Hindu: Joy of Life is an attempt to simplify the tenets of an age old religion and to demystify it for the reader of today. Utpal K Banerjee delves into the past to bring understanding to the present. This book is a quest to discover the enduring vitality that exists in the Hindu way of life. It celebrates a great tradition; it salutes its past and looks forward to the spread of Hinduism across the oceans. Beginning with the Vedic deities the sun, moon, fire and storm, Banerjee weaves his narration through a time when the universe was devoid of a beginning and when noble thoughts were born. The tale moves on to great Indian philosophies and literature, to the visual and performing arts. This book is a complete guide to the Hindu way of life. Everywhere it is the Hindu culture and customs that are applauded. Religion and ritual come together to bring the concepts of Hinduism to the fore. In the words of the author: Hinduism is a religious and cultural tradition, where the enormous variety of belief and practice can ultimately be interpreted as a common view of the world. The mystery and the mystique of this religion make it special, bringing joy to its believers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utpal K Banerjee
Dr. Utpal K. Banerjee's career is both varied and prolific. He has been an adviser on management and information technology for over thirty years and has an abiding interest in Indian art and culture. In 1998, he was sent by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to lecture on art and culture in South America. Earlier lectures included those given in Canada and the USA in 1990 and 1995 when he was invited by ICCR and Kalabharati Foundation of Canada. His comprehensive book, Indian Performing Arts, has gone into several editions and another, Begali Theatre: 200 Years, has been published by the Publications Division, Government of India. His most recent works include Indian Performing Arts: A Mosaic and Indian Puppets. Dr. Banerjee's formal introduction to the visual and performing arts of the world came through several courses that he attended at the Extra-Mural department, University of Manchester, UK in 1969-72. He was National Project Director for the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) for a UNDP project on 'Multimedia Database for Art and Culture Documentation and Computerisation'. His articles appear regularly in India Perspective, Indian Horizons and The Pioneer. He has contributed to countless cultural programmes on the BBC, All Indian Radio and Doordarshan.
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