The narrative explores the author's journey to adulthood in colonial and early-Uhuru Tanzania, blending personal anecdotes with cultural insights. Through engaging storytelling, Karim Hirji reflects on the contrasting optimism of the 1960s and the cynicism of contemporary society. He offers critical commentary on personal and societal paradoxes, capturing the complexities of growing up during a transformative period in Tanzania's history. The work serves as both a memoir and a thoughtful examination of cultural evolution and social change.
Hirji makes a case that Rodney's seminal work retains its value for understanding where Africa has come from, where it is going, and charting the path towards genuine development for its people. It is a succinct, coherent defence of an intellectual giant who lived and died for humanity, an essential read for anyone interested in Africa.
"Religion, Eugenics, Science and Mathematics examines the dynamic relationship between religion, on the one hand, and science and mathematics, on the other, on historic and conceptual grounds. It focuses on Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam together with various shades of secularism, including Marxism. Where relevant, other faiths are integrated into the analysis. The doctrine of eugenics, which culminated in the Nazi era extermination pogroms, reveals the complexity of the relationship between religion and science. Building on the foundation laid in his earlier work, Religion, Politics and Society, the author complements analysis with anecdotes, peruses scriptures but also explores practice, and compares the beliefs and lives of scientists with those of religious luminaries. Using an interdisciplinary approach, and a host of case studies, he addresses seven basic queries: Are religion and science mutually exclusive, opposing entities? Do divine beings and divine realms exist? Are science and religion valid but different forms of truth? What are the societal roles of science and religion? Can science provide a tenable, exalted code of ethics? What are the futures of religion and science? Can religion and science cooperate in resolving the daunting, existential problems facing humanity today? The ultimate message is that science and religion can exist harmoniously on the moral plane and the primary obstacle facing human progress today is neither religion nor science, but the dominant neo-liberal system that generates vast inequality, deep social divisions, including religious divisions, and a callous disregard for the global biosphere. Written in an approachable style, the book is primarily aimed at general readers, both secularists and people of varied faiths. Though it is based on secondary sources, experts and scholars in the field may also find it of interest due to its unconventional approach and the diversity of evidence it marshals."-- Provided by publisher
Two talented girls, who are best friends, have resolved to eat bananas every day. Together with their devotion to the truth and idealistic spirit, this addiction slowly propels them far into the lands of ideas and action. From reserved science students, they evolve to be steadfast activists for justice, and ultimately fi¬nd themselves behind bars, convicted of terrorism related charges. This action packed novel traces that evolution through a wide cast of characters that range from schoolmates, teachers, family members, street vendors to state officials and businessmen, both national and international It is a story based in Africa, of true friendship and the struggle for a decent human existence in the face of powerful adversaries. Though entirely fictional, it derives from existent and historical realities. Interspersed within its pages, you will find enticing entities from the plant kingdom as well as songs, photos and mathematical ideas relating to bananas. The supplementary material at the end provides an introduction to the factual basis of the story.
