SANGHI WHO NEVER WENT TO A SHAKHA

For those who are active on social media, especially Twitter, Rahul Roushan is not an unknown name. His tweets come across as witty oozing with satire and sarcasm, with pithy observations on the happenings in our world, especially in the political world. So I had to get my hands on the first book written by him.Rahul has not written anything new in his book. And yet, it is a very important book; one that needs to be read by as many people as possible, in India and around the world – especially by people like me – urban, educated, middle-class/upper middle-class, to know what has seemingly changed in India over the last 7 years; why do we see the masses getting so vocal about their beliefs and opinions, and the how and why of the rise of Modi.Like Rahul, I too was not ‘involved’ in politics until 2013. Though I was aware of the political leaders and the various parties, I did not follow them religiously (if I may use that word!); I was not clued into their every action and I was definitely not vocal about my political, and religious, choices.In a way, Modi changed that. This book seeks to explain it, amongst several other things.It also seeks to talk about the change in society, and politics, from Independence – the Nehruvian era, the rise, and assassination of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi’s unprecedented parliamentary majority and the birth of the Mandal & Mandir politics, the rise of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav, political instability at the Centre and the economic liberalization during the 1990s, the 2002 anti-Godhra riots in Gujarat, the various terrorist blasts all across India almost every other year, including the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the gang rape in Delhi in 2012, the rise of the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, AAP forming the Govt. in Delhi, the rise of Modi to the Centre, etc.The book also captures the double standards of the Left, the secular parties, the intellectuals, most of the mainstream media (MSM) and the online news portals [Rahul was/is a part of both] through various real-life examples and incidents. As I was not active into politics earlier, most of these were new, and shocking, to me. Now I am better able to relate to it, seeing it almost every day on MSM/SM. Rahul highlights how these people actually indulge in pretentious intellectual snobbery, with a condescending and patronizing attitude. Smokescreens of bigotry, jingoism and communalism are created, followed by muddling of facts, denials, shifting of goalposts and an orchestrated propaganda.The book also talks about how social media has truly democratized the discourse in India [something I am truly grateful for – people have fallen off their pedestals and how!] – where people decide the tone and contours of a debate, without the direct involvement or censorship by the MSM. This has given rise to a whole generation of people who are now actively involved in politics [compared to people like me] and who are vocal about their choices & the reasons for the same.Last, but definitely not the least, the book talks about Rahul’s journey from being offended at being called a Sanghi to actually getting comfortable with, and being proud of, being called one.It spends a fair bit of space to discuss in detail about Modi – how he was relentlessly projected as a ‘controversial’ leader who won the 2002 elections riding on the wave of ‘hate’ (the narrative still seems familiar, right?), how he won three state elections with an absolute majority, how Modi started projecting himself as pro-development, how he understood how social media worked, etc. It also gives Modi a fair bit of credit in making people warm up to Hindutva/Hindu nationalism. Modi had started to impress many, especially the urban online-savvy educated class, many of whom had no special ideological affinity for the RSS or Hindutva.I was able to identify with, and nod my head at, some of the incidents and examples in the book – the prejudices and biases against anything and everything connected to the word ‘Hindu’, the ‘liberal’ habit of linking every vice in the Indian society to some aspect of the Hindu culture and religion, the whitewashing of the atrocities committed by Muslim invaders, the deeply narrow definitions assigned to words like secularism, anti-Brahmin rhetoric, etc.Rahul’s writing style is easy-to-read and the book is pretty much a page-turner in that sense. His satire and sarcasm comes across very well in the book. Also, he does not mince words while narrating or describing certain incidents. Though the book is a kind of an autobiography, I am sure many people will identify with some or the other incidents in it. The only thing I disagree with Rahul is his paranoia about the survival of Hindus. Hindus have, and will survive, forever. In fact, most Hindus, including me, have now started becoming very vocal about a lot of things.Some of the sentences that stuck with me:1. At the core of it, the secular state of India discriminates against Hindus by assuming that they can never be disadvantaged.2. Every political party is not the same when it comes to the environment they end up creating by the mere virtue of being in power. They trigger some changes directly, and some indirectly, some as a driving force, some as a catalyst, some intended, some unintended.3. You don’t need to publicize a treatise against Brahminism to push a person into cutting his janeu; you just need a good personal story. That is the power of storytelling.4. When the ideological debates would start getting heated, it would invariably be the pro-Modi guy who had to step back and assuage the feelings of his liberal friend, who just couldn’t stop ranting about how fascism must be stopped.5. The establishment is an entrenched bunch of people and institutions that systematically control the thoughts and beliefs of the masses. It is often achieved via control on the media and academics. Political power is transient, but the power that a real establishment enjoys is potent and lasting. [This one is my favourite!]I would heartily recommend this book to anyone wanting to know what has changed in India, especially why do Hindus suddenly seem so vocal about their identity. I would also recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a sense of the history of India – how certain unconnected things are actually connected, which is not apparent to the common man. The book is a great read and I will definitely be rereading it often.

Must Read if you think you identify yourself as "Neutral" or "logical" in all kinds. Bold enough of the auther to shed lights into the constant attacks on Hinduism by army of leftist. This book is a story about almost every indian who was once raised by the SocioPolitical Norms in the name of secularism. It's crazy how auther didn't even do enough to make a pointt, just used far-left's own logic in an opposite pole. I had started reading various dharmic books such as Vedas, Mahabharat, Ramayan Etc. And long History of Bharat. have reading major freedom fighters and BJP Politicians Biographies, All I needed was the book that represents congressi Raj but in very unbiased form. And this book arrived now my closet is filled with wholesome topics on Bharat. After arriving I immidiely started reading and within first few pages and just felt like My Indian soul was having thoughts like these in mind all the time and now in words. I remember once when I cried while debating my pro-bjp cousin because I couldn't win arguement with my stand on congress. Later I realised how dumb I was. Just like the author now I'm not ashamed of being labelled as sanghi, infact feel proud with it. Reading this book is like I'm decoding my logic on politicsIn real time. This book represents the exact people like these who felt dumb and wondering why did they not catch the lies before even tho It was right in the eyes. Noone dares to talk about flaws in Constitiution and has been taught that we have to respect it anyhow. Much needed awareness about the topics described in the book. Although I have just been in the middle of reading this book, but never did I read anything with such a deep interest. Apart from just Exposing lies, This is a good reference to learn true meaning of various political terms such as liberal, right wing, secularism, etc. And tells how even these words meaning has became so currupt in India thanks to the congress. Apaet from this book, The cancer of social engineering is everywhere. India isn't just victim of it with Hindu Muslims, but everywhere. Suppose propagandas globally in the name of white vs black, Feminism, Gay rights, if you don't believe me, try tweeting something logical on it without getting banned. Leftist are a global pandemic and exploits human rights with lies served in the name of equality. And victims are the normal lives who just wants to grow. Worth reading this book. Best ever

1. The book is essentially 40 years journey of a middle class Bihari boy with moderate aspirations, like becoming a journalist.2. It is NOT a biography as Author reminds us frequently. It is at times very specifically detailed and at times very general observations of Indian political scene from ground perspective.3. Clever - (and Eye opening, for those who don't follow Indian media closely) - insights from work within media houses laced with his own experiences.4. It is NOT, while I expected it to be, a justification for being Sanghi. Neither is this Propganda manual of Bhakts. The author is quite honest and frank about his own perspective. Which has evolved with time.6. This makes the books very relatable to people born in 90s. And this is quintessentially the story of every Indian who right now supports pro BJP narrative. Someone like me, from MH, and different socioeconomic background can relate to this story, that means the massage is very solid at it's CORE.6. Writing style is very lucid. Simple Indian English, Story type narration. Sometimes convolutions around same idea but very easy read.Would recommend 10/10.

Please find time to read this. You will Realtek to much of the mentioned experiences. Great and fun read. Really gets one thinking about the society

A great read, a great effort by the author to make its readers to understand the difference between so called liberal, pseudo secularism and real people who termed as Sanghi just because they are exposing those liberals by reverting back to their lies by facts. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟to Rahul Roushan.

I follow Rahul Roushan on Twitter. He is someone who has made me learn how to make a strong argument when debating with pseudo liberals. Sometimes when he tweets it is like "Yes, this is what I wanted to say!!". So when I heard that he is going to come up with a book I was all waiting for it. Now I am done reading this book, I will say that it was very pleasant and informative reading. The language was elegant and he explained complex subjects in a very lucid manner. While reading, I can visualize my childhood when Khalistani and Kashmiri Islamist terrorism was at its peak, when Ram Janmbhoomi movement made me aware of my Hinduness, when Mandal commission implementation almost burnt the country and when numerous riots across India was very common. I strongly believe in Hindutva but growing up I never brought this subject up. I thought people might get offended or maybe think that I am backward in my outlook. But now, since 2014, things have changed for good. There will be lot many Hindus compared to 80s and 90s who will proudly say, "Garv se kaho hum Hindu hain". I hope this proud feeling of being Hindu keeps on spreading.

Rahul's book narrates the journey of an Indian brought up in secular upbringing inching towards asserting his Indian/Hindu identity almost on a day-to-day basis.Includes events, the circumstances and the eco-system that shape this journey. This could be journey of any Indian who cannot remain ignorant of the the system and vested interests that want to crush not only his/her identity but the mere existence itself.

I loved this book, it resonates with my own experience growing up in 80s 90s and going through this change. Anyone wants to understand real reasons behind tectonic shift in Indian political landscape, highly recommended 👌

This book gives a great insight into the Narendra Modi phenomena that took everyone by surprise, even by to his own supporters. This book gives a glimpse on how it was fought in the digital space through a story of a normal person who slowly went to the other side of the political divide. Its a story of Rahul and his family, but it probably true for millions of people who shifted their voting preference after generations of voting for party whom they felt represented the values of Mahatma Gandhi.This book must be read by Modi critics and international audience to understand that Modi's success is not a fraud on the people of India. They can learn a lot from this book and will be able to make their criticism more relevant , on the right issues and that resonates. Otherwise they are just helping and proving Modi right in the eyes of his voter.A must read for everyone!