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Navigating Hindu identity guided by ‘Desi Dharma aur Dilemma’

Rajesh Sengamedu’s new book, ‘Desi Dharma aur Dilemma’, bridges the chasm between tradition and modernity, offering useful pointers for the global Hindu diaspora.

by Navni Chawla
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Two vertically split sides of a man - left side traditional with a lamp in hand ad temple in background and the right side in a modern city setting with skyscrapers.

Rajesh Sengamedu’s new book, Desi Dharma aur Dilemma: Beyond Movies, Music, Mufti and Masala, is an in-depth exploration of the challenges faced by the global Hindu diaspora. Through 40 short, thought-provoking stories, Sengamedu masterfully brings to life the moral, cultural, and spiritual dilemmas encountered by those trying to maintain their roots while navigating the pressures of modern, Westernized societies.

This book is not just a collection of narratives, it’s a guide to rediscovering identity, a compass pointing toward the heart of Sanatana Dharma. With its conversational storytelling, Desi Dharma aur Dilemma provides relatable and practical insights for those grappling with the internal conflicts of balancing tradition and integration. 

Rajesh Sengamedu explicitly addresses misconceptions and provides clarifications about Sanatana Dharma, reinforcing the themes of his stories by offering direct insights into its core principles and practical relevance in modern life.

A cultural compass for the modern world

At the heart of Desi Dharma aur Dilemma lies a universal question: How do we balance our heritage with the demands of a globalized world? Rajesh offers nuanced perspectives on the struggles of the Hindu diaspora, from losing touch with their native languages and traditions to becoming susceptible to ideologies like wokeism and radical proselytization.

The author’s decision to present these dilemmas through short dialogues between parents and children, friends, and colleagues creates an intimate narrative flow. Each story resonates deeply, making the book an engaging read for young professionals and seasoned seekers alike.

The stories are more than reflections of cultural dissonance—they remind readers of the timeless wisdom embedded in Sanatana Dharma’s principles of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Whether exploring dilemmas like lighting a lamp, navigating interfaith relationships, or understanding moral quandaries such as abortion, Rajesh helps readers decode the essence of Hindu philosophy.

 An Indian at a cultural crossroad caught between modern skyscrapers and traditional Indian temples, symbolizing diaspora dilemmas.

Each of the 40 stories in the book mirrors the challenges of balancing tradition and modernity for the Indian diaspora.

The author’s perspective

Rajesh Sengamedu brings a lifetime of spiritual seeking and experience to this work. A follower of Advaita Vedanta from the Arsha Vidya tradition as propounded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, he has dedicated himself to guiding others through the teachings of Sanatana Dharma. His earlier book, Happiness Beyond Mind, delved into practical techniques for living a fulfilling life.

His inspiration for Desi Dharma aur Dilemma stems from personal experience. Reflecting on his life journey – moving from India to Sweden, the UK, and finally the US – he observes how migration influences identity:

“When people move abroad, they lose touch with the essence of Sanatana Dharma. Music, food, and festivals become superficial markers of culture, but the depth of our philosophy is forgotten.”

Speaking to New India Abroad, he recalled how the dissatisfaction he observed in his peers and their children drove him to write:

“People seemed to know what to do and how to do it, but rarely understood why. History was repeating itself, and the younger generation was growing up without understanding the reasons behind their actions.”

This deeper inquiry into the why forms the foundation of his new book. By providing alternative perspectives on everyday dilemmas, Rajesh hopes to help readers reconnect with their roots and fill the void created by modern life.

A portrayal of the Hindu diaspora balancing Sanatana Dharma and Western culture, with a temple and cityscape symbolizing identity conflict.

Rajesh Sengamedu applies timeless Vedantic philosophy to  modern dilemmas, offering clarity for Indians far from their roots.

Navigating the challenges of Hindu diaspora identity

Rajesh Sengamedu does not shy away from addressing the crisis within the Hindu diaspora. As globalization uproots individuals from their traditional support systems, the diaspora struggles to adapt without losing its essence. He critiques how consumerism, wealth creation, and societal pressures often eclipse the spiritual values inherent in Sanatana Dharma.

“The tragedy,” he says, “is that the diaspora has not analyzed the pros and cons of different value systems before adopting one. They are going with their gut instinct, often losing touch with their cultural identity in the process.”

His book offers guidance on navigating these dilemmas and illuminates the spiritual paths and traditions that provide meaning and purpose in life.

Why Desi Dharma aur Dilemma matters

For readers unfamiliar with Hindu philosophy, Rajesh’s book is an accessible introduction to the depth of Sanatana Dharma. For the diaspora, it is a much-needed roadmap to navigating cultural dissonance and finding meaning in their heritage.

His vision for the book is simple yet insightful:

“To help people understand that conflicts are part of life and that there is a well-tested, age-old framework of Dharma. When understood properly, it can reduce the stress of decision-making in an endlessly conflicting, choice-driven world.”

Final thoughts – A guide for every seeker

In Desi Dharma aur Dilemma, Rajesh Sengamedu accomplishes something extraordinary: He bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary struggles. His conversational storytelling style, coupled with deep philosophical insights, makes this book a must-read for anyone navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and purpose in today’s world.

The message which is implicit in the 40 stories Rajesh makes explicit in the three appendixes, particularly the last one, titled, ‘Questions/Myths about Sanatana Dharma’.

Whether you are part of the Hindu diaspora or intrigued by the intersection of tradition and modernity, this book will help you gain a deeper appreciation of life’s dilemmas and the wisdom required to overcome them.

Illustrations: Navni Chawla

Book extract: Rivers of wisdom

‘Desi Dharma aur Dilemma’, published by Indica Books, is a 270-page exploration of the Hindu diaspora’s cultural conflicts. It is priced in India at Rs 499 and is also available on Kindle.

“The book tells one story, child,” Nani interrupted gently, but our scriptures tell another. Look at the Ramayana, the story of Rama, the ideal king. He’s described as Arya, a noble prince.”

Anjali thought for a moment. “So, the Aryans weren’t invaders? They were just… good people?”

Nani smiled. “Perhaps there were migrations, people moving from one place to another. But it wasn’t a violent conquest. Think of it like rivers merging, their waters mixing and flowing together. That’s how our civilization grew, with different cultures enriching each other.”

She continued. “Your textbook says that Sanskrit was a written language. It is not true.

“Our ancient traditions are timeless. That is why it is called Sanatana. Importantly, our ancient culture was propagated through an oral tradition from one generation to the next. The Gurukul system of education was the only way through which a guru transmitted what (s)he knew – philosophy, morality, ethics, prayers etc., – to their students. And it was done in Sanskrit! Even today there are people who memorize the entire Vedas. Those people in our ancient times had a great capacity to learn, retain in memory, recite, quote contextually, and share. This was why our culture was not destroyed despite multiple invasions throughout the ages.”

What her grandmother said makes sense. But more doubts prevail in her mind. Anjali flipped through the textbook again, her eyes scanning the pages with newfound skepticism. “But what about the Indus Valley people? Did they just disappear?”

About Rajesh Sengamedu

Rajesh Sengamedu is a dedicated spiritual seeker and follower of Advaita Vedanta from the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam tradition propounded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati.  Author of three books, including a novel, he explores the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma. He offers practical insights to help individuals navigate life’s conflicts and dilemmas while embracing a more contented and meaningful existence.

Rajesh is a sustainability professional with a consulting company and lives in the Bay Area, California.

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