BOOK PREVIEW: Hindu, Hinduism, and Hindutva - Bharat a Sanatana Rashtra" by Purshottam Lal
In a world brimming with diverse cultures and belief systems, understanding the essence and relevance of one’s own religion is an important journey. Purshottam Lai’s book, ‘Hindu, Hinduism, and Hindutva - Bharat a Sanatana Rashtra’, embarks on this jour-ney within the realm of Hinduism, unpacking its mul-tifaceted nature, historical ori-gins, and its significance in contemporary society. With the author’s rich background as an IPS officer and his in-depth exploration of this subject, this book offers an illuminating perspective on Hinduism and its intersection with modernity.
The author starts by asserting the fundamental role of religion in human life, emphasiz¬ing how it acts as a spiritual anchor and cultural compass. Each religion, including Hinduism, holds a special place in the hearts of its adherents. Hinduism, in particular, is one of the world's oldest religions, deeply embedded in the psyche of those who follow it.
However, Purshottam Lai doesn't shy away from discussing the disconcerting issue of Hinduism's declining signif-icance among the younger generation. As material progress takes the forefront, apathy towards one's own religion is becoming increasingly apparent. To counter this trend, Lai proposes a visionary solution a global proselytization campaign to amplify Hinduism's influence worldwide. He suggests identifying and mobilizing influential individuals within the Hindu faith, especially those who have achieved success in the corporate world, to spearhead this movement.
The book goes on to explore the etymology and historical evolution of key terms like "Hindu," "Hinduism," and "Hindutva." It delves into the Vedic origin of the word "Hindu," tracing it back to ancient times, even though it doesn't find direct mention in the four Vedas. This provides a fascinating backdrop to the identity of the religion itself.
One of the book's pivotal discussions revolves around the concept of Hindutva, especial-ly comparing the notions pre-sented by Chandranath Basu and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Lal thoughtfully elucidates the differences between these perspectives, pointing out that Savarkar's Hindutva advocated for unification through common land, race, and culture, rather than seeking to convert all citizens to Hinduism. This exploration allows readers to appreciate the subtleties and complexities of the term, often oversimplified in public discourse.
While delving into the intricate web of Hinduism, the author also examines its rela-tionship with science, technol-ogy, and mathematics in ancient India. Lal acknowledges that while ancient Hindus possessed a profound understanding of some aspects of mathematics and astronomy, it may not rival the knowledge of the modern day world. He also dispels myths about ancient flying machines or "Vimanas" mentioned in Hindu texts. Despite this, he underscores the richness of knowledge contained in these texts, making them invaluable repositories of wisdom.
What sets this book apart is its call for India to be declared a "Sanatana Rashtra" by amending the Constitution's preamble. Lai distinguishes between the cultural and political identities of a nation, advocating that this change would pay homage to India's ancient heritage without implying religious bias. This proposal challenges the traditional approach of declaring a "Hindu Rashtra" and opens up a thoughtful dialogue on India's identity in a pluralistic world.
In a world where religion can often become contentious and divisive, Purshottam Lal's book offers a balanced and comprehensive exploration of Hinduism. It calls for a reawakening of cultural roots while acknowledging India's histori-cal and traditional significance. Lal's in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives make this book an essential read for scholars, students, and anyone inter ested in understanding Hinduism's profound concepts and its relevance in today's world.
In "Hindu, Hinduism, and Hindutva - Bharat a Sanatana Rashtra," Purshottam Lal invites readers to embark on a journey of selfdiscovery, understanding the richness of Hinduism, and exploring its place in a rapidly evolving world. This book is a valuable resource for those who seek to deepen their knowledge of Hinduism and its enduring impact on the cultural and spiritual tapestry of India.
(The writer of the book is a retired Director General of Police, Punjab)