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Desi Dharma aur Dilemma: A guide to Hindu identity abroad
Author Rajesh Sengamedu’s narrative in his new book highlights the struggles of individuals who, disconnected from their cultural roots, become susceptible to extreme ideologies like wokism and radical proselytization.
Author Rajesh Sengamedu. / Youtube
Rajesh Sengamedu, a renowned spiritual seeker and author has released his latest book, Desi Dharma aur Dilemma, aimed at addressing the internal conflicts and dilemmas faced by members of the Hindu diaspora.
Sengamedu, a follower of Advaita Vedanta from the Arsha Vidya tradition, has authored three books, including a novel that delves into the timeless traditions of Sanatana Dharma. His work seeks to guide people to live contented lives despite the conflicts and challenges they encounter. Beyond writing, he teaches middle school students about Sanatana Dharma and Hindu culture through Arsha Vidya Bala Gurukulam and has been leading a Bhagavad Gita study group since 2019.
‘Desi Dharma aur Dilemma’ is a collection of 40 short stories that explore the various dilemmas people face in life and the ways in which they navigate these challenges. With a focus on those who have moved away from their traditional family support systems, particularly in the context of work or migration, the book offers practical insights on how to resolve conflicts, while also reflecting on the consequences of past decisions.
Sengamedu’s narratives highlight the struggles of individuals who, disconnected from their cultural roots, become susceptible to extreme ideologies like wokism and radical proselytization, eventually losing sight of the values inherent in Sanatana Dharma.
In a recent interview, Sengamedu reflected on his spiritual journey, which began in a small railway town in India. Influenced by his parents’ devotion to Swami Guru Parananda, he was introduced to Vedantic teachings through their avid listening to Bhagavad Gita discourses. However, it was personal loss—an early tragedy with his first child—that sparked his deeper quest for answers.
“Life’s challenges pushed me to ask deeper questions about why certain events happen and how we can navigate them,” he recounts. This curiosity eventually led him to Vipassana meditation, yoga, and the teachings of his Guru, Swami Guru Parananda.
On the inspiration for the book, he said: "After I wrote my first book Happiness Beyond Mind, I realized that if I want to reach a wider audience beyond my circle, I should find a different format. I chose the medium of writing short stories about Desi Dharma aur Dilemma."
On the book's content and format, he said: "Desi Dharma aur Dilemma is about Desis (people from India) who live abroad and the dilemmas they face—what is the right thing to do and what is not the right thing to do. The book is written in a conversation format, exploring dilemmas through dialogues between characters like friends, parents and children, and colleagues."
On the cultural shift faced by migrants, he said: "When people migrate from one place to another, they experience a loss of cultural values. For example, I lost touch with my native language, Kannada, and became more fluent in Telugu. Similarly, when people move abroad, they begin to lose touch with their culture. Music, food, and festivals become the primary markers of culture, but that is not the essence of Sanatana Dharma."
On addressing cultural dilemmas, he said: "My intention was to present stories that shed light on how to view situations differently. For instance, I discuss dilemmas like abortion and the significance of wearing a tilak or lighting a lamp, and how cultural symbols are often misunderstood by people who are distanced from their roots."
On the format and style of storytelling, he admitted: "The stories are designed to be short, conversational, and to highlight unique situations that people face. The book captures the nuances of living abroad while trying to preserve one's cultural identity."
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