Meera Nanda

Meera Nanda is an Indian academic, philosopher of science, and author known for her critiques of religious nationalism, postcolonial theory, and the intersection of science and religion in India. She holds a PhD in Science Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has been affiliated with various academic institutions including the National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies in New Delhi. Her notable works include "Prophets Facing Backward: Postmodern Critiques of Science and Hindu Nationalism in India" and "The God Market: How Globalization is Making India More Hindu." These books examine the relationship between Hindu nationalism, modernization, and scientific rationality in contemporary India. Nanda's writing frequently challenges what she sees as the misuse of postcolonial theory to defend traditional knowledge systems against scientific scrutiny. She has been particularly critical of movements that blend Hindu nationalism with anti-modernist positions, arguing that this combination undermines both scientific thinking and secular democracy in India. Her work has contributed significantly to debates about secularism, religious fundamentalism, and the role of science in developing societies. Nanda has received both acclaim and criticism for her stance against what she terms "reactionary modernism" in Indian society and her defense of Enlightenment values.

Readers note Nanda's detailed research and academic analysis of Hindu nationalism and its intersection with science. Reviews highlight her critical examination of religious movements in India. Positive reviews focus on her thorough documentation and evidence-based approach. Multiple readers on Goodreads mention the value of her systematic deconstruction of pseudo-scientific claims. Amazon reviewers appreciate her accessible writing on complex topics like quantum mysticism. Critics argue that her work displays a bias against Hinduism and traditional Indian knowledge systems. Some readers find her tone overly antagonistic and her critiques of religious beliefs too harsh. Several Goodreads reviews mention that her academic writing style can be dense and challenging for general readers. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 (across all works) Amazon: 3.5/5 (Prophets Facing Backward) Google Books: 4/5 (The God Market) Most reviewed work: "The God Market" (89 Goodreads ratings) Least reviewed: "Science in Saffron" (12 Amazon ratings)

Prophets Facing Backward: Postmodern Critiques of Science and Hindu Nationalism in India (2003) An examination of how postmodernist critiques of science have influenced Hindu nationalist movements in India.

Breaking the Spell of Dharma and Other Essays (2002) A collection of essays analyzing the intersection of science, religion, and social justice in contemporary India.

The God Market: How Globalization is Making India More Hindu (2009) An investigation into how economic liberalization and globalization have affected religious practices and Hindu nationalism in India.

Science in Saffron: Skeptical Essays on History of Science (2016) A critical analysis of claims about ancient Indian scientific achievements and their use in contemporary political discourse.

Wrongs of the Religious Right: Reflections on Science, Secularism and Hindutva (2005) An exploration of the relationship between Hindu nationalism, secular values, and scientific thinking in modern India.