Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was a devoted exponent of Indian culture. This book not only sums up the life and times of illustrious freedom fighter but also brings to the fore hither to unknown facets of his life.
The RSS was founded by a medical doctor Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Born on Sunday, April 1, 1889, he started RSS at the age of around 36 years. The Hedgewar family originally hailed from Kandkurti village in Telangana. Near the village is the sacred confluence of Godavari, Vanjra and Haridra rivers. This confluence finds mention in several Indian sacred texts. The place also witnessed a confluence of three robust Indian languages – Kannada, Telugu and Marathi. At one time, the place was a hub of scholars. But to look out for better opportunities, many Brahmin families left the Telangana region. Many of them settled down in Nagpur as the Bhonsle Rulers were known to be patrons of Vedic learning.
A riveting account of how a popularly elected leader has steered the world's largest democracy toward authoritarianism and intolerance Over the past two decades, thanks to Narendra Modi, Hindu nationalism has been coupled with a form of national-populism that has ensured its success at the polls, first in Gujarat and then in India at large. Modi managed to seduce a substantial number of citizens by promising them development and polarizing the electorate along ethno-religious lines. Both facets of this national-populism found expression in a highly personalized political style as Modi related directly to the voters through all kinds of channels of communication in order to saturate the public space. Drawing on original interviews conducted across India, Christophe Jaffrelot shows how Modi's government has moved India toward a new form of democracy, an ethnic democracy that equates the majoritarian community with the nation and relegates Muslims and Christians to second-class citizens who are harassed by vigilante groups. He discusses how the promotion of Hindu nationalism has resulted in attacks against secularists, intellectuals, universities, and NGOs. Jaffrelot explains how the political system of India has acquired authoritarian features for other reasons, too. Eager to govern not only in New Delhi, but also in the states, the government has centralized power at the expense of federalism and undermined institutions that were part of the checks and balances, including India's Supreme Court. Modi's India is a sobering account of how a once-vibrant democracy can go wrong when a government backed by popular consent suppresses dissent while growing increasingly intolerant of ethnic and religious minorities.
About the Book THE FIRST AUTHORITATIVE BIOGRAPHY OF INDIA’S CURRENT PRIME MINISTER On 26 December 2012, Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the fourth time, to extend his record tenure in office. Even then, his name prompted extremes of hate-filled anger or outright adulation. Since then, despite polarising Gujarat and India in more ways than one, he continues to do what it takes to survive in a democracy: win elections. Written by veteran journalist and writer, Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, after several in-depth interviews, meticulous research and extensive travel through Gujarat, this book reveals hitherto unknown aspects of Narendra Modi's psyche: as a six year-old boy selling tea to help out his father and distributing badges and raising slogans at the behest of a local political leader, abandoning his family and wife in search of his definition of truth, being initiated into the RSS as a fledgling who ran errands for his seniors and finally, his meteoric rise after 2002. Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times is the definitive biography of a man who may have challenged the basic principles of a sovereign, secular nation, but emerged as an undisputed and larger-than-life leader.
Discover the untold story of the RSS leadership with "The Saffron Surge" by Arun Anand, a captivating exploration of one of India's most influential and enigmatic organizations. Prepare to delve deep into the history, ideology, and leadership of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as Anand sheds light on its evolution and impact on Indian society and politics. Uncover the origins and growth of the RSS as Anand takes you on a journey through its formative years and emergence as a formidable force in Indian politics. With meticulous research and insightful analysis, he offers readers a nuanced understanding of the organization's ethos, principles, and goals. Explore the lives and legacies of the RSS leaders who shaped its destiny, from its founding fathers to the present-day stalwarts. Through in-depth interviews and firsthand accounts, Anand provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the RSS and the individuals who have guided its course. Take a closer look at the ideology and worldview that have shaped the RSS's approach to governance, social issues, and national identity. Through careful examination of its core principles and beliefs, Anand offers readers valuable insights into the motivations and strategies of the RSS leadership. The overall tone of the book is one of reverence and respect, as Anand celebrates the dedication, discipline, and vision of the RSS leadership. With its blend of historical narrative, political analysis, and personal anecdotes, "The Saffron Surge" offers a compelling portrait of an organization that has left an indelible mark on Indian society and politics. Since its publication, "The Saffron Surge" has been praised for its thorough research, balanced perspective, and engaging narrative style. It has become a trusted resource for scholars, journalists, and anyone seeking to understand the complex role of the RSS in shaping modern India. Designed for readers interested in Indian politics, history, and society, "The Saffron Surge" offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the RSS leadership and its impact on the nation. Whether you're a student of politics or simply curious about the forces shaping contemporary India, this book provides valuable insights into one of the country's most influential organizations. In conclusion, "The Saffron Surge" is more than just a book—it's a window into the heart and soul of the RSS leadership and the ideological movement they represent. Join Arun Anand on this enlightening journey and gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping India's political landscape. Don't miss your chance to explore the untold story of the RSS leadership. Grab your copy of "The Saffron Surge" by Arun Anand now and embark on a fascinating journey through the corridors of power and ideology.
Time and history have proved that among the modern India's organisers of men and movements, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Second Sarsanghchaalak Shri Guruji Golwalkar occupies a place in the topmost few. For more than three decades till his death, he, with no respite and rest, covered the entire length and breadth of this vast country on wheels, wings or legs with no unfortunate occasion to cancel any scheduled programme. Never in his life did he reach a programme late. With a diligent team as unfailing as himself, he built up the largest organisation of our times, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, with a very wide network. With an absolutely self-reliant structure and a unique working system evolved out of native genius, this organisation today is nothing short of a phenomenon; comparable only to itself. Any inquisitive mind, candid and unprejudiced, would like very much to delve deep into the lives of men who built up such a movement. In case of Shri Guruji, the attention is bound to be more compelling due to the fact that here was person maligned and cursed all through by the powers that be; but who, despite them, unflinchingly and relentlessly, paced towards his cherished goal. Golwalkar was truly 'Goal Walker', come what may. This is a comprehensive, well referenced biography of spiritual and social stalwart Shri Guruji that will inspire and motivate millions.
Public Hinduisms critically analyses the way in which Hinduism is produced and represented as an established feature of modern public landscapes. It examines the mediation, representation and construction of multiple forms of Hinduism in a variety of social and political contexts, and in the process establishes it as a dynamic and developing modern concept. The essays in this volume are divided into themes that address different aspects of the processes that form modern Hinduism. The book includes discussions on topics such as ecumenical initiatives, the contemporary interpretation of particular sampradaya and guru traditions, modes of community mobilisation and the mediation strategies of different groups. It also provides India and diaspora-focused case studies as well as ′Snapshot′ views elaborating on different themes. Taking a critical approach to the idea of Hinduism and the way it becomes public, the book provides an interesting read on contemporary Hinduism.
"A biography of Bombay beyond its definition as the Bollywood capital and a real portrait of the Bombay of the past and of the present"--Publisher's description.