Don't stop with reading epics, follow principles: Kapadia

Chief Justice of India S.H. Kapadia on Wednesday emphasised the need for implementing the principles enunciated in scriptures and epics like the Ramayana to bring about an egalitarian society.

It was not enough that one read them. There was need to follow the principles. “Otherwise, why should there be divisions and discrimination on the basis of caste, religion and creed?”

Justice Kapadia was releasing here the 1,522-page English translation of Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily's Kannada book

Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam.

Pointing out that all religions spoke of the need for equality, he said it was essential that everyone worked to ensure inclusive growth. The poorest of the poor should enjoy the fruits of development.

Aim of book

Pointing out that the aim of the book was to explore

Ramattva or the true principles of the story of Lord Rama from a modern and secular perspective, Mr. Moily said a significant feature of the narratives about Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana was that they did not idle away their time during their 14-year exile in the forest; instead, they took special efforts to free tribals living there from a slavish mentality.

Another major lesson from the epic was the need to banish wars and conflicts and establish peace across the globe.

“It was time, all world leaders came together and discussed ways to get rid of wars and conflicts.”

Later speaking to journalists, Mr. Moily rubbished criticism that he had portrayed Lord Rama as a Naxalite leader. “The allegation is totally baseless.”