Crossing Paths in America and India: Memories Essays Reviews

A memoir of learning involvements and teaching…<br><br>Leonard Gordon tracks his connection to India beginning in the 1960s as he became an outsider/insider in its society visiting often over six decades. His entry into the study of nationalism andimperialism was rooted in his coming of age in a left-wing family in New York and his family’sfriendship with a pioneer of South Asians in the U.S. Kumar Goshal.In India he formed friendshipswith many notables depicted vividly here including P. Lal Jamini Roy Sunil Das Satyajit Ray Nikhil Chakravartty Nirad C. Chaudhuri Krishna and Sisir Bose. When he had to fight to obtain an Indian research visa in 1972 his friends helped him reverse the government’s decision denying him entry. <br><br>Starting from a study of nationalism in Bengal and the relation of Bengalis to Gandhi he focused in on Subhas and Sarat Bose writing Brothers against the Raj. Carrying out research in 14 countrieshe brought their worlds to life. <br><br>In this captivating memoir Gordon shares a deeply personal journey through the landscapes of twovibrant nations—India and America. Navigating through anecdotes letters and articles the Gordonoffers an intimate glimpse into the cultural social and political nuances that have shaped theirlife and work. With profound insights and a deep emotional connection this memoir captures theessence of the author's involvement in both countries revealing a life dedicated to understandingand bridging the complexities of East and West. This is a reflective engaging narrative that resonateswith curiosity and wisdom.