Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, and RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, Sunil Ambekar, released the book A Hindu in Oxford, by young and dynamic author Rashmi Samant, to a full house at Constitution Club, New Delhi, on October 4th, 2023.
The book tells a resilient and remarkable tale of Rashmi’s years at the iconic Oxford University. As a young 21-year-old girl from the small coastal town of Udipi, Rashmi was the first Indian woman to be elected as the President of the student body at Oxford. Her dream run, however, got rudely interrupted as soon after winning, she got systematically attacked by professors and students for her Hindu faith—slowly taking a dangerous form. Her story is one of resilience, decolonisation, and triumph over racism and discrimination.
The book launch opened with Rashmi sharing her story with the audience, followed by an inspiring address by Sunil Ambekar and Smriti Irani. Sunil Ambekar talked about the need to decolonise young Indian minds and conversations on campuses. He praised her courage and determination in the face of adversity, saying, “Some people and some countries have monopolised what is liberal and ‘modern’ and what is communal and regressive. We should not adhere to their definitions and we need to have our views based on our culture and identity”.
“Some people and some countries have monopolised what is liberal and ‘modern’ and what is communal and regressive. We should not adhere to their definitions and we need to have our views based on our culture and identity” -Sunil Ambekar, RSS, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh
He also shared his thoughts on the significance of Rashmi’s story in the context of the educational landscape in Bharat and abroad. Smriti Irani, in her address, commended Rashmi Samant for her remarkable achievements and for breaking barriers, on four fronts, as a Hindu, Indian, woman and Sanatani. She emphasised the importance of diversity and inclusivity in education and society, saying, “Rashmi Sawant’s book is the story of a person who was bullied for her identity and views but she overcame that and won.” She elaborated how on one page, Rashmi talks of PTSD, as racial trauma can be similar to that faced by rape or war victims.
On behalf of Garuda Prakashan, Ankur Pathak, Co-founder, and COO of the publishing house, expressed his gratitude to the audience and highlighted the importance of publishing narratives that bring forth the voices of individuals who have faced discrimination and adversity. He stated, “Rashmi Samant’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and her story serves as an inspiration for us all”.
“Rashmi Sawant’s book is the story of a person who was bullied for her identity and views but she overcame that and won”- Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development & Minority Affairs
A firsthand account of the challenges and discrimination faced during her time at Oxford University, the book is a gripping read that sheds light on the harsh realities of prejudice that run deep in so-called hallowed halls of liberal campuses and the resilience required to overcome it.
Smriti Irani concluded by saying that as much as Rashmi’s story is important, even those that were never told should be told. Garuda Prakashan should highlight those people’s stories who were systematically targeted, and silenced, and many times lost their careers to the bigotry of Left-liberals who dominate most academic spaces and discourse.
