Dr. Jyoti Ramakrishna is the Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at the Floating Hospital for Children (at Tufts Medical Center). She is also Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine. Born in Boston and raised in India, she is a graduate of Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi. She moved to the US and received her MPH from Harvard University. She is the mother of two teenagers.
She is the author of a book - A Fresh Look at Hinduism. She shares some insights on the book with Lokvani.
Could you give us a little overview of the book ?
This book that explains Hinduism in a simple and fun way for people of all ages, young and old. It captures all the nuanced aspects in a style that is easy to read. The book is meant especially for those who have grown up surrounded by Western culture. Hinduism is in fact a complex and deep religion which embodies a rich and centuries-old heritage. Most people either do not know enough about it or are misinformed. This book brings home the essence of this delightful religion in a multifaceted and engaging way
What motivated you to write this book?
I was looking for an easy reading book on Hinduism, and really couldn't find one. Especially a book one could share with young people who don't really have the chance to learn a lot about religion, and people who didn't grow up in India. I had some down time during my pregnancies and decided to take a stab at writing one myself.
What would you consider your early introduction to Hinduism?
In India we grow up surrounded by our culture. Festivals are celebrated. We took trips to the temple. My grandmother brought her Pooja things when she came to visit and then left the pictures and small idols in our house. She taught me the Hanuman Chalisa. I lost my mother in an accident at age of 10. After my mother died, my father revived some of his practices, for instance we would recite the Vishnu Sahasranamam every Sunday morning.
What scriptures have you studied?
I will confess I am not a scholar and have not actually 'studied' the scriptures. I had some idea, and of course had to read a lot before writing the book!
I have gone over the Bhagawad Gita - it is small, easy to read small bits at bedtime with the translation. I have read the translated Mahabharata and Ramayana. I read about The Message of the Upanishads; I know random shlokas.
What impact did the writing of the book have on your own life?
I actually reflected on our religion, which had just been a part of life until then: what it meant to me, and how to introduce the concepts to my children as they were growing up. I did realize how much more there is to know, my book just touches upon the basics. Since I have learnt Sanskrit in middle school and have a working knowledge, I have always planned to read more of the source scriptures as I get older and have more time!
How has your influenced your work as a Pediatrician?
Our Hindu religion is part of the fabric of who we are. For me it means kindness, gentleness, listening to people, caring about people - and I hope this makes me a better Pediatrician!
Parents are very focused on Math and Science for children but faith is often left out of priorities. What value does faith training bring to a child?
-It is sad in this competitive world that we spend all the time and energy getting tuition, Math classes etc for our children. Especially in India, academics rule. I think the concept of a well rounded education, with time for sports, arts and culture/religion makes for a much healthier well-rounded adult. Other religions make sure to do this- Christians go to church on Sunday, Jewish people observe Sabbath, Muslims read Namaz and observe Ramadan. I feel really really bad that as Hindu parents and families we do not inculcate our traditions, values and religion as much into our kids. We seem embarrassed and hesitant as though we are ashamed of who we are. Some people even try to be more American than the Americans! I truly wish we could revive some pride in our identity and be the Hindus we are, whether in India or America - stand proud and walk tall! (Ok, you touched a sore point here, and got me started!)
What are your favorite Hindu Scriptures?
I can't say I've read them all! I do like the Gita, I think it sums up the concepts and imparts the philosophical outlook we need to get through our crazy lives.
For someone who is born Hindu but has no knowledge of Hinduism what scripture would you recommend as a starting point?
Well, they could certainly start with this book, it is simple, short and easy to read! I have a table that includes a list of all the Scriptures, and people can certainly indulge their curiosity and read anything they want. The basic stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are easily available translated into English by various authors (I read C Rajagopalachari's translations). The Bhagavad Gita is concise and comes in a small size complete with translations by various authors, easily available. Many kids have learnt a lot from the Amar Chitra Katha series and I see nothing wrong with that! For that matter, there is nothing wrong with Professor Google and Teacher Wikipedia for looking things up quickly, such as the festivals, or the back stories of different characters.
Any favorite saints?
Not really. As a half-Iyengar I guess I should say Ramanuja, and I do lean towards the Vishistadvaita theory (where this world is real and not Maya, and all souls can eventually attain bliss and enter a God-like state), but all paths lead to God/Ishwar/Bhagwan/Brahman, and that's the beauty of Hinduism - you can follow Shankaracharya, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa etc, and everyone accepts the other. Isn't it so perfect that people believe in different Ishta Devatas - Vishnu, Shiva, Durga - and yet all agree on the same basic guiding principles and get along?
Where can people buy the book?
They can buy the book at a discount on lulu.com or they can buy on Amazon. Both can be accessed through the website:
https://freshhindu.org/There is a discount option is at the bottom of the page.
Any special message to our readers?
If you are a Hindu, please acquire a working knowledge of Hinduism, and share with your children, so that you and they can be proud of this amazing ancient religion of ours! And don't let anyone tell you that Hindus are against anyone. We are all inclusive, all accepting, and no politician can tell us otherwise!
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