At first glance, this books gives out an impression that UT is doing something noble and good for Hindu studies. But take a closer look to reveal the true intent!

Please note the terminology carefully: “Re-tellings,” which implies providing new interpretations. The following line states: “In this book, she argues that Vaishnavas (devotees of the Hindu god Vishnu and his various forms) throughout South Asia transformed this epic about an apocalyptic, bloody war into works of ardent bhakti or ‘devotion’ focused on the beloved Hindu deity Krishna.”.

Intentions: Her intention appears to be to dis-associate Bhakti from its context and instead emphasize the narrative of an “apocalyptic, bloody war.” This approach suggests a flawed academic perspective with a negative bias. The critique of Hinduism is subtly embedded in high sounding academic verbiage. This is intended to awe people, yet carefully crafted to impart a positive tone. However make no mistake of judgement here. The intent and content is strongly negative towards Hinduism. Hindu studies do not have apocalypse in their dictionary. You can decipher as to why that was introduced!

Misuse of Internal critique’s: Pillai’s book examines two specific references of the Mahabharata: Villiputturar’s fifteenth-century Tamil Paratam and Sabalsingh Chauhan’s seventeenth-century Bhasha (Old Hindi) Mahabharat. Both authors seem not to have presented a Bhakthi study of the Mahabharata.

But that democracy has always been a part of Hinduism. Historically, the uniqueness of Hindu studies lies in their openness to critique, from the times of ancient India. Unfortunately, this openness is often exploited by modern day academicians of questionable credibility to cast Hindu studies in a negative light. The University of Toronto has been leading this crusade against Hindu sentiments.

Time & interpretations: The limited time Hindus have to delve deeper into these texts allows some academicians to potentially manipulate or misinterpret Hindu studies. This book uses friendly words like, “Devotional retelling”. Most Hindus, (true to their nature: take the positive angle) and presume it to be a positive light. Unfortunately its not! The primary goal of this academia is to use Hindu terminology to indulge in Hindu bashing.

Bias & absence of debate: The strategy of University of Toronto all along, been to encourage authors who bring in negativity to Hindu studies. For them debate is taboo. They selectively present their biased interpretation of Hindu studies but “strictly to their flock”.

Of course they carry the flag of academic freedom high all the time. But its one way academics. We doubt if they have the academic caliber to handle counter arguments to their presentations. They panic when challenged and press the security button. And thus they succeed in shutting out any debate on their academics! They just do not seem to have the courage to face an authority on Hindu studies who present Hindu studies in a factual manner. We still do not know the reason for their motivation in diluting Hindu studies.

Mercenary Academicians! Availability of Indian author’s for a price who are willing to “re-tell stories” is a boon for foes and curse for the majority Hindus! Historically Indian’s have made themselves available to its foes at a discounted price. Does it do any good for Hindu studies in North America? Mercenary authors like Ms.Pillai on faculty at Academia in a curse for Hindu studies.

Notice how subtly their deception is played out. The title is “Krishna Mahabharatas, Devotional Retellings of an Epic narrative” The key word is “Re-tellings” What sounds as positive is actually negative big time. This deception is academic integrity at its deceptive best.

Is diluting Hindu studies a new thing? In 2019 the same department hosted a book launch titled, Yoga as the art of war. Mr.Christian Lee Novetzke & Sunila S.Kale from Washington, teamed up under the patronage of our beloved Christoph Emmrich below then. Not sure why this hero has not been snapped up by Hollywood yet! For over a decade he has been a top act in this department! Is he the key character in this Re-telling too?

Common tools of subtle Hindu hatred under the guise of Academic freedom are
1. Caste
2. Negative Hindu studies