Celebrating the launch of Tangerine – How to Read the Upanishads Without Giving up Coffee.
Step into an evening where philosophy, music, and conversation flow with ease. In her newest work, Author and Journalist Namita Devidayal takes us on a journey into the heart of Hindu philosophy, decoding the wisdom of the Upanishads while navigating the joys, doubts, and dilemmas of modern life. What begins as a chance meeting in Rishikesh turns into an extraordinary path of self-discovery, illuminated by the words of enlightened souls and Namita’s fearless reflections. It is a story of finding stillness in a noisy world and balancing the sacred with the everyday.
This
literary celebration marks our second Mumbai launch in collaboration with
Namita. The
evening unfolds with a conversation between the author and Producer and
Founder, Roy Kapur Films Siddharth Roy Kapur, discussing the themes
of slowing down, listening deeply, and exploring how ancient wisdom can
illuminate the present moment. It will be followed by the soulful melodies of Vocalist
Rutuja Lad and is rounded off with an invitation to connect and
carry the conversation forward.
Join
us for a gathering of ideas, music, and conversation, as we celebrate a master
storyteller’s search for meaning in a world that refuses to slow down.
Namita Devidayal is the author of three books — The Music Room, Aftertaste, and The Sixth String of Vilayat Khan. She has contributed to various anthologies including one on Mumbai that is about to be published. She has been a long-time journalist with ‘The Times of India’ in Mumbai, and was co-director of the Times Litfest.
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Siddharth Roy Kapur, Founder of Roy Kapur Films, former Managing Director of Disney India and former President of the Producers Guild of India, is one of India’s most acclaimed film producers. His range of work spans from blockbusters like Dangal and Chennai Express to critically lauded films like Barfi! and Haider, with multiple National and Filmfare awards to his credit. He is a member of the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (A.M.P.A.S.) and is regularly featured on Variety’s list of most influential people in global entertainment, he is currently developing an ambitious international series adaptation of William Dalrymple’s bestselling book The Anarchy.
Read moreSacred Texts and Timeless Philosophy
Hinduism, among the oldest surviving traditions in the world, draws its strength from a rich body of sacred literature that has influenced thought, culture, and daily life for millennia. Texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, along with later philosophical writings, extend far beyond myth or ritual. They offer pathways to self-knowledge, ethical living, and the pursuit of ultimate truth. Even today, their profound teachings resonate with seekers, linking timeless wisdom to the realities of modern life.
A Glimpse into the Upanishads
The Upanishads explore the nature of existence, awareness, and ultimate reality. Written thousands of years ago, they continue to serve as the cornerstone of Indian thought. The Upanishads, in contrast to ritualistic texts, exhort the seeker to reflect, ask questions, and come to terms with the fact that the holy is within rather than outside. Deep realities are explored in their incisive teacher-student conversations, including "Who am I?" "What is the Self's nature?" "What ties us to the life-and-death cycle?"
The universality of the Upanishads is what makes them so beautiful.They are not
bound by time or culture but speak to the human quest for meaning. Even in
today’s world, where technology accelerates our lives and material pursuits
dominate, the call of the Upanishads feels strikingly relevant. They serve as a
reminder that beneath the cacophony of the outside world, there is an inner
quiet that can change the way we live and interact with others.
Mysticism and Reform: The Spiritual Legacies of Ramakrishna and Dayananda Saraswati
Luminous teachers such as Dayananda Saraswati and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa continue this tradition of spiritual investigation. With his deep commitment and firsthand knowledge of the divine, Ramakrishna taught that all paths ultimately lead to the same truth, regardless of whether they are based in ritual, meditation, or love. His life was a living embodiment of the Upanishadic ideal that divinity dwells within each of us, accessible through sincere practice and surrender.
On the other hand, Dayananda Saraswati, the teacher’s guru, brought a reformist zeal to Indian spiritual life. He urged people to return to the Vedas, to purify religious practice, and to seek truth through reason as much as devotion. His vision combined intellectual rigor with spiritual faith, echoing the Upanishadic call for both inquiry and realization.
Their combined contributions shed light on two opposing facets of Indian spirituality: the logical and reformist side and the intensely intimate and devotional side. When we consider their contributions, we see that India's philosophical traditions are dynamic, ever-evolving schools of thought rather than static artifacts from the past. They still serve as a source of inspiration for people today, promoting both social regeneration and inner enlightenment.
In essence, the layers of meaning in Tangerine, the wisdom of the Upanishads, and the teachings of Ramakrishna and Dayananda Saraswati all converge on a single point — the search for light, truth, and self-discovery.
