Deconstructing Terrorist Violence By: Ram Puniyani

Deconstructing Terrorist Violence

Ram Puniyani, currently Chairman at the Center for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, presents a compelling analysis of terrorism in his insightful work, "Deconstructing Terrorist Violence: Faith as a Mask". With a rich background in human rights activities and communal harmony initiatives, Puniyani skillfully deconstructs the ideological underpinnings of religion and violence.

About the Book

The book is a profound exploration into the politics of terror, challenging the conventional wisdom that terrorism is solely driven by religious fervor. Puniyani argues that terrorism is primarily a political phenomenon, either aiming to control oil-rich areas or pushing sectarian nationalist agendas.

Table of Contents: The book is meticulously structured with insightful chapters such as:

• Preface: World Gripped by Terror: Is Terrorism Due to Religion?
• Introduction: The Politics of Terror in Contemporary Times
• I. TERRORISM TODAY: THE GLOBAL SCENE, delving into the changing goals of colonialism-imperialism and the evolution of Islam through the ages.
• II. TERRORISM TODAY: THE VIEW FROM INDIA, focusing on Hindutva terrorism and its evolution from Hindu to Hindutva.
• III. INDIA: A VICTIM OF GLOBAL TERROR, examining Al Qaeda's strikes, notably the Mumbai terror attack.
• IV. RELIGION, POLITICS, AND TERRORISM, exploring civilizations-religions' alliance or clash and the intricate relationship between religion, power, and violence.

Book Details

The book is published by Sage Pubns with an ISBN-13 of 9789351500643. It's a hardcover edition, measuring 216 mm in height and 146 mm in width, with a spine width of 23 mm. It boasts 180 pages, offering an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.

About the Author

Ram Puniyani is not just an author but a seasoned activist. He has served as a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at IIT Mumbai and took voluntary retirement to dedicate himself full-time to communal harmony initiatives. His commitment to human rights activities spans over two decades, with associations including the All India Secular Forum, Center for Study of Society and Secularism, and Anhad.

Purpose

This book is not just a scholarly analysis but also a call to action. It invites readers to question their assumptions about religion and violence, challenging them to engage with uncomfortable questions that lie at the heart of contemporary terrorism. For those who wish to understand the complex dynamics behind terrorist violence and seek ways to counter it, Deconstructing Terrorist Violence is an indispensable guide.

Conclusion

Deconstructing Terrorist Violence: Faith as a Mask by Ram Puniyani is more than just a book; it's a compelling argument against the misuse of faith for political gain. With its comprehensive analysis and engaging narrative, it's an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex politics behind terrorism.