In “Why I Am a Hindu,” one of India’s finest public intellectuals offers a profound exploration of one of the world’s oldest and greatest religions. The book begins with a personal examination of the author’s belief in Hinduism and expands to cover a wide range of topics related to the faith. It discusses the Great Souls of Hinduism, such as Adi Shankara, Patanjali, Ramanuja, Swami Vivekananda, and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who have significantly shaped the essence of Hinduism. The author delves into the major schools of thought within Hinduism, like Advaita Vedanta, and explains key concepts of Hindu philosophy, including the Purusharthas and Bhakti, in accessible language. He provides a masterful summary of the lessons from the Gita and Vivekananda’s ecumenism, and sympathetically explores the ‘Hinduism of habit’ practiced by ordinary believers. The book also examines the various manifestations of political Hinduism in the modern era, including violence committed in the name of the faith by right-wing organizations and their adherents. It analyzes Hindutva, explains its rise, and discusses the philosophy of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, its most significant ideologue. The author is critical of extremist ‘bhakts’ and believes that India’s great and distinctive culture and country will be threatened if religious ‘fundamentalists’ gain control. However, he also argues that it is because Hindus form the majority that India has survived as a plural, secular democracy. “Why I Am a Hindu” is a revelatory and original masterwork that will be read and debated now and in the future.

Why You Should Read

1. Gain a Deep Understanding of Hinduism: The book offers a comprehensive exploration of Hinduism, covering its history, philosophy, and major schools of thought.

2. Learn from Great Souls: Discover the contributions of influential figures like Adi Shankara, Swami Vivekananda, and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa to the essence of Hinduism.

3. Explore Modern Political Hinduism: Understand the rise of Hindutva and its impact on contemporary Indian society, including the challenges posed by extremism.

4. Appreciate India’s Pluralism: The book highlights how Hinduism’s majority status has contributed to India’s survival as a plural, secular democracy.

5. Engage in Thought-Provoking Debate: “Why I Am a Hindu” is a masterwork that invites readers to reflect on and discuss the future of Hinduism and its role in India.