Description
The Immortal Characters of Mahabharat Edited by Faren
Author: Raj Shah
Bhishma
Bhishma is the first of the main characters in the story of Mahabharata. He was the son of Ganga and King Shantanu. He was named Devavrat was he was born.Due to an unfortunate event his mother left him and his father at his birth. When he grew up, he showed great intelligence, strength and ruling abilities. His father fell in love with a fisherwoman and wanted to marry her. She refused saying that it would be Bhishma, and not her children who would inherit the throne. Bhishma said he would be happy to give it up for her. She was, however, worried about his children who would fight for their rights. At this time, Bhishma took a noble vow to never marry, thereby ending the threat anyone in his family would pose. This is when Devavrat was named Bhishma, or the one who has made a terrible vow. In this manner, Bhishma always led the kingdom of Hastinapur, but never ascended the throne.
About Raj Shah
A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of Hinduism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a very positive and forward thinking person. Living in the United States since 1969, he considers the US as his Karmabhoomi, but does not forget his Mathrubhumi India even for a minute.
Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US. Keeping those principles in mind he co-founded an organization – the VIP (Volunteers of India’s Progress) Club in Clifton, New Jersey, in 1972. Since then, he has been instrumental in promoting several community organizations. He serves as a Chairman of Board of Directors, Hindu University of America, South Florida campus.
Raj has written several articles on wide variety of subjects like, Hinduism, Indian culture, Hindu wedding and Indian Festivals. He has also written two books titled, Chronology Of Hinduism – Documenting the History of the World’s Oldest Religion and Understanding Hinduism – The Basic Facts about Hinduism and Frequently Asked Questions. He has also written a few Children’s books, Holi Hai, The Complete Ramayana in 100 Tweets and Welcome to my beautiful Mandir.
Grand dad of four lovely grand children, Raj is a family man and strongly believes in the old Hindu concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “The whole world is one family.”
You can follow Raj Shah on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rajshahusa.
To set up an interview or a book reading and signing, please contact Raj Shah
