It is customary to acknowledge people who have contributed in bringing out a book. It is done, generally, at the time of publishing the work. Publishing on a website, however, is a continuous process and as such there is no closing chapter and releasing the work for publication. And therefore the chances of acknowledging various people’s contribution become dim. So I decided to acknowledge the contributions of the following people — before it is too late — in starting and sustaining of ‘swami-ism.org’.
Of the people I’ve mentored or played a philosophical / spiritual guide to over several years, many told me to put in writing my conclusions on the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, existence, and meaning of life. A handful of them got after me to start a web page. Chief among them was Asheesh Kwatra, a university topper who holds a Master’s degree in Electronics and is presently based in the USA. Having interacted with me closely for over a decade and half, Asheesh is the one who insisted that I share my thoughts on a public platform for the benefit of a larger audience. But for his continued persuasion ‘swami-ism.org’ might not have seen the light of the day.
Neelam Sharma from Batal in Himachal Pradesh deserves a special mention for coining the term ‘swami-ism’. A double M.A., M.Ed, Neelam is a teacher by profession, and I have known her for over two decades. It was during our discussion one day on how I should christen my philosophy of life that she, jocularly but spontaneously, uttered ‘swami-ism’. Thus, ‘swami-ism’ came into being.
I would especially like to thank Smita Mishra Chaturvedi for her unstinting editorial services. Smita is a UGC qualified lecturer in English and a professional editor. I have known Smita for more than a decade, but I never had the opportunity of getting acquainted with her editorial skills. At the time of launching my web page, her husband, Manish, strongly recommended her name. Like most authors I thought my writing skills were passable and wondered whether the drafts needed her editorial scissors. Nevertheless, I yielded and sent some scripts to Smita. On seeing the edited scripts, I realised her prowess. Needless to say, I continue to take her editorial suggestions.
I am grateful to Vinod Chauhan for designing and launching my web page. Vinod hails from Kalihatti in Himachal Pradesh and holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications. Initially engaged in a private job, Vinod took the plunge one fine day and started his own company. Today, he employs three other computer engineers. Inspite of his busy schedule, he always comes forward to run and maintain my web page.
Last but not the least, I thank my readers who keep me going with their queries, helpful comments and suggestions.
Jai ho!