About me
Until about three years ago, I was like any normal, middle-class Indian - long on debate/discussion and short on action.
Something happened two years ago that changed all that. I still have to work, eat and sleep like most of you but for the past two years, I have been trying very hard to change a few things. A lot of that effort comes through my writings (see some of my articles on IndiaCause under the name of B Shantanu) but the pen only goes so far.
Someday, I hope to be able to do a lot more to bring about fundamental and lasting change. Until then, thank you for taking the effort to read my essays and notes and for visiting this blog.
To keep yourself updated subscribe to || B Shantanu’s blog || or please click the RSS feed or
email me at jaidharmaATgmail.com
To understand what started all this, please read “The beginning…”
|| Jai Hind ||
Since you have come into this world, leave some mark behind…otherwise what is the difference between you and the trees and the stones? - Swami Vivekananda
P.S. For the really curious, here are Eight little known facts about me :-)
P.P.S.: Some of you may also be interested in this post: Source of “Satyameva Jayate”
congratulation for your blog
good work
Comment by vishwanath | November 20, 2006
I have only just come across this blog…. All that you write resonates with me.Your journey is really my journey and I guess it must be so for many many hindus .
It is only now through the internet that another perspective -that of the hindu (which still does’nt have a voice in the mainstream media of the country)is being presented.
I salute your effort,like I do of every hindu who is putting up a fight for a space that is theirs to take by right .My very best wishes to you.
Regards
_CS
Comment by CS | November 28, 2006
dear sir,
congrats |& keep up the good work
Comment by amith | December 2, 2006
congrats. with all the pseudo-secular blogs around, we needed someone like you.
Comment by varahmihira | December 3, 2006
Thanks to all of you.
Your support and encouragement give me strength and courage to fight this battle.
I am deeply grateful for that.
Jai Hind.
Comment by Shantanu | December 24, 2006
I have just deleted an incoherent comment from someone called “Joy”…
I do not mind criticism…indeed I welcome it - because out of debate (and from arguments) will the truth finally emerge…However, snide remarks and innuendos are neither constructive nor do they help in understanding others’ point of view…
If you have something to say, please do say it…a blog is meant to promote dialogue…but say it nicely and make your case with an open mind.
Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Jai Hind
Comment by B Shantanu | February 6, 2007
Thanks Shantanu,
We appreciates your view about only decent comments are welcomed.Keep up your good work.
Jai Hind
Comment by Indian | February 7, 2007
Well, its high time people start having a non-political view of the problems India and the world are facing alike. But, I also would like to add that India has always been a peace loving and secular country throughout recorded history. India takes pride in being the world’s largest democracy and the strongest for that matter. The main problem India faces today is not of Islamic origins, but from the west. We’d be better off dealing with the negative influence of the west on India first, and then worry about the Islamists later… and moreover, trying to turn India into Hindustan doesnt solve any problems for anyone. Gandhi wanted us to live together in peace, shame on us all for not being able to make the best of what we’ve been given… Free India! And yeah, shame on those “few” muslims in India who betray their own motherland. And shame on us again for not taking pride in our coutnry’s heritage like some other countries do. I hope to see a better India in my lifetime… I hope!
Comment by Rahul | February 8, 2007
By “negative western influence” I mean, ‘capitalism’, instead of ’socialism’… MNCs instead of local small/medium-businesses… and most of all, pants and suites instead of dhotis and khurtas… oh yeah, one more, what’s with all the clubbing and dating and divorces and abortions and drugs and all the nonsense most Indians, unfortunately, borrow from the west without shame???? They r the real killers of India, not some stupid brainless terrorists who carry American weapons and are funded by Pakistan, that inturn gets money from US for fighting world terror… funny eh?
Comment by Rahul | February 8, 2007
Rahul, thoughtful comments…Like you, I sometimes worry about the growing divide between “India and “Bharat”. See this post for example http://hindudharma.wordpress.com/2006/12/23/india-vs-bharat/
But I would also say that the two “problems” you identified above are both relevant and worrisome in their own different ways…In my humble opinion though, national security and national identity must remain paramount…
||Rashtra Pratham||
Comment by Shantanu | February 8, 2007
The way you put your thoughts to pen is absolutely phenomenal. This is perhaps the most professional blogs I have ever come across.
Great going Shantanu, young,patriotic Hindus like me will always be with you in your future endeavours
Comment by Ajay Jagadeesh | February 22, 2007
Thank you Ajay.
I really appreciate it. As I have said above, your support and encouragement give me strength to do this.
It is going to be a long struggle and it will need all our energy and strength.
Please spread the word about this blog and the various topics amongst colleagues, friends and people you care…The first step is to create awareness….this will be an ideological struggle and information, facts and thoughts will be key to winning hearts and minds.
Dhanyawaad
Comment by B Shantanu | February 22, 2007
I am Mahendra Persaud from Guyana,
And I was quite impressed with your research
Into your articles.
Bye
Comment by Mahendra Persaud | March 5, 2007
shantanu….
like how CS mentioned earlier your thoughts and ideas are very similar to the thoughts and worries i have been struggling to contain within myself for the past few years… im in my early thirties and an NRI doctor but i can and will influence quite a few indian expats who live with me here…
most of us are really worried about the pathetic state of India these days and how a big unscruplous gang has taken india hostage…
i understand empty words add no meaning…. i want to join you in any small way to take a proactive stand against this menace…
Comment by dr surya | March 28, 2007
Dr Surya,
Thank you… It is very kind of you to offer to help. I have also received your email and I will respond to it shortly…Once again, thanks for taking the time and the effort to read and comment.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.
Comment by B Shantanu | March 28, 2007
Dear Shantanu.
Most of the Journalists in India both Electronic and Print media are sold to Christian and Arabic Masters ( Fund Holders), How can we try to bring more writers like you in the main stream Media?
Have you any comments.
Dr. Ambekar.
Comment by Dr. Ambekar | April 20, 2007
Thanx shantanu for making this best blog. I came to knw about it in QnA forum at rediff.com. it is the nicest blog i have ever seen. can i post an artical on vedant here if yes how?
Comment by Gaurav vyas | April 30, 2007
Gaurav,
Thanks for your kind words.
Re. the article on Vedanta, could you please email it to me?
Comment by B Shantanu | May 1, 2007
Hi .I am glad that you liked my site on Lalu.I was perplexed with the dichotomy that Lalu is,thus this blog.
Your site is a wonder keep it up.
Comment by Bihar Gyan | June 21, 2007
Sir,
Thank You for visiting my blog and leaving comments. I have not progressed to the action stage yet. My pet peeve is education. Promote ideas and proper economics and the rest will follow. After all everyone responds to incentives. I haven’t given up on India and its encouraging to me that there are others who are like minded. Makes my job that much easier
triya
Comment by triya | July 6, 2007
Dear Shantanu,
I am impressed with your blog. You had put the thoughts of all of us in an impresive manner.
I hope, you must be getting a good amount of hits to this blog.
Best regards
Prashant Pole
Comment by Prashant Pole | August 22, 2007
BiharGyan, triya and Prashant: Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.
***
Prashant: Yes, I am getting quite a few hits - but the task of creating mass awareness is huge - and this is but a drop in the ocean (at least it feels like that sometimes).
As I mentioned in comment #12 above, It is going to be a long struggle and it will need all our energy and strength.
Do continue to spread the word about this blog and the various topics amongst colleagues, friends and people you care
and thanks once again for visiting the blog. I hope to see you more often.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.
Comment by B Shantanu | August 23, 2007
HI,
thanx a lot for ur blog. i want to ask one question to our liberal indian via ur platform:
why the temples are out of our pictures and media? every one inthe movies make a story of hindu couple and shows a sigh of cross in the locket?
every occation of marriege is picturiesed inthe church? everyone in the media forced to wear cross sign irrecpective of there religion.
are we watching the movies of a christian director ?
Comment by rAJESH | August 26, 2007
Peace B Shantanu,
You have a very interesting blog here. I will be stopping by again. I look forward to reading your work and insights here, and to sharing with you.
Abdur Rahman
Comment by Abdur Rahman | August 31, 2007
you write well & I completely agree with your opinions & perspective..I think in the c k anil case,the officer was enraged because of rowdy behavior than wearing a tilak..
Comment by rasaal dwivedi | October 4, 2007
rAJESH, Abdur Rahman and rasaal: Thank you for stopping by and for your words of encouragement.
I look forward to seeing more of you on this blog.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.
Comment by B Shantanu | October 6, 2007
Hi,
I am just a pursuer of truth from Bangalore. I have been reading the works on Indian Mythology & Philosophy written by various authors. I feel greatly inspired by your works. Thanks a lot. I wish that you continue writing to enlighten more Indian hearts. I fear that in the near future….the true Indian History might just get manipulated for political benefits. As such, I do not feel there are many left who respect Indian Culture and believe in Indian Values due to the influence of growing Westernism. On the contrary, we can find a growing influence of Indian Culture on the Westerners.
Thanks to all the Indian Authors like you who have been striving to keep Indian History, Culture and Philosophy alive through their works for the future generations.
Satyameva Jayate
Jai Hind
Comment by Vaishnavi | October 6, 2007
Shantanu,
I have just stumbled upon your Blog whilst searching on that ‘famous’ speech by Lord Macaulay in 1835. From a quick trawl through your blog, you are clearly on a journey for truth.
Let’s just say our paths have met. Keep writing and discovering. Without truth and justice, there can be no future worth passing to the next generation.
Satya ki Jai.
Comment by Raj | January 26, 2008
Hey Shantanu,
I am a final year student of journalism and i am doing a research on the blogging revolution. As you are a blog writer, i would like you to fill up a questionnaire for me which would help me in my project work.
Thanks,
Shweta
Comment by Shweta Sharma | January 26, 2008
Shantanu, my heart felt thanks that you came up with this blog and wholesome material to ponder over. Some points seems to be lifted straight from my mind, I am not offended by your plagiarism though
I sometimes feel that I must have done some great thing in my previous life, to be born a Hindu/Indian.
Vinay
Comment by vinay | February 17, 2008
Dear Shri Shantanu ji,
You are doing an excellent work by posting such informative article on your site.
Thanks
Comment by Suneel Kotte | April 1, 2008
Hi,
I’m impressed and encoraged to see that someone is doing something with a vision in mind to educate and help the rest for India’s future.
I would like to offer my help if you think is worth for our future India.
Thanks, Vinod
Comment by Vinod | April 16, 2008
Shantanu Bhai,
We appretiate your efforts in creating awareness about the issues related to our great Motherland Bharat Mata.
You are doing very good work but only few people are aware of your golden work. We must work on some strategy to create awareness about your blog and its contents. we have lot of information now we should work on some action plan to implement these noble thoughts.
Someone has to begin something..
Keep on with your good work. The quality of work is really commendable.
Hats off to you
Comment by Jai Hind | May 22, 2008
Dear Vaishanvi, Raj, Shweta, Vinay, Suneel, Vinod and Jai Hind,
Heartfelt thanks for your comments and encouragementIt is when I read words like these that all this effort and thankless hours that one puts in begins to feel so much more worthwhile.
I look forward to seeing more of you on my blog.
***
@ Vinod: Thanks a lot for your kind offer of help… Please email me on jai.dharma AT gmail.com and we can discuss some ideas.
***
@ Jai Hind You are right that as of now, very few people are aware of this blog and the articles here (now almost 500 posts, stretching over 4 years).
Partly - it is my fault, as even after four years of writing, I have preferred not to burden my friends and relatives with this workwhy? because not all of them share these thoughts and I believe you cannot force patriotism on anyone.
Partly it is not widely known because I have eschewed any kind of advertisement or publicity..This has been due to my belief that good articles and thoughts will always find their audience and people shoud not read somehting because of WHO wrote it - but because of WHAT has been written.
Having said that, I am very happy to work with you (or anyone) to increase the popularity - and more importantly - reach of this blog
One of the ideas I have is to move to a hosted platform (instead of relying on the free wordpress service). That way, I will be able to take this blog to its next level in terms of reach and interactvity.
Sadly, I dont have much time (and the skills) to do it all by myself..
If you - or any other reader here knows how to do this - and has the time to spare to help me transform this website, I will be garetful for any help/assistance.
I also don’t have any idea of how much it might cost - I am guessing not much but still this is something to be considered.
Beyond that if you have other ideas, I will be most grateful to hear tem..
The best way to reach me is by email. The address if jai.dharma AT gmail.com
Thank you once again for your kind words of encouragement.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.
Comment by B Shantanu | May 22, 2008
Hi shantanu,
I am not much of a writer to put into words what a gripping read is your blog. I pray to god to give u more knowledge to motivate people to see things in clarity.
Comment by jyoti | May 24, 2008
Internet, especially blogs, have been playing a crucial role in giving the Indian public an alternative media. The roll of the so called great people of Indian Freedom fight needs to be analysed. The hijacking of the struggle by these great people needs also to be brought to light. The systematic way the contribution of the real heroes has been suppressed needs to be exposed. I am sure, this will be got done through this new media.
At the same time, the present problems of the society and their solutions also need attention. This will have to be done.
I thank you for your initiative in this matter. God bless you.
Comment by Krishna | June 17, 2008
Well, in these troubled times for our nation, blogs like yours is the only hope to educate the convent educated sicular indians. Keep up the great job Dear Shantanuji. May your tribe increase and may Sri Krishna bless you abundantly.
Comment by Hinduismnet.com | June 18, 2008
Dear jyoti, Krishna and hinduismnet: Thank you all for your support and kind words of encouragement…
I hope to see more of you here…Please do join in the various discussions and please also encourage your family members, friends, colleagues and others to join in.
Thanks.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.
Comment by B Shantanu | June 18, 2008
I just dropped by your blog to leave a small note on an
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every month!
The website, called dubbagol.com - helps desi bloggers get
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If you’re wondering… there’s absolutely no catch to it.
Get goLing at http://dubbagol.com
Comment by kiran | July 11, 2008
Here is a site for your blogroll:
http://www.mystiqueindia.info/
Comment by abc | July 26, 2008
heloo santanu, its real joy to read your thougt but I am looking for a way to take a drastic measures against this zealots who are allset to devide this country. I had access to their culture and beliefe as I was brougt up in south 24 pgs.In the year 1995 I had seen their kids were talking about separation and making south 24 pgs a part of Khulna dist of Bangladesh.
Comment by shirsendu | August 17, 2008
@ Shirsendu: I would be very interested to hear your personal experiences growing up in Suth 24 Pgns…
Can you share it on this blog with all of us? Perhaps on one of these two posts?
“India Breaking” - Read this and Weep
OR
North-East “burning”
Alternatively, please feel free to email me at jai.dharma AT gmail.com
Thanks,
Comment by B Shantanu | August 18, 2008
Hey Shantanu:
Your site is great. I have been a silent reader for a majority of time. I was wondering if I could download the articles on political corruption, hindutva etc.
However I guess there are no more links to these articles.
Would you mind emailing those articles as attachments?
Thanks
Comment by Naresh | September 7, 2008
Your site is interesting, I too have similar views about our country and the situation it is in now, but I believe that it is time for some action. Like minded people should come together to discuss and take initiatives.
I am sure most of the people in power today do not know the motto of our country and the meaning of ‘Satyam Eva Jayate’.
Hope to meet or talk to you soon
Regards,
Raghuram
Comment by D N Raghuram | September 15, 2008