Experience Indianness (Anand Sawant Mulloo)

This is a challenging book which focuses on the spirit of Indianness long buried under a load of misconceptions. With the emergence of new India and of the Indian diaspora, Indianness has come to stay as a civilizing force to reckon with, making for peace, progress and sanity in a world, marked by global warming, violence and terrorism. A medley of autobiography, of travels and spirituality, with some insights thrown into the Indian scene, this book reveals the different facets of a changing world held in check by the clash of civilizations.

Written as a narrative which lends the book certain clarity and unity of purpose Experience Indianness takes the reader into a better under of purpose, Experience Indianness takes the reader into a better understanding of the deeper secrets of India and unravels some of the mysteries of human life. More than physical journey, this book reveals the hunger of the soul to discover the inner reality of an overseas Indian through a journey of self-discovery. The shadow of an enquiring, reflective mind falls all along the way, urging the author to look backward and forward and raise awareness of certain vital issues concerning our future. Frank, outspoken, this book is in itself a fascinating experience in more ways than one.

Born in 1936, Beau Bassin, Mauritius, former Head of History department, John Kennedy College, lecturer and researcher, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, author of numerous books, namely, "Watch Them Go Down", novel, 1967, translated into Russian, Hindi and Marathi, "Dust of Time", poems, 1970, "Our Struggle", 1980, N.D, 2005, 2007, "Hinduism Unveiled", 20017, Anand Sawant Mulloo has occupied various leading positions in educational and media administration, both public and private.

In this book, I want to throw the pieces of the jig saw puzzle together and draw a picture of a life that spans across some exciting events in the twentieth century. I also want to underscore some of the broad themes that help to answer the queries about:- the past greatness of India, the reasons for its decline, what should be done to restore that greatness and what it is to experience Indianness. It sets out to clear up a number of misconceptions and distortions and establish the truth about India and Hinduism.

Obviously, this is not just a physical journey across India. It's much more than that. It's the hunger of the soul to discover the inner reality of an overseas Indian through a journey of self-discovery. It takes me right into the heart of India, driven forward by the urge to get to know myself and the driver values which brought me back to myself.

Besides, for quite some time, I have been longing to tell this little story of my spiritual experience, the narration of which may help to assuage the thirst of a burning heart and unravel some of the mysteries of human life.

As far as possible, I'll be frank and open with you because I see no point in denying the facts of life. These happened and they keep haunting one's imagination, dreams and nightmares. Otherwise you blurt out some wisps of your hidden past in your sleep. Such is the power of the subconscious.

Just as the shadow follows the substance, the shadow of an enquiring, reflective mind falls all along the way urging the author to look forward, backward and raise awareness of certain vital issues concerning our future. The result is set out below for your scrutiny. If this book incites you to probe a little into your own consciousness-and uncover your Indianness- then it has served its purpose.

In writing this book, the author would like to express his gratitude to some of the people who have helped in making it possible. I would like to thank Hon. Mr Prithiviraj Chavan, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office and Mrs Sheela Chavan, Mr M.P. Lele, Mr Chandrakant Salunke, Mr Parmesh Pallanee and my son, Sanjiv. I want to thank The Voice of India for its bold new interpretations of Hinduism. Finally, I would like to thank Mr Ramkissoon Jeetah, USA, for mailing me a spate of fresh information that you may find stimulating: (rjeetah@yahoo.com)

**Contents and Sample Pages**