Lover Of Light Among Luminaries Dilip Kumar Roy

The book "A Lover of Light Among Luminaries: Dilip Kumar Roy" by Dr. Amruta Paresh Patel is a comprehensive study of the life and works of Dilip Kumar Roy (1897-1980), an eminent figure of the Indian Renaissance. Published by L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, this book delves into Roy's multifaceted career as a spiritual seeker, musician, and literary artist.

Key aspects of Dilip Kumar Roy's life and work highlighted in the book:

• A Seeker of Truth: Roy was deeply involved in a quest for spiritual truth, which led him to interact with prominent intellectual and spiritual personalities of his time, including Bertrand Russell, Romain Rolland, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, and Ramana Maharshi. He meticulously recorded their "jewelled sayings" in his writings.
• Thematic Purpose of Writing: Dr. Patel argues that Roy's extensive writings were not solely for literary expression but were primarily driven by a desire to enlighten himself and his readers by presenting the concrete examples of great spiritual figures. He also aimed to introduce Indian spiritual traditions to Western audiences.
• Musical Prowess and Literary Artistry: Roy was a gifted musician, trained in both Indian and European traditions, and a prolific writer in both Bengali and English. He authored over seventy-five books in Bengali and twenty-four in English, covering novels, plays, poetry, biographies, and critical essays.
• Spiritual Journey: At the age of 31, Roy was initiated into the spiritual discipline of Integral Yoga by Sri Aurobindo and became one of his closest disciples. His life was marked by a deep devotion to Krishna, and he spent his later years at the Hari Krishna Mandir in Pune, inspiring many through his devotional songs.
• Biographical and Autobiographical Focus: The book specifically analyzes Dilip Roy's biographical and autobiographical writings. Dr. Patel notes that Roy's biographies are less about chronological historical events and more about the spiritual essence and personality of the individuals he portrayed, often from his personal encounters and subjective impressions.
• "Fuller Portraits" and "Sketches": The book details Roy's "fuller portraits" of individuals who significantly influenced him, such as Sri Aurobindo, Krishnaprem, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Indira Devi. It also covers his "sketches" of other notable figures like Romain Rolland, Bertrand Russell, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Ramana Maharshi, Swami Ramdas, Mahayogi Anirvan, Saint Gurudayal Mullick, and Sant Gulab Singh.
• Literary Style and Approach: Dr. Patel points out that Roy's writing style is often impressionistic, poetic, and emotionally charged, reflecting his romantic temperament. While his works can be seen as hagiographical and sometimes lacking in strict biographical objectivity or chronological order, they are deeply personal and convey a strong sense of spiritual quest and emotional intensity. His narratives often highlight the "arrow pattern" of spiritual aspiration, where a central, static spiritual figure inspires others to grow.
• Autobiographical Elements: Roy's autobiographical works, particularly "Pilgrims of the Stars" (co-authored with Indira Devi), are highlighted as a unique blend of two lives, revealing Roy's own spiritual journey, his intellectual struggles, his hero-worship, and his deep devotion to Krishna, often intertwined with the lives and experiences of the great personalities he encountered.
• Critical Evaluation: Dr. Patel provides a balanced evaluation, acknowledging Roy's strengths in conveying spiritual fervor and emotional depth, while also noting potential weaknesses such as his romantic inclinations, occasional lack of critical distance, and a tendency towards repetition.

In essence, the book presents Dilip Kumar Roy as a "lover of light" who, through his artistic and spiritual pursuits, sought to illuminate the lives of great souls and inspire his readers towards a higher spiritual existence. Dr. Patel's research aims to fill a gap in critical scholarship by providing a systematic study of Roy's significant contributions to literature and spirituality.