English book “Why Are We This Way: A Guide to Hindu Shastras” by author and researcher Ami Ganatra launched

Pune, 22nd June 2026: India’s civilizational worldview is liberal, tolerant, and founded on knowledge and wisdom, said former IAS officer and founder of Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, Avinash Dharmadhikari. He was speaking at the launch of the English book “Why Are We This Way: A Guide to Hindu Shastras” authored by renowned writer and researcher Ami Ganatra. The book release ceremony was jointly organized by Nation First and Chanakya Mandal Pariwar at Vitthalrao Tupe Auditorium in Hadapsar. Distinguished guests present on the occasion including Sunil Bhosale, founder of Nation First, Pankaj Saxena, founder of Bodh founder and renowned author, Major Vandana Sharma, Dr. Sudhir Kalkar, Dr. Vasudev Aital and Kedarnath Chakradev. During the event, Raghunath Tupe was felicitated for his significant contribution to the development of Hadapsar.

Speaking on the occasion, Dharmadhikari said that Sanatan is synonymous with Indian, and Indian is synonymous with Hindu. He noted that India has emerged from a thousand years of challenges and is progressing on the path of resurgence. The country’s outlook on life, he said, is characterized by liberalism, tolerance, and a foundation in wisdom and knowledge. He further remarked that India’s philosophy is eternal and that Ami Ganatra has presented it in a remarkably simple and accessible manner in her book.

Ami Ganatra stated that it is often claimed that India was created by the British, but such assertions have no factual basis. India’s identity, she said, is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Vedas hold a place of great importance in Hindu culture. As civilization evolved, changes naturally occurred within society as well. She emphasized that rational thinking and discernment have always occupied a central place in Hindu tradition. Hindu scriptures seek to awaken this faculty of discrimination and wisdom.

She explained that when people undertake pilgrimages, understanding the true intent and sentiment behind the journey can make the experience far more meaningful. Similarly, while worshipping rivers, one must also appreciate their sanctity from an environmental perspective. Ganatra also elaborated on the concept of the book, the background of the subject, and the inspiration behind her writing.

Author Pankaj Saxena expressed the view that greater attention must be paid to how people perceive and approach Hindu scriptures. He stressed the need for continuous meditation and contemplation to keep one’s faculty of discernment active and awakened.

Speaking to reporters, Sunil Bhosale, Founder of Nation First, reiterated the organization’s motto, “Sangathit Rahenge, Surakshit Rahenge” (“United We Stand, Secure We Remain”). He said that Nation First has consistently sought to undertake initiatives aimed at Hindu awareness and social upliftment and will continue to do so in the future. A large number of young people attended the event. The program was compeered by Sanyukta Bhosale.