Living Among the Believers: Stories from the Holy Land Down the Ganges By Sachi G. Dastidar

Book Description

About the Book: "Living among the Believers" is a collection of 18 poignant stories by Dr. Sachi Ghosh Dastidar, drawn from 25 years of fieldwork in post-Partition (1947) Bangladesh and West Bengal. These narratives focus on the lives of victims and survivors, particularly from minority and oppressed castes, often highlighting the struggles of women and the uneducated. The stories also reflect the experiences of tormentors and protectors, offering a comprehensive view of cultural, ethnic, and human rights issues in the region.

The collection is inspired by the author's firsthand experiences along the Ganga River and includes themes previously explored in his earlier works, such as "Ai Bangla, Oi Bangla" and "Aamaar Desh." Some stories have been published in Bengali journals and echo his keynote addresses in Bangladesh.

Preface Highlights

In the preface, Dr. Dastidar draws parallels between the historical partition of Bengal in 1905 and the modern implications of such divisions, notably the events of 9/11. He discusses how the British colonial administration's partitioning of Bengal sowed seeds of communal strife, ultimately contributing to the larger Muslim-non-Muslim divide in 1947 and the rise of extremist ideologies in South Asia.

The author emphasizes the plight of indigenous peoples who remained in Islamized areas, as well as those who fled to India. He reflects on how the actions of colonial rulers aimed at suppressing Indian aspirations inadvertently set off forces beyond their control—echoing contemporary geopolitical conflicts. Through these narratives, Dr. Dastidar aims to shed light on the lasting consequences of historical events and their relevance to present-day society.