With this audacious and articulate book, journalist Hindol Sengupta presents an impassioned and most welcome case for Hinduism as an ancient and sophisticated tradition with great relevance for the contemporary world. The book is . an invitation to the reader to join the author in his discovery of the tradition of his upbringing. Why is Sengupta's book particularly welcome at this current time? Its importance can be discerned on several levels. We human beings, collectively, are currently living through one of the most culturally, politically, and religiously polarized periods of modern history. Sengupta has some important things to say, not only about Hindu traditions, but about the contemporary human condition. His book is not only as a defense of Hindu thought and practice against stereotypes and distortions, but an argument against extremism of all kinds. Sengupta is also frank in rejecting the political extremes found in contemporary Hinduism, while at the same time presenting these in a balanced and subtle way.

A very important work which will hopefully receive a wide readership. ese in a balanced and subtle way. A very important work which will hopefully receive a wide readership.ese in a balanced and subtle way. A very important work which will hopefully receive a wide readership.ese in a balanced and subtle way. A very important work which will hopefully receive a wide readership.