My Hindu Faith And Periscope

Every author believes that his or her book is meant for everyone. In this respect, however, I am the biggest beneficiary. In the process of writing these reflections for over ten years, and lately compiling and editing them, I have finally understood my faith deeply. Consequently, confidence that I lacked about Hinduism during my adult years has been replaced with pride in graying years! At times, it has taken me to such a height that in a few reflections, I have propounded a thesis that India will be a true secular country only when it will be constitutionally a Hindu state. The practice of secularism in India since 1947 has been reduced to anti-Hinduism and Hindu bashing—paradoxically more so by Hindus than by non-Hindus. It is making India porous for attacks by the terrorists, who are both homegrown and foreign-based. History is repeating itself! The Hindus remain totally divided in half a dozen political parties. A sterling lesson of India's history is that traders, preachers, and persecuted humanity of every foreign faith were permitted, sheltered, and welcomed by the Hindu kings whose kingdoms stretched from the coasts of Malabar in Kerala to Kuchh in Gujarat to Karachi in Sindh—starting more than one thousand years ago. Doesn't it make pristine Hinduism akin to humanism? What an incredible journey of this realization to dawn after nearly six decades!

A simple introduction to some of the beliefs, ways of worship, traditions and festivals of the Hindu religion.

What is new in the book? Apart from its format, in brief, it has thought-provoking angles of observation and deductive conclusions on many topics, which may look ordinary or rare. Who will benefit from the book? Any lay person with an historical bent of mind on mathematical topics stands to gain from it. Both undergraduate and graduate students in history of mathematics courses would enjoy it. All reflections are independent—they are excellent bedtime reading too.

Your comparison of catching new ideas with fish is fascinating. Subhash Sood, MD (# 6) Thanks, Satish...illuminating, as always... Len Jessup, UNLV President (# 37) I’m amazed at your candid write-up….. Shankar Venkatgiri, Professor IIM Bangalore (# 51) You are blessed with good friends, who are very protective of you! Rahul Bhatnagar, MD (# 53) Enjoyed so much about this true story!! Many thanks. Yu Xu, UNLV Nursing Professor (# 60) An excellent tribute to an unsung hero of life. Birth & Death are the inevitable stages of life. Thank you Dr. Bhatnagar for sharing your thoughtful writings. Gouranga Saha, Physics Professor (# 68) Incredible Manocha! Interesting piece. Raju Abraham, Professor of English (# 72)

What is new in the book? Apart from its format, in brief, it has thought-provoking angles of observation and deductive conclusions on many topics, which may look ordinary or rare. Who will benefit from the book? Any lay person with an historical bent of mind on mathematical topics stands to gain from it. Both undergraduate and graduate students in history of mathematics courses would enjoy it. All reflections are independentthey are excellent bedtime reading too.

The title of a book is like the name of a person, which amongst the Hindus, in particular, is very significant. It is generally given in a naam sanskar (naming ceremony). A family astrologer or temple priest describes the characteristics of a newly born baby based upon the Zodiac signs or horoscope duly prepared. A propitious time and name are chosen accordingly. For me, this process is no less important even when it comes to choosing a title of my book or a Reflection. After having given titles to over a thousand Reflections and eight books, it still takes considerable amount of time and thought for the naming of a new one. The process involves frequent tinkering with both syntax and semantics.

History is universally understood as a story of the past. In both the volumes, history is told in stories only. There are no boring dates, as that is one singular reason for which people hate history in schools and colleges. There are no generic descriptions of the reigns of kings and queens, as no one likes monarchies any more. Each volume contains 70-80 articles, essays, but the author calls them reflections, absolutely independent of each other. They are dated; each one of them has an immediate reason to be written for. They are spun around in order to make connections with 2-3 nodes of life-most importantly making a connection with the present. If an event in the past doesn’t make a connection with the present, then it is not worth digging it out. History is not a recipe book that one would refer to for finding a solution to a present problem. At the same time, those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it. Author’s roots being deep both in India and the US, the scenarios are drawn accordingly. One of the objectives is to rekindle interest in history in general. Ironically, the US public has been losing interest in history-both contemporary and gone by eras. Whereas, Indian, especially the Hindus, are light years away from history in any shape or form. Both volumes have the same format. Taking into consideration the taste of the readers, reflections are divided into four sections.

Amazing experience. You are adventurous. Keep up your thoughts and observations. Your second-hand experiences are edifying. Robert W Moore, Emeritus UNLV Professor of Management (# 13) Your reflections always awe me. Thank you. Rohani, PhD, Professor in Malaysia (# 20) Satish, you have a special relationship with your students, which is heartening to see! All the best. George Varughese, Emeritus professor, UK and the Author of Crest of the Peacock (# 35) Thanks for sending your good valuable notes from time to time. My colleagues and I all relish the humor of your mathematics. Man Mohan Sharma, Ramjas College, Delhi University (#36) Thanks Satish beautifully written no one could have said it better. Allan Ackerman, Professor of Computer Science, College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas (#51) There is no doubt your own life (intellectually and otherwise) has been enriched by your dedication to writing. .Also, I believe when any of us enjoy something so much as you enjoy writing, we can live longer and healthier lives. Amritjit Singh, Langston Hughes Professor of English, Ohio University, Athens (# 70)