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by: Dr.A.J Kuzhikkannamthadathil
Publisher: DMF Publications, 2001
Reviewed by: Al Gentile; Dr.Martinelli; Conroy Reviewer: Al Gentile San Ramon Valley Times Sunday, February 3, 2002 ´Rainbow of Hope´ illuminates way to India´s future. IN A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN paragraph, A.J. Kuzhikkannamthadathil writes of India: " ... It is a beautiful land of the Taj Mahal, the Mighty Empire and the Golden Temple. It is home to snow capped mountains, and flora and fauna and fruit of every type. This enchanted land of spice, gold and beautiful women was the dream destination of traders of all times ... " In sharp contrast and in the same paragraph, Kuzhikkannamthadathil writes: " ... It is a land of poverty, vast malnutrition, illiteracy, superstition and the caste system. There is child labor and every type of misery throughout the land ... " This is what I thought I would find in India when I was there during World War II. What I also found, in the streets of Calcutta and Bombay, was a sense of pride. And this is remarkable because the land I saw was not only one of plenty and wealth, but of poverty as well. The author of "Rainbow Of Hope," Augustine Kuzhikkannamthadathil, is better known as Father Augustine at St. Isidore´s Church in Danville, where he is a priest. "Rainbow of Hope," his book published last year by Falcon Books in San Ramon, is a treasure of information on the new road that Indians must travel to rid themselves of the powerlessness imposed by the British Empire. What Rev. Augustine has written on India in the foregoing lines is simple and clear. Civilization, especially American civilization, owes much to English colonialism. But the colonies were never more than simply "another imperial jewel." The task of ridding itself of the British Raj is a difficult one for India, but India will never be free until it does. And that is not an easy task because one cannot escape the Englishness there, from riding the trains to boarding streetcars. You can reach Al Gentile c/o San Ramon Valley Times, P.O. Box 68, Danville, CA 94526 or send a fax to 925-837-4334. His column runs every Sunday. -------- Reviewer: Dr. Phylis C. Martinelli, Ph.D This book offers a timely insight into the strengths and problems of modern India, a great and ancient society on the brink of social change and possibly devastating warfare. The reader is drawn into a deeper understanding of how a colonial mentality, imposed by the British, and the remnants of the traditional caste system have worked against this nation´s wholesale movement into the ranks of modern super powers. Clearly written, with a useful index and discussion chapters at the end of each chapter for those interested in reading this as a group or for classroom use, the book is also very current and well researched. As sociologist, I appreciated the attention to all aspects of the social system, including the educational, political, economic, religious, and family institutions. Critical social problems such as AIDs, drug abuse, terrorism, and persecution of minorities are addressed as well. Especially fascinating is how the author links classic Indian concepts to social change. For example, the notion of a new nishkamakarma, the term refers to selfless service, can be transformed into “…make more fruits of every good and useful action so that there is plenty to share with everyone else, especially the less fortunate.” ( p. 21.) This is especially useful because he uses these terms to illustrate how traditional culture can be incorporated into bringing about a better society. Central to this book is the notion of not just criticism but positive suggestions for how to improve things. For example, in the chapter on empowering women Dr. Kuzhikkannamthadathil illustrates that while the culture idealizes women in the abstract and there are women such as Indira Ghandi who have achieved great things, the reality for most is far different. Since women are not empowered in reality many women are victims of abuse, with baby girls seen as very undesirable. He suggests that the nation follow the example of the areas where women do have greater prestige and access to an equal education, such as West Bengal. Particular disturbing in this book in light of current events is his prediction of a negative route India seems poised on. New religious fundamentalism has created an atmosphere of religious prejudice and persecution toward non-Hindus that he likens to that of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Those calling for hinduvata, or a Hindu dominated India, are encouraging a twisted religious unity singularly inappropriate in a nation that is very diverse linguistically, ethnically and religiously. Finally, one can use the ideas in the book to see the problems of their own nation because as he notes India’s challenges are a microcosm of the potential and problems of other societies, so all can learn from this nation. Dr. Phylis C. Martinelli, Ph.D Professor, Sociology St. Mary’s College, Moraga, California. ---- Reviewer: William J Conroy, CPA from California Dr K is sensitive to the fundamental issues in India today and factors them into his recommendations for steps available to India´s present (but more importantly, its future) leaders. He appeals to people of initiative and good will. DR K evidently is a careful observer of the social and economic fabric of his native land. This is not a book of statistics. It is a book of common sense and encouragement. I travel, read history and current events. Interesting book.
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