Nivedita Lokmata Part 1 by Shankari Prasad Basu [Hardcover]

Sister Nivedita was a disciple of Swami Vivekananda and a pivotal figure in Indian history. This book, through extensive research and many unknown facts, reveals what she was and what she did. It includes materials from contemporary newspapers, rare books, various memoirs, and over five hundred unpublished letters of Nivedita. The book features letters from numerous notable personalities such as Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose, Swami Saradananda, Ramesh Chandra Dutt, B.M. Malabari, G.K. Gokhale, Abanindranath Tagore, Prince Kropotkin, S.K. Ratcliffe, William Stead, Miss Macleod, Mrs. Ole Bull, Jane Addams, Lady Isabella Margasson, E.T. Sturdy, and Miss Longfellow.

For authenticity, many illustrations and reproductions are provided. The multicolored portrait painted by Swamiji's childhood friend Priyanath Singh is a valuable asset in this book. It also includes a reproduction of Nivedita’s diary from the week before Swamiji’s death. This multi-volume book is meticulously crafted. The first edition of the voluminous first volume is divided into two separate books for the convenience of readers.

The first part of the first volume, titled "Ramakrishna-Vivekanander Nivedita," covers Nivedita’s spiritual life, her relationship with the Ramakrishna Order, and excellent writings about Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Vivekananda. The letters from Nivedita give a vivid picture of Vivekananda's inspiring personality, adding a valuable chapter to the history of spirituality.

The second part of the first volume, titled "Mrittyurupa Kali," includes Swamiji’s extraordinary views on death, Nivedita’s lectures on Kali, and the intense social reactions to them. Some ‘secret documents’ from the spiritual realm associated with Vivekananda are also unveiled here.

The first section of the second part of the first volume, titled "Purba Jibon," depicts Nivedita’s progress in gaining recognition in the intellectual circles of London before meeting Swamiji. Fifteen rare writings from Nivedita’s early life are presented in their original and translated forms. Rare images of the intimate Nivedita are included. Although the world was her home, she had a deep bond with her family. The second section, titled "Nivedita o Jagadishchandra," illustrates Nivedita’s role as a source of inspiration in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose’s discoveries and the scientific movement in India. Swamiji’s encouragement of Bose’s scientific endeavors and the assistance from Swamiji’s disciples, Mrs. Ole Bull and Miss Macleod, are detailed.

The second and third volumes cover Nivedita’s extensive role in India’s national movement, including the Swadeshi movement, her open and secret political activities, travels in disguise, fiery writings, intense corruption in the government, brutal persecution of patriots, government resentment towards the Ramakrishna Mission, and Nivedita’s connections with political leaders.

The fourth volume deals with the history of the Indian art movement and Nivedita's leadership in it. The final volume analyzes the value of Nivedita’s famous books in dissecting the strength and beauty of Indian culture, her work and inspiration in women's education and social service movements, her connections with the greatest minds of India and the world, and news about her in contemporary newspapers and magazines. There is a special chapter on Rabindranath and Nivedita. Additionally, there are many reports and excellent translations of Nivedita’s writings. To understand the cultural history of India at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this foundational work is indispensable.

This book introduces readers to the life struggles of a forever optimistic, combative woman of extraordinary talent, aiding in the connection between the soul of India and the world.