Gandhian Hinduism
by Jyotsna Kamat
First Online: October 25, 2006
Page Last Updated: February 17, 2024
Review of "Hinduism, A Gandhian Perspective" by M.V. Nadkarni
Recently I received a very valuable book for our Kamat Memorial Library, (both in terms of content and price). It is "Hinduism, A Gandhian Perspective" by Dr M. V. Nadkarni.
Nadkarni was my contemporary while at the Karnataka University. I studied Social History and he, Economics. He taught at the University, and has engaged in life-long research. He went on to became the Vice-chancellor of Gulburga University (in Karnataka). He wrote the above book, as recipient of National Fellowship of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (2002-2004).
The 510 page-book (Price Rs. 795/-) is brought out by Ane Books India, New Delhi 2006. Both Hinduism and Gandhi have been enigmatic subjects for long, and Dr. Nadkarni has done the tremendous task of bringing them together! The book provides deep insights into Hinduism through the ages, and Gandhian views on different facets of this ancient and continuous religion. Written in a simple and direct style, Nadkarni has dealt with sensitive subjects like religion, caste, gender, issues in an objective way.
Hinduism or Santana dharama as it had been and is understood through centuries is stressed upon. "I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and non-violence are as old as the hills" said Gandhiji. Brahmanda Purana laid down roots of Sanatana Dharama, as " in being free from malice and greediness in austerity, compassion for all creatures self control, chastity, truth tenderness, forgiveness and fortitude." Nadkarni has woven his interpretation around these concepts. Truth was God to Gandhiji and seeking truth was same as practicing religion.
The Caste system, Nadkarni has tried to prove is not part of Hinduism and has survived due to totally different factors. He has upheld Gandhi's view that caste has nothing to do with religion. He points out the influence of great ancient saints has on Indian society. The populariry of saints starting from Valmiki and Vyasa to present day Narayana Guru and Ma Amritanandamayi shows that masses hardly care for caste and creed. It is the height of spiritual attainment of the individual that matter most.
Hinduism, a religion, that defies definition has been dealt with in its universality. Few popular prayers in Sanskrit along with translation in English which have universal appeal have been included, like the most popular and holiest mantra, the Gayatri, is a prayer to sun-god to stimulate intellect. Dr. Nadkarni feels this is one example of the cosmopolitan and holistic approach to the concept of development. The main thrust from ancient times was on the acquisition of knowledge than material wealth. One more prayer of cosmopolitan nature is quoted from Taittiriya Samhita.
"Put light in our Brahmins; put it in our rulers (rajas).Put light in Vaishyas and Shudras, put light in me by your light." As an economist, Nadkarni has gauged economic growth with anxiety in present day India, because it lacks the welfare of all. Gandhiji and Vinoba Bhave viewed welfare in terms of Antyodaya (further than Sarvodaya) that is, the welfare of the marginalized and the down-trodden. "Knowledge, freedom, good health, opportunity for creativity and realizing oneself as a cultured human being and above all, time to take delight in the joy of living, in this beautiful world, for all and not for a chosen few, they are all part of welfare and hence development. It is this holistic development, which is consistent with Hinduism and not a relentless rat race" (Page 413).
The dynamics of Hinduism is presented in terms of three phases: classical, Bhakti movements, and modern. Of these the third one is more relevant because it has imbibed the spirit of both the earlier two ,and proves why Hinduism has not only survived, but has remained strong, and provides ample scope to interpret its pluralism in new light. The role of great saints of our times only confirms this. Inclusion of several such saints, gurus, leaders, thinkers, and their teachings is Nadkarnis original contribution in interpreting continuity as well as distinctive change, and the potential of Sanatana Dharama.
Prominent feature of the modern phase of Hinduism is globalization. Role of the Theosophical Society, Ramakrishana Mission, ISKCON, etc. are discussed along with their influence in the West. Ghandiji's contribution in making truth and non-violence the basic principles of India's Freedom struggle is mentioned. Dr. Nadkarni feels that the survival and sustainability of democracy in India owes not a little to the liberal and tolerant ethos of Indian religions and to the fact the bulk of India's population profess them. "If a fringe section of Hindus were fanatical and parochial about their religion, it does not, and cannot offset or mar the above facts of history", he feels.
The need of such a book, an unbiased and analytical interpretation of Hinduism and in Gandhian perspective has been greater now than ever. India appears torn between different fissiparous tendencies with religious (communal) violence erupting now and then. But the roots of Sanatana dharma which the author points out gently throughout the book leave no room for disappointment.
The books consulted for this bulky volume run into 21 pages. Subject and name indices run into 15 pages, speaking of the tremendous effort put in by Prof. Nadkarni in writing this book.
There is reference to his family members in the book who prodded him to write. His daughter Saraswati, a resident of USA told him that Hindus abroad needed a book, which can introduce them to different perspectives on Hinduism, different paths in Hinduism, different philosophies, different religious leaders who shaped Hinduism, yet also give a holistic understanding of Hinduism. It should be neither too elementary nor too scholarly, such as to interest only the pundits; that it should clear doubts and misunderstanding about Hinduism. Nadkarni's brother settled in Canada and a cousin living in the Netherlands had similar views. Nadkarni has succeeded in writing the book for the general audience. The book is dedicated to the loving memory of his wife Ganga who was his better-half during the years1968-2003. The tribute is very touching. She "civilized me, comforted me, cared for me and continues to inspire and energize me." says the author.
Any institution or person interested in understanding Hinduism in its pluralism and Gandhiji's views about it will be benefited to own this book.
It is very--well produced book. The cover page, a river representing change with continuity and freshness standing for the subject is rather dull, as are the illustrations.
Dr M. V. Nadkarni deserves all appreciation for the enormous reading, compiling and interpreting a rather difficult, and mostly misunderstood subject.
The book:Hinduism A Gandhian Perspective
M.V.Nadkarni
Ane Books India
Year 2006
Price-795.00/-
See Also:
- Multimedia Mahatma -- Memorabilia, biography, excerpts from autobiography, photo archive and links; includes an interactive Ask Gandhi section
