Hinduism is the ocean that serves everyone who comes with a thirst – for knowledge, intellect, motivation or even cynicism (but it depends upon the interpretation of the seeker). There are millions of pages filled with the profound waves of mysticism, wisdom, devotion and mystery. However, recent Hinduism literature, with some bitter realities buzzing around, has more or less turned into a wake-up call or siren reinforcing the values and the ancient wisdom that are casually being insulted or subjected to forceful controversies by people who are motivated (by many things). Kumar Dipanshu has published his book recently that is entitled Next 5000 Years: Memoirs of a Hindu without a Tag. And this one, let me tell you, goes many steps ahead and tries to congratulate the reader who might be reading this book in any form in the future just for being a Hindu… you can understand the urgency and also the theme of the book.
Though the cover fails to connote too much clarity, a person can easily guess that the book might discuss something about the future of this world and this book does the same… with certain things in the present. The author shows his concerns as an NRI and also a Hindu and he largely wants lively participation for the NRIs who might have to share something for the cause of Hinduism. Also, the book tries to discuss the problems that modern methods of the modern people concerned for Hinduism have to face when they try to counter a false narrative or to give it back to certain propaganda.
Kumar Dipanshu has written in simple language and the book offers clarity of thoughts. Though the book is about Hinduism, it is written with a different purpose and in a different tone. The author has been subjective all the while and he tries to offer his analysis of the things he observes through various means – online and offline. There are many things that the readers who use social media platforms might easily recall. The concerns of the author will certainly find a rebound in the minds of those who are alienated towards the partiality and biased injustice against the people who are following a faith called Hinduism. Though there are many books that talk about Hinduism in general, this is one of those rare ones that talk about problems associated with the process that modern leaders and flag bearers of cultural re-awakening are following.
Though Dipanshu’s attempt is appreciable, his content does limit itself to certain topics and his personal opinions. It could have been better to have references in a book of such nature and seriousness. As a reader, all the books I have read on this subject, I found references in most of them. I missed it here. Moreover, with a few limitations, the book will be a good addition to the ongoing collection of books on contemporary civilisational issues and a much-debated requirement for cultural awakening. The book has some interesting features and chapters that will enrich the literature on this subject.
By Gaurav for Active Readers
