The Quest For Freedom & Dignity: Caste, Conversion & Cultural Revolution [Jan 01, 2001] Vishal Mangalwadi Paperback

An un -put-down-able read !

Vishal Mangalwadi is a phenomenon. Growing up in India and then traveling the world, being ethnically Indian and having studied and experienced the major religions of India and the world, and having tried his hand at social engagement and reform only to be attacked by locals who formed a vigilante defense group to keep the untouchables from trying to climb up out of "their place", Mangalwadi is a new type of "authority" on all things Indian. He doesn't just 'talk', he has tried to affect change and has seen the immense inertia that resists change. Inertia that got Mahatma Ghandi killed by Hindu fundamentalists for his noble efforts to unite India, but that also caused Ghandi to take the side of the Hindu status quo guardians against Dr. Ambedkar and the Harijans/untouchables when it came to voting to allow separate electorates for the "Dalits". Ghandi in effect was the deciding force that kept hundreds of millions of Harijans under the thumb of oppressive Hinduism and casteism - a part of Ghandi's not so noble legacy. No wonder so many Indians leave for North America, Australia, Africa, or Europe to find "life" and "freedom". Its the only way out for many Harijans and low caste Indians: much like it was for socially/religiously/economically stifled and persecuted Europeans who left for the New World in the 1700's and 1800's. Mangalwadi's writing pulls no punches, but is filled with insights and hope for culture shift in India, despite the years of ingrown institutionalized racism, casteism, sexism, and religious cronyism that is INDIA. The short real life anecdotes as well as fictionalized recreations leave one scratching ones head at the overt injustice and ironclad social and spiritual immobility that pervades Indian social life, economic life, and spiritual life from the highest government offices to the temple leadership, and from the village panchayat to the male dominated family social structure. For all the joys of living in India, there is a raw underbelly that sucks the life right out of many millions of India's finest citizens. No wonder the giant still sleeps and has not taken its rightful place at the table of nations! There are many voices in India. Mangalwadi's is one that should for sure be listened to as decisions are made about forging India's future.