By Krishna Kumar

This book provides context, analyzes, and narrates the events of 1942, which shook British Rule of India and eventually led to the collapse of the British Empire.

1942: Japanese armies reached the Northeast Borders of India after taking over Burma (Myanmar). Then, the Japanese bombed Madras, Vizag, and Calcutta.

Ports on India’s East Coast were closed. Almost 100,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army and 400,000 civilians- disease-ridden and demoralized- came to India from Burma, making a tortuous journey with nearly 50-100,000 perishing while trekking through the mosquito-infested jungles.

Earlier, The Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor and Malaya almost simultaneously. The British-ruled areas of Malaya, Hongkong, and Singapore surrendered quickly. Under Chatfield doctrine, the defense of these areas was the responsibility of British India. Besides, there were a large number of Indians in trade and various professions.

Fearing a Japanese invasion, the British started sending their families to the interior and began planning to evacuate from India.

In Feb ’42, Churchill informed King George VI that ‘Burma, Ceylon, Calcutta, and Madras in India and part of Australia may fall into enemy (Japan) hands.’

Then, Congress launched the Quit India movement.

The formation of the Indian National Army planted the seeds for the collapse of the British Empire.

About the Author

Krishna Kumar studies, evaluates, and analyzes events in Indian history with particular emphasis on the British Period.

As an analytical author, Krishna’s books and articles focus on peeling through the various layers
of information, clarifying how the events happened, why these happened, who the key
participants were, and what the consequences of those events and decisions were. He,
therefore, connects mul7ple threads highlighting the intricacies of the period.

He now devotes his energy to this activity. He was interested in Indian history and analysis from an early age, and it continued though he pursued a career in an unrelated field for
most of his adult life.

A historical fiction book is soon to follow his first book, ‘1942 When the Bri7sh Rule In India Was
Threatened’, which analyzes events and how they evolved into the end of colonial rule for India.

Krishna grew up in India and now lives in the United States with his family..

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Winston Churchill was closely connected with India from 1896, when he landed in Bombay with his regiment, until 1947, when independence was finally achieved. No other British statesman had such a long association with the sub-continent–or interfered in its politics so consistently and harmfully.

Churchill strove to sabotage any moves towards independence, crippling the Government of India Act over five years of dogged opposition to its passage in the 1930s. As Prime Minister during the Second World War, Churchill frustrated the freedom struggle from behind the scenes, delaying independence by a decade. To this day he is ‘the’ imperialist villain for Indians, held personally responsible for the Bengal Famine.

This book reveals Churchill at his worst: cruel, obstructive and selfish. The same man was outstandingly liberal at the Colonial Office, risking his career with his generosity to the Boers and the Irish, and later speeding up independence in the Middle East. Why was he so strangely hostile towards India?

Hinduism and Science in Dialogue: 20 reasons why is Hinduism is very Scientific Religion
by Pankaj Kumar

Hinduism and Science in Dialogue is a book by Pankaj Kumar that provides 20 reasons why Hinduism is a scientific religion.The dialogue model proposes a mutualistic relationship between religion and science.
This model assumes that both fields share common ground, such as methods, concepts, and presuppositions. Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu worldview spokesman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, optimistically declared that “science and religion will meet and shake hands”.

India on a Plate!: Indian Food from A to Z
by Archana Sreenivasan

Fry, simmer, sauté, and create.
I’ll try them all. I can’t wait!
You can’t fit India on a plate!

Kids love learning about food, they need to learn their ABC’s, and this mouth-watering alphabet book covers both in the most delicious way! From spicy achaar to sweet zafrani pulao, flip through food from every corner of India, for all kinds of occasions. Author/illustrator Archana Sreenivasan brings each dish to life with playful rhyming text and bright, engaging illustrations.

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Talking about a film on Swami Vivekananda on his birthday would be not only most appropriate but also symbolic and impactful. Swami ji’s birthday, which falls on January 12, is celebrated as National Youth Day in India, reflecting his enduring influence on the youth and his teachings on strength, vigor, and spirituality.

In 1893, Vivekananda, an Indian spiritual guru, attended a conference hosted by the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago and gave a historical speech. His opening words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” won him a standing ovation. It would delve into his teachings, his interactions with other religious leaders, and the lasting impact of his work. Furthermore, in his speech, Vivekananda introduced Hinduism to America and called for an end to fanaticism and religious intolerance. He also desThe present conventioncribed yoga as a “science of the mind” and translated Yogic texts from Sanskrit into English.Swami Vivekananda brought the wisdom of ancient India to America in 1893 through the practice of yoga. The American fabric has not undergone such a drastic transformation since the advent of Columbus, according to several conference attendees. Over the past 100 years, yoga has steadily become more and more ingrained in Western culture. This can be seen in movies like Star Wars and The Matrix, music from bands like Coldplay and the Beatles, literature ranging from Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World to countless best-selling self-help books promoting mindfulness and meditation, the use of Ayurvedic medicine, the rise in popularity of athleisure clothing, and the fact that there is a yoga studio on every Main Street in the United States.Presenting the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda, 1893: YEAR OF THE YOGI is a colorful animated film that combines historical video and interviews with influential figures in athletics, music, film, and religion. In keeping with Vivekananda’s central theme of inclusivity, the movie incorporates quotes from a wide range of writings, lectures, and letters that highlight how yoga is a popular choice for a variety of audiences. The narrative of the film is elevated by the aural tapestry created by modern Western artists that draws inspiration from ancient tradition and classical Indian music, which includes works by Swami himself. The best times for introspection and personal development are during difficult times, and 1893: YEAR OF THE YOGI, an artistic continuation of Vivekananda’s work, fulfills this purpose.

Nicholas Oscoff’s directorial venture, “1893: The Year of the Yogi,” promises to be a significant contribution to the cinematic exploration of yoga’s profound impact on Western culture. The film traces the historical roots of yoga’s journey to the West, particularly emphasizing Swami Vivekananda’s pivotal role in introducing the ancient Indian philosophy to American society.

Director Nicholas Oscoff expressed his personal views in a video interview with Indic Dialogue: “Meet the filmmakers of the upcoming movie “1893: The Year of the Yogi.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1M0OCpszF4

Nicholas talked about his personal journey, fueled by a fascination with Indian philosophy and spirituality, which has evidently shaped the narrative of this documentary. His multicultural background and extensive travels, including repeated visits to India, seem to have deepened his understanding and connection to the subject matter. This personal resonance with the spiritual teachings of the East, paired with his professional background in international affairs and the film industry, positions him uniquely to tell this story.

Here are some key points I found particularly interesting from Nicholas’s interview:

• Personal journey: Oscoff describes his own early exposure to Indian philosophy through Deepak Chopra’s books, highlighting the initial spark that led him to explore India and its spiritual traditions.
• Cultural bridge: He mentions his multicultural upbringing with Egyptian and Italian roots, which likely contributed to his understanding of bridging Eastern and Western perspectives.
• Spiritual home: Oscoff speaks of India as his spiritual home and how being born in America allows him to “live with one foot in the East and one in the West.” This personal connection likely adds depth and authenticity to the film.
• Encounter with Sri Ramakrishna: The director’s introduction to Ramakrishna through a biography becomes a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey, leading him to further explore Vivekananda’s teachings.

The film’s focus on Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in bringing Eastern spirituality to Western consciousness, reflects a thoughtful approach to making this profound subject accessible and engaging to a Western audience. The inclusion of animation and interviews with leading Swamis suggests a rich, multi-dimensional exploration of the topic.

Here are some key points you are going to find in this historic documentary movie:

• Untold origin story: It emphasizes the film’s focus on showcasing Swami Vivekananda’s lesser-known role in introducing yoga to the West and the transformative impact he had.
• Interviews with diverse voices: The inclusion of interviews with leaders from various fields, including music, sports, and religion, promises a multifaceted perspective on Vivekananda’s teachings and their contemporary relevance.
• Archival footage and animation: The utilization of both archival footage and animation suggests a dynamic approach to storytelling, potentially making the film engaging for a wider audience.
• Historical accuracy: The webpage highlights the film’s commitment to historical accuracy, which is crucial for portraying Vivekananda’s life and impact with integrity.

“1893: The Year of the Yogi” not only aims to narrate the historical significance of yoga’s arrival in the West but also seeks to highlight the ongoing influence of Eastern spirituality on various aspects of Western culture, from popular entertainment to personal wellness practices.

This exceptional documentary movie focusing on Swami Vivekanand’s journey to the US is anticipated to be released in 2024, and its call for community support underlines its collaborative and timely nature. It seems to be more than just a film; it’s an invitation to participate in a cultural and spiritual dialogue, one that Oscoff envisions continuing through future projects rooted in Indian Dharma.

Overall, “1893: The Year of the Yogi” appears to be a promising and enlightening cinematic journey, offering insights into the cross-cultural exchange that has shaped modern spiritual perspectives.

Swami Vivekananda’s Historic Speech at World Parliament of Religions in Chicago 11th September 1893

Sisters and Brothers of America It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration.I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to the Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny.I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: Whosoever comes to Me,through whatsoever form, I reach him, all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me, Sectarianism, bigotry, and it’s horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth.They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

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This comprehensive new presentation of the religion of the Rigveda is the result of a thorough-going endeavour to extrapolate historical circumstances from that literary text and present them chiefly from the perspective of the adherents to this religion. For them society, social life, and religion were inextricably bound. This helps to explain the meanings of rights and rituals. Which rituals are to be performed at what times is influenced by the way of life of these Vedic tribes which alternates between peaceful settling and predatory raids. The ‘priests’ who carry out the rituals embody the gods of the Rigvedic pantheon.

In telling the story of these rituals, Thomas Oberlies highlights particular connections — such as the association of the war god Indra with the priest who recites the hymns which invite the gods — that help us solve many of the riddles which the text of the Rigveda still poses to this day. The Religion of the Rigveda includes a wealth of quotations from primary sources which form the basis of this approach to a religion that would later become Hinduism. A comprehensive index of subjects makes the book eminently accessible for use in further studies.

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Divine Chants for Young Minds – A Playful Introduction to Hindu Chants is the perfect enchanting book that invites young readers to learn and discover the power of sacred Hindu chants.

Through colorful illustrations and powerful Hindu chants, children will go on a joyful journey to explore the rich traditions of chanting, This book is a great blend of learning and fun, giving a deep sense of spirituality and cultural understanding in young minds.

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In 1897, an Indian yogi named Bava Lachman Dass exhibited himself at the Westminster Aquarium in London, demonstrating forty-eight yoga positions to a bemused audience. Four years earlier, Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda had spoken at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where theosophist Annie Besant rhapsodized about ‘his inborn sense of worth’ and the ‘exquisite beauty’ of his spiritual message.

The Victorians had conflicted views on the religious beliefs and practices of the Indian subcontinent, blending fascination and suspicion. But within two generations, legions of young Westerners would be following the ‘hippie trail’ to India, and the Beatles would be meditating at the feet of the guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Journalist Mick Brown’s vivid account charts the eccentric history of the West’s evolving love affair with Indian religion through a curious cast of scholars, seekers, charlatans and saints.

From Edwin Arnold, whose epic poem about the life of the Buddha became a best-seller in Victorian Britain, to the occultist and magician Aleister Crowley; and from spiritual teachers Jiddu Krishnamurti, Meher Baba and Ramana Maharshi to the controversial guru Rajneesh, The Nirvana Express is an exhilarating, sometimes troubling journey through the West’s search for enlightenment.

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‘He that is here in the human person, and He that is there in the sun, are one.’
—Taittiriya Upanishad. II.viii.5
Quantum physics thus reveals a basic oneness of the universe. Multiplicity is only apparent, in truth, there is only one mind…’
—Erwin Schrödinger
Can you spin a coin in the clockwise and anti-clockwise direction at the same time? Can you imagine yourself being in many places at the same moment? Bizarre? Yet, such strange phenomena are happening around us all the time. What if you were told that the past, present and future coexist? Can you imagine that everything, even time, will end, and yet nothing will ever really die?
The vibrant contemporary developments in quantum science have unravelled many such strange phenomena, shaking the very foundations of conventional understanding. What is little known is that these incredible concepts find amazingly resonant parallels in Vedantic philosophy.
Vediquant brings forth a life-altering narrative that does away with the boundaries between Vedantaand quantum science, with the understanding that their similarities point to the same truth. The two are seen as co-travellers on a journey to solve the ultimate mysteries of existence. This unique and in-depth exposition of the previously unexplored provides a glimpse of the profound knowledge that can empower an individual like nothing else can.

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Veda Made Simple is an important book. In a strikingly clear, lucid and straightforward manner, the author reveals the rich and complex philosophy and symbolism of the Veda for anyone who is open in mind and heart to receive the wisdom of humanity’s oldest spiritual scripture. That the author does this in the light of Sri Aurobindo—inarguably among the very few who realised and lived the deepest and highest Vedic truths in their beings—makes it even more significant. This book comes at the right time too, as Indians globally begin to reawaken to their timeless Vedic and Sanatan heritage.

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Embark on an enlightening expedition into the mystical world of the Upanishads, where the boundaries of time and consciousness blur. In The Upanishads, ancient wisdom cascades through millennia, whispering truths that transcend the limitations of human understanding.

This book is an odyssey into the depths of spiritual philosophy, where seekers explore the nature of reality, the self and the cosmos. Immerse yourself in the meditative verses that contemplate the essence of existence, the intricacies of karma and the paths to liberation.

These sacred texts invite you to witness dialogues between revered sages and their disciples, unveiling profound insights into the nature of reality. From the cosmic dance of creation to the pursuit of self-realization, each Upanishad unfurls a unique facet of the universal truth.

The Upanishads is an invitation to traverse the bridges between ancient mysticism and contemporary introspection. Let the poetic verses resonate with your soul, as you embark on a transformative journey guided by the luminous wisdom of the ages. Illuminate your path, unravel the enigma of existence and awaken to the infinite potential that resides within.

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• Dive into the profound teachings of Hindu philosopher Sri Sankaracharya.
• Compilation of key texts in Advaita Vedanta, the non-dualistic school of thought.
• Skillfully selected and presented for accessible exploration of Sankaracharya’s wisdom.
• Gain valuable insights into the nature of reality and spiritual liberation.
• A timeless collection offering deep philosophical contemplation and spiritual growth.

The post Select Works of Sri Sankaracharya by S. Venkataramanan first appeared on Global Indian News Network.