Book Review #9 - Why I Am a Hindu by Shashi Tharoor

Good Day,
Why I Am a Hindu
by Shashi Tharoor

This book started as an amateur's guide to Hinduism and turned into a book on political propaganda, all with Shashi Tharoor's literary brilliance.

Image result for why i am a hindu


Summary:
Shashi Tharoor has presented the philosophy of Hinduism, why it is the most riveting and coolest religion. This book further contains the opinion of author on impact of this multifarious religion on politics, traditions, lifestyle, schools of philosophy etc throughout the course of history of India and "vice-versa".

Can I have my own Hinduism?

Review:
Book has an enlightening start with the assertion made by the author against the mentality of youth that Hinduism is rigid, full of dogma and tantrums of pundits etc. This certainly encourages us as readers to read further about Sanatan Dharma. He has relevantly included contents of Puranas, Upanishads, Vedas etc. Much can be learned from this book provided you keep an open-mind about this pious religion. Then the book slowly transitions from the intricacies(wisdom and virtues of the faith) of religion to how the religion developed during different eras of our vivid and diverse history and most importantly how it facilitated growth of different schools of thinking, Bhakti movements etc. Finally it has an exuberant section where it influences us with ideas of Swami Vivekananda, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.

Why I Am in Congress? This would have been more suitable title for the rest of the book. Author has taken shots on BJP as well as Narendra Modi, on RSS as well as Veer Savarkar. I would suggest read this book with wisdom, do not get exasperated if your political viewpoints do not match with author's.This book would have been much better if it was a guide on Hinduism, as some readers may find that the author has not been equivocal on some of the issues. 

This one example in the book has been very moronic to include. It is regarding a Muslim Chieftain named Muttaal Raavuttan who saved Draupadi during Mahabharata. I have one question for the author "Are you Good bro?". Political agenda has most certainly blighted the book.

I would like to conclude by answering the question can I have my own Hinduism?

Everyone can have their own version of Hinduism provided you first do some research. Main clarity required is that consider Hinduism is a "way of life", and "this" way should lead you towards Moksha(salvation). Being the most syncretic religion it preaches that there can be many paths that lead you to follow this way of life. So get yourself acquainted with various ideologies(start with Bhagvada Gita), choose the one which is most convenient(not expedient) for you and keep travelling. At the end be "god loving" not "god fearing" or atleast believe there is some positive force rest of the care will be taken by KARMA

Opinion: If you have a lot of time then go for it.

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