On the occasion of Second Edition-
Rekindling the Flame of Radical Humanism in India:
The recent relaunching of the second edition of V.M. Tarkunde's seminal work, Radical Humanism: The Philosophy of Freedom and Democracy, marks a pivotal moment for intellectual discourse and activism in India. This book was originally published in 1983. It was really a profound exploration of radical humanist philosophy not only in India but also at the world level.
The decision to publish a second edition in English and the third Gujarati arises from the growing urgency to revisit Tarkunde's ideas amid contemporary socio-political challenges in Indian society.. The earlier editions, nearly four decades old, had become increasingly scarce, necessitating renewed accessibility to his lucid articulation of humanist principles. This initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of N.D. Pancholi, who secured reprint permissions from Manek Tarkundjye (Tarkunde's daughter), ensuring the preservation of his legacy.
The republication underscores the enduring relevance of Tarkunde's framework, particularly in addressing Gujarat's evolving political landscape. His philosophy—rooted in freedom, rationalism, and secular morality—provides critical tools for activists navigating rising challenges to individual liberty and democratic values. The publisher highlights a concerning global shift toward centralized political and economic power, where individual agency risks being subsumed by loyalty to collective identities, political parties, and state-controlled technologies.
The re-launch responds to the marginalization of the individual in favor of nationalist, religious, and partisan allegiances. Modern advancements, once envisioned as tools for societal empowerment, now risk reinforcing authoritarian control. Tarkunde's work offers a counter-narrative, advocating for a society centered on human dignity, ethical governance, and rational discourse—a vision critical for sustaining representative democracy amidst rising polarization.
This initiative not only revitalizes Tarkunde's vision but also equips a new generation to engage critically with threats to individual freedom and democratic pluralism. By bridging historical philosophy with contemporary struggles, the re-publication serves as both a scholarly resource and a call to action for humanist advocacy in Gujarat and beyond.
Bipin Shroff -
