Customer Reviews

American in Khadi: The Definitive Biography of Satyanand Stokes

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This is a well-written biography of an American Christian missionary who went to India in the early 1900s from Philadelphia and his serious study of Hindu vedanta philosophy, conversion to Hinduism, marriage to an Indian woman, joining Gandhi's non-violent movement, raising a family in Himachal Pradesh (foot-hills of the Himalayas) and above all, his significant contribution to Indian agriculture by introducing American apple cultivation to that part of the world. The latter is responsible for the tons of delicious apples now being sold in Northern India today. This biogrpahy was written by a grand-daughter of Stokes. It is well-researched and contains a useful bibliography for students of Indian History interested in studying the contributions of ordinary Americans in the history of contemporary India. By sheer accident, I came across this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What a wonderful and unique book! It offers a unique insight into the trials and tribulations of a true entreprenuer with a bold conviction.

One has only to look at the financial prosperity of the region he called "home", to ponder in awe at his bravery, his intelligence and his love for his people.

It would be good to see a second expanded edit of this landmark book that includes an appendix with an expanded rooster of contacts for his surviving (and every growing) legacy. Or a webpage, anyone?

It is fundamentally essential to see a more active and cohesive efforts of the "Kotgarh" community in furthering the development of this region in the spirit of this grand visionary.

Hats off to the author!