism: The book highlights how Hinduism’s majority status has contributed to India’s survival as a plural, secular democracy.

About the Author

Shashi Tharoor is an Indian politician, writer, and former international diplomat who has served as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, since 2009. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and is the author of numerous books, including “An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India” and “Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India.” Tharoor is known for his eloquent prose and insightful commentary on Indian politics, history, and culture.