“POSSESSING a higher Intelligence Quotient (IQ) or Emotional Quotient (EQ) level will not be of much help if one does not have moral values and altruism. IQ and EQ can be acquired through books in schools, values of family and colleagues but the Spiritual Quotient (SQ) can best be acquired from Ramayana and Mahabharata,” said senior BJP leader Shri LK Advani while recently releasing the book, Ramayana: The Hymns of Himalaya, in New Delhi .
The English translation of the epic has been done by a Jabalpur based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Akhilesh Gumashta. The book is in poetry form so that younger generation of the Indians residing in foreign countries can understand the Ramayana easily. Several copies of it have been made available to Holland, Canada, America, England and other countries. The 850-page book has been priced at Rs 900.
Former Chief Justice of India Justice Shri Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, founder of Vatsalya Gram Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Prabhat Jha, Madhya Pradesh Minister Shri Ajay Bishnoi were also present on the occasion. The book has been published by Prabhat Publication, Delhi.
“Contrary to the principle of the West that a person’s capability and intelligence can be judged through his Intelligence IQ or EQ, I believe if you want to judge a person, you should examine his SQ level,” Shri Advani said stating that with the English translation of the Ramayana, Dr Gumashta has really done a great favour to the society.
Praising the efforts of the author, Justice Shri Lahoti said Ramayana is the source of inspiration for constructive and creative introspection for everyone. While referring to the diminishing moral values among children, he said: “It is happening as we have withdrawn text and verses from the school’s book written by saints like Rahim, Surdas, Tulsi and Kabir, etc in the name of secularism. If we want to boost moral values in our children, we should make them read scriptures,” he said. He also added that Ramcharitmanas written by Goswami Tulsidas suggests solution to several problems including rising terrorism in India. “Ramcharitmanas has a formula to defeat terrorism. It also has formula to create leadership quality and making analysis,” he said. Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara said with the English translation of the Ramayana, the author would quench the thirst of spiritualism of the West. “With his writing skill, Dr Gumashta has given his penance and worship a virtual form,” she said. Shri Prabhat Jha welcomed the gathering and Shri Ajay Bishnoi proposed a vote of thanks.
