This book Shankaracharya and an Untouchable, is authored by Swami Ranganathanandaji, the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The book originates from a 1992 lecture in Hyderabad and explores the deep-seated societal issue of discrimination based on caste, race, and religion.

The book focuses on the Manisha Panchakam, a set of five verses by Adi Shankaracharya regarded as the essence of Advaita Vedanta. By examining these verses, the Swami addresses the irony of humanity preaching lofty spiritual principles while failing to apply them in daily life. This book aims to provide philosophical insights into overcoming prejudice through the non-dualistic lens of traditional scriptures.