This book is a compilation of M?navadharma-

?atakam and Praj?prabhutva-?atakam

composed by Prof Nadkarni. While there

have been many books on humanism and

democracy in other languages, these ?atakams

with original verses in Sanskrit attempt to start

a new genre in Sanskrit literature. Inspired

by Rabindranath Tagore’s exemplary ideas,

the first ?atakam revolves around the topic

of ‘Humanitarianism’. Humanitarianism is

considered as the religion of being human,

which involves the welfare of human race

and of nature, and it’s not just about being

philanthropic, but being kind and considerate

to all human beings and living up to the ideal

of being humane. M?nava-dharma accepts

the moral responsibility of all human beings

as well as the basic rights of all, irrespective

of gender, colour, religion, race, or nationality,

and hierarchy of any kind. The scope of

Humanitarianism is extended beyond the

mere concept of human rights and posits that

being aware of one’s duties is integral to being

human.

Further, in this book, the notion of

Democracy is presented as an institutional

framework in which Humanitarianism can

be best practised. Praj?prabhutva-?atakam

brings out the implications of democracy

and our responsibilities therein. It emphasizes

the relation between freedom and our

responsibility as citizens to remain attentive

towards the affairs of state and institutions.

Prof Nadkarni presents a series of arguments

to establish how democracy reconciles equality

with freedom. The two ?atakams provide a

strong philosophical base for understanding

politics, for citizens of democracy, especially

meant for young students.