Ganesha on the Dashboard

by V. Raghunathan, M.A. Eswaran

Take the way we go about buying a new car. We identify an auspicious date and time, then proceed to break a coconut, plonk a plastic deity of Ganesha on the dashboard, and zoom off at great speed, refusing to wear our seatbelts.
Supposedly educated, smart and tech-savvy, Indians can be surprisingly unscientific in their daily lives. Think of the crores spent every year remodelling homes according to vaastu, in the hope of changing luck; and the continued horrors of female infanticide, because it is only the son who can help the father’s journey to heaven…
This unsparingly critical, scathingly analytical book points out the shocking lack of scientific temper among the vast majority of Indians, and how this holds us up as a nation in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, India

253 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Mirjana Maag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book that historically and scientifically explores how religions and related superstitions (especially in Hinduism) still manifest themselves in everyday life and society today. I can well understand that religious people, especially Hindus, are reluctant to read this because they are criticized for a lack of scientific temper. Still the authors respect religion, they don’t just blindly criticise it. They call for more scientific temper, a concept well explained in the book. It is not just well written (with lots of anecdotes and illustrative examples), but actually a great step in moving societies forward.

[Athira Mohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting piece of non fiction,that my opinion found resonating to the DNA review, "saddening but delightful". Quite a paradox, one might wonder, but it makes up what this book really is. Informative, quirky and at times funny, the book throws light at some of the extreme superstitions of Indians, and the shocking lack of scientific temper in the country. It is amazing how a country that has spawned profound scientific genius can be seen reveling at depths of stupidity, at times. But, at the same time, faith remains to be something humanity can live without.The authors' arguments about astrology and pseudo sciences are interesting, but I guess it would take someone, and especially an Indian,lot of struggle to keep away from his\her 'Gods.'At times belief can be comforting and we all need the knowledge that we have a supreme power to lean on.False, or otherwise.

[Sumit Singla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book attempts to explain some of the idiosyncrasies of Indians, and succeeds at some, but fails miserably at others. The authors' own biases and prejudices seem to cloud many of their observations and premises, and that, for a non-fiction book is largely criminal. I would have liked the book to be much more objective and unbiased, but it is nowhere close in quality to the first book by the authors (which was also rather average, actually).

I suggest giving this one a miss.

[Sumeer G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book highlights how it is mainstream in India to lack scientific temper. It is amazing how we can comfortably operate in silos - be really smart and logical about some things and then resort to magical thinking about others. Magical thinking especially applies in what the author calls the 'God of gaps' - where science has yet to provide an answer and we are free to make up our own reality.

The author also analyzes Hindusism's laissez-faire approach in depth - on how it's a strength as well as a weakness.

Memorable Reading Spot: Changi Airport, Singapore along with my last bottle of Tiger beer for the trip

[Ravi Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is stating that we as Indians who follow Hinduism mostly should be focussing more on increasing the scientific temper. Explained old ideas of superstitions animal sacrifices, small pox etc. for which he gave many examples with their counter scientific argument. This book basically explains the history of why Indians have lower scientific temper and what is expected by them in this new generation when science has made significant progress.

Also compared the scientific temper of different religions and what is their action towards increasing them and and how they are using scientific temper for development of society as a whole.

[Samira · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tragic. It has become rather convenient for lot of non-fiction writers to package their biases and prejudices and sell it as gyaan. Non-fiction writers, more than fiction writers, have a far greater responsibility to be objective, have done their thorough research on subject they wish to write about and therefore park their own prejudices aside. Otherwise not only do such books show the authors' laziness but also reek heavily of propaganda. At this point, having read enough of such "lazy" books, I feel such attempts should be considered a criminal offense.

[Aravinth Raj Muthukrishnan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. Authors have sprinkled their knowledge on questioning and temperament of human beings over a period of time. Trying to throw light on the subject that are blind to many. Even if one reader understands the position of him in this earth, universe, cosmos the authors have achieved their objective. The reader has to have a sense of reasoning to understand the intrinsic value of the contents of the book.

[Agni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was not able to read after a certain point, its all about Hinduism bashing.

[Sri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very insightful.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would give 3.5 stars if possible. Extremely good start to the book, but felt a bit of a labourers read towards the end.

[Achala · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This review is based on half the book, since I never got around to finishing it.

I picked this one up because the title was intriguing, and I suppose I thought it would be something like 'Freakonomics', in that the authors would pick up a superstition and then maybe explain or theorise the rationale behind it and debunk it. While that is the general premise, they take a very long time to get to the point. It starts off easily enough, but then slowly develops the tone and tenor of a textbook, droning on and lulling you into a torpor with its increasingly technical or verbose prose.

Which is a shame, because the intentions that put this book out are very, very, worthwhile indeed. In a country steeped in superstition in the guise of rites and rituals, the authors' mantra of 'scientific temper' is a laudable goal. Unfortunately, the way the book is structured, the only ones likely to read it are those whose thinking is already in agreement with the authors' and not those who really need to ponder the points raised.

[Ashok · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a work of non-fiction, and putting the Indian culture and ethos into context, this book does a fine job; even though I would argue that there is a lot of repetition and "lecturing" in the narrative.

I did enjoy reading it, as it made me think more carefully about our habits and behaviour (and reminded me of school physics, oh so long ago!) though at times it became a bit too technical for my taste.

[Pranay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a good book but becomes repetitive especially in the last few pages. Some good points are made on how Indian's are less scientific in their temperament despite being well educated. Some points are well elaborated which are good to know. Lots of arguments made about the reason are practical which most of us would have figured out but its good to read them and feel validated.
I am sure the book will broaden one's view about religion and superstition and prove to be a good read.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book - one every Indian must read and learn from. The only flaw - quite minor, I assure you - in such a good effort is that it tends to hammer its point every couple of pages or so, like a hectoring but repetitious authority figure

[Vikash Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative and eye opener sort of book...one which every Indian sud read and preach...if u luv malcolm gladwell nd wish he cud write smthing bout India..raghunathan cud be a soln.
by the time u close d book u hv a clear picture of our idiosyncries..

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the movie PK there is an interesting quote 'I do not have a problem with God but I do have a problem with God humans have created'. The gist of this book is in the same lines. A must read.

[Samuel Premkumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't read beyond 30% as it seemed to be repetitive.

[Vaibhav Bhandari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents some very very interesting arguments for an informal debate on science vs religion (esp. Hinduism).