Science Universe Expansion in India.
Book Reviews
2016, artpaper, Rs.20.
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , M Y L A P O R E , C H E N N A I
Both published by Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, Dakshineswar, Kolkata - 700 076. Booklets, published on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Swami Vivekananda.
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hese are two aesthetically illustrated books, the first being an exposition of Swami Vivekananda and the second a book on Swamiji’s interest in science and technology as the means to take India forward. Facets of Vivekananda has snippets showing Swamiji as a nation-builder through reform in all aspects of Indian society – religious belief, scientific temper, cultivation of the spirit of enquiry, attitudes towards women, and education – all of which combined to make him an icon of the youth of every generation. For example, he was unequivocal in his message that serving one’s fellow human beings, and not mere temple visiting, is true religious faith. Then again, he recommended autonomy for women, an unheardof concept in his times and not so widespread even today. The second of the two books, Science Universe Expansion in India, traces Swamiji’s momentous meeting with Jamsetji Tata and their conversation which led to Mr. Tata’s investment in iron and steel and from there branching out into diverse fields which covered every aspect of India’s scientific future and established India as a fully self-sufficient nuclear power, using it in fields as varied as medicine and exploring Mars. Both the books are bilingual in English and Bengali and the narration is short, crisp, and very readable. The production deserves special commendation. Printed on glossy art paper with apt illustrations, the books are a feast for the
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eyes, apart from being very good introductions to Swamiji’s amazing versatility. ____________________________PREMA RAGHUNATH, CHENNAI
Siva I am Siva I am Published by Adi Shankara Vedanta Pratishtanam, Plot No.1505, Mahatab Road, Bhubaneswar, Orissa - 751 002. Email: adishankaravedantapratisthanam@gmail. com 2014, paperback, pp.133. Rs150.
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he tone of this Shankara Jayanthi Volume 2014 book is set by the pithy title Siva I am Siva I am. The Editorial titled ‘I (Aham) (A Vedantic Analysis)’ discusses the problem of the ubiquitous eclipse of the Self by the Ego and offers solutions. There are in all 11 articles dealing with topics like Adi Sankara’s teachings, Prana Tattva in the Upanishads, Gaudapada and his Karika, significance of ‘Visvam’ as the first name in Vishnu Sahasranama, the universality of Dharma, and the essence of Sakta Siddhanta. Two texts Nirvanasatkam and Atmaanatma Viveka are interpreted in two articles. The latter text covers nearly half the book and presents two commentaries in Sanskrit. The contents of all the articles are interconnected, as spokes to the nave, to the central theme of Advaita. The book can be called a bouquet of Advaitic blossoms. The heady
November 2019
2015, artpaper, Rs.20
41 The Vedanta Kesari
Facets of Vivekananda
