Publisher: Evincepub Publishing (2025)
Author: Pankaj Lochan
ISBN: 9789363556003 (English), 9789363559776 (Hindi)
Pages: 291
Sanatana & Science by Pankaj Lochan is a wonderful book that makes every Indian feel proud of our ancient culture and knowledge. Written in simple English (and also available in Hindi as Sanatana Aur Vigyaan), it’s like a guide for young people and anyone curious about India’s past. The author, Pankaj Lochan, is an engineer from IIT-BHU and has worked in big companies like Tata Steel and JSW. He spent 15 years studying India’s history and science to write this book. It’s not just a book—it’s a way to connect today’s youth with the amazing wisdom of our ancestors. This review will explain why this book is special, easy to read, and important for every Indian.
Why This Book Matters
In India, we often hear that our culture is great, but many of us don’t know how or why. After the British ruled us, they wrote our history in a way that made our ancestors look backward. Pankaj Lochan says this is wrong. He shows that Sanatana Dharma (what we call Hinduism) is not just about gods and temples—it’s a scientific way of living that gave the world many ideas long before others. The book starts with a poem by Derozio, “To India – My Native Land,” which shows the author’s love for India and his sadness that our true story was hidden. He wants young Indians to feel proud and learn the truth about our past.
How the Book Is Written
The book is divided into three easy parts, like a journey:
1. Part I: Sanatana – The Past
2. Part II: Sanatana – The Way of Life
3. Part III: Sanatana – The Science
Each part explains something new, starting from history, then culture, and finally science. It’s like climbing steps to understand India’s greatness.
Part I: Sanatana – The Past
This part talks about how old and advanced India was. Lochan says the British and other historians twisted our history to make us look small. He uses proof from old books like the Rigveda, science, and archaeology to show that India was a leader in knowledge thousands of years ago.
One exciting part is how he compares the Nasadiya Sukta (a hymn from the Rigveda) to the Big Bang theory. The Rigveda talks about how the universe began in a way that sounds like what scientists say today! Another cool idea is about Lord Vishnu’s ten avatars ( Dashavatara ). Lochan explains that these avatars—like Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), and Narasimha (half-man, half-lion)—match the stages of evolution that Charles Darwin talked about. For example, fish comes first, then amphibians, then early humans. Isn’t that amazing?
He also talks about big disasters like volcanoes and floods that are mentioned in our old stories. These are not just tales but real events our ancestors remembered. Lochan also says the “Aryan Invasion Theory” (that outsiders came and built India) is wrong. Instead, he shows proof that people from India went out to other places, spreading our knowledge.
Part II: Sanatana – The Way of Life
This part explains how Sanatana Dharma is not just a religion but a way to live happily with nature and people. Lochan talks about:
- Gurukul System : In old times, students lived with their teachers in Gurukuls and learned everything from books to life skills. It was better than just mugging up for exams!
- Big Universities : Places like Takshashila and Nalanda were world-famous schools where people from all over came to study, long before universities like Oxford existed.
- Indian Culture : Our music, dance, festivals, and even rituals are based on science and nature. For example, celebrating festivals like Diwali or Holi connects us to seasons and health.
This part shows that our traditions are not blind beliefs but smart ways to live. It makes you feel proud of being Indian and want to learn more.
Part III: Sanatana – The Science
This is the most exciting part! Lochan lists all the ways ancient Indians were super smart in science, math, and technology. Here are some highlights:
- Rituals with Meaning: Things like fasting, bathing early, or lighting lamps in the evening are not just habits—they’re good for your health and mind. For example, fasting cleans your body, and lighting lamps at dusk lifts your mood.
- Stars and Time: Our ancestors studied the stars and made super accurate calendars using Nakshatras (star groups). The Surya Siddhanta book explained planets and time better than many other cultures back then.
- Health and Medicine: Ayurveda and Yoga are Indian gifts to the world. The Sushruta Samhita book taught doctors how to do surgeries thousands of years ago! Lochan explains how these old methods still work today.
- Maths and Logic: Indians invented zero, algebra, and even ideas used in computers today. A scholar named Panini wrote grammar rules so perfect they’re like a computer program!
- Buildings and Engineering: Temples like Konark and Brihadeshwara are not just beautiful—they’re built with science. They use sunlight, sound, and strong designs. The Iron Pillar in Delhi hasn’t rusted in over 1,500 years—that’s Indian engineering!
This part makes you realize that India was doing science before the world even knew the word.
How the Author Writes
Pankaj Lochan writes like he’s talking to you, using simple words and Indian examples. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a parent, you’ll understand him. He sounds passionate, like he really wants you to love your culture. Sometimes, he repeats how the British messed up our history, but it feels like he’s saying it because he cares so much. His message is clear: Indian youth should stop feeling shy about their roots and start feeling proud.
What’s Great About the Book
- Lots of Research: Lochan uses old books like Vedas and Puranas , plus modern science, to back up his points. You can trust what he says.
- Easy to Read: Even big ideas like astronomy or evolution are explained in a way anyone can get.
- Fair and Balanced: He loves India but doesn’t put down other countries. He just wants to tell our story right.
- Inspires Young People: The book makes you want to learn more about your culture and feel proud to be Indian.
What Could Be Better
- Some Repetition: Lochan keeps talking about how our history was twisted. It’s important, but he could say it less.
- More Pictures: The book has a glossary for tough words, but some drawings of old tools or temples would make it easier to imagine things.
- Help for New Readers: If you don’t know much about Vedas or Sanskrit, some parts might feel hard. A little more explanation would help.
Why You Should Read This Book
Sanatana & Science is like a treasure map that shows how awesome India’s past was. It answers questions like, “Were our ancestors really smart?” with a big YES! It’s not just about history or science—it’s about feeling proud of who you are. The book connects old Indian wisdom with today’s world, showing that our culture is still useful and cool.
This book is perfect for:
- Students who want to know more about their roots.
- Teachers who want to make history or science classes fun.
- Parents who want to teach their kids about Indian culture.
- Anyone who loves learning new things.
Pankaj Lochan has written a book that feels like a gift to every Indian. It’s a chance to rediscover our past, feel proud of Bharat, and dream of a bright future. Read it, and you’ll see why India was—and still is—a leader in knowledge and wisdom.
Book’s Link Amazon Link
Book’s Link Amazon Link
