Why I Am a Hindu

By: Shashi Tharoor

Narrated by: Andrew Hoffland

Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

In Why I Am a Hindu, one of India’s finest public intellectuals gives us a profound book about one of the world’s oldest and greatest religions. Starting with a close examination of his own belief in Hinduism, he ranges far and wide in his study of the faith. He talks about the Great Souls of Hinduism, Adi Shankara, Patanjali, Ramanuja, Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and many others who made major contributions to the essence of Hinduism. He delves deep into Hinduism’s most important schools of thought (such as the Advaita Vedanta). He explains, in easily accessible language, important aspects and concepts of Hindu philosophy like the Purusharthas and Bhakti, masterfully summarizes the lessons of the Gita and Vivekananda’s ecumenism and explores with sympathy the ‘Hinduism of habit’ practised by ordinary believers. He looks at the myriad manifestations of political Hinduism in the modern era, including violence committed in the name of the faith by right-wing organizations and their adherents. He analyses Hindutva, explains its rise and dwells at length on the philosophy of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, its most significant ideologue. He is unsparing in his criticism of extremist ‘bhakts’ and unequivocal in his belief that everything that makes India a great and distinctive culture and country will be imperilled if religious ‘fundamentalists’ are allowed to take the upper hand. However, he also makes the point that it is precisely because Hindus form the majority that India has survived as a plural, secular democracy.

©2022 Shashi Tharoor (P)2022 Audible, Inc.

The Basis of Hinduism

The author describes the various origins of Hinduism and provides a comprehensive presentation of the sacred writings of Hinduism. That in itself is interesting. However, the discussion continues with the growth and influence of the RSS and the BJP. This, of course leads to Prime Minister Modi and the spread of Hindutva. If you want to understand how India became what it now is, this book will provide a clear, cogent and rational explanation.

Ghastly narration

I do not know what Andrew Hoffland was chosen as the narrator. He can pronounce neither Indian nor English words. He made listening utterly painful.
The book was repetitive.