VIGIL, a public forum for discussions and public dialogue, was an initiative of various public-spirited citizens of Chennai and was active during the 1990s until 2010. Various intellectuals and luminaries like Swami Dayananda Saraswati have graced occasions of VIGIL. Once again, VIGIL looks forward to launch renowned Bangalore-based historian Dr. Vikram Sampath’s latest book, ‘Waiting for Shiva: Unearthing the Truth of Kashi’s Gyan Vapi’, in Chennai. The event will be held on 8 April 2024 will take place at 6 PM at Narada Gana Sabha on TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai.
The book will be launched in the presence of esteemed guests including S Gurumurthy, chief editor of Thuglak, Padma Vibhushan danseuse Padma Subramanyam, and Padma Shri vocalist Aruna Sairam.
The book ‘Waiting for Shiva’ meticulously explores the historical significance and sanctity of Kashi, revered as the dwelling place of Lord Shiva in the form of Vishweshwara, or Vishwanath. The book narrates the saga of the temple which embodies the soul of the city and its resilience against adversities. Despite facing numerous attempts at demolition, the temple has endured, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Indian civilization. Dr. Sampath meticulously documents the tumultuous events in the temple’s history, including the devastating blow it suffered at the hands of Aurangzeb in 1669. The book by Vikram Sampath revisits the complex history of this disputed site, shedding light on long-suppressed truths and unveiling the secrets hidden within Gyan Vapi.
Dr. Vikram Sampath is no stranger to the Indic wing. He is a renowned historian based in Bangalore, and has authored nine highly acclaimed books, including “Splendours of Royal Mysore: The Untold Story of the Wodeyars,” “Voice of the Veena: S. Balachander,” and “Women of the Records and Indian Classical Music and the Gramophone.” His biographies, such as the two-volume work on Savarkar and “Bravehearts of Bharat: Vignettes from Indian History,” have achieved national bestseller status. In recognition of his contributions, Sampath was elected a fellow of the prestigious Royal Historical Society in 2021. He has received several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi’s first Yuva Puraskar in English literature and the ARSC International Award for excellence in historical research in New York for his book “My Name Is Gauhar Jaan: The Life and Times of a Musician,” which has also been adapted into a play.
Those interested in attending the event can register through this link – tinyurl.com/2s3pndrx
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