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NT Bureau
Chennai, Feb 3:
 

Parliamentarian Karan Singh releasing the book Valmiki Ramayana: A Treasure and director of Ramco Industries S Arjuna Raja receives the first copy in Chennai yesterday. Vice-chairman of Bharitya Vidya Bhavan R Ramachandra is also present.

        'Through the epic of Ramayana one can have a glimpse of the compassionate and kind nature of Lord Rama,' said Karan Singh, Member of Parliament and president of ICCR, here yesterday.

        He said this while releasing the book Vaalmeeki Ramayana - A Treasure written by L Swaminathan at a function in the city.

        Karan Singh said epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharatha have always had a special place in the cultural history of not just India but also that of South East Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia from time immemorial.

        He said Valmiki, the original chronicler of Ramayana, was a master craftsman who through the epic has portrayed that the path of 'Dharma' cannot be defeated by the forces of vice. 'In the ultimate battle between the evil and the righteous, it is the latter which will win, ' he said.

        He also said the role of the 'Vanaras' in aiding Rama in rescuing Sita had been neglected by cultural historians, 'The Vanaras are a very intelligent and resourceful tribal belonging to South India in the olden days, and are not any type of sub-species as perceived in the TV serials, books etc,' he said.

        He also said the different versions of Ramayana such as that of Kamba and Thulasidas have carved out their own distinctive place in the hearts of the masses. He said the epic is a vehicle for 'Bharathiya' cultural ethos such as brotherly love, friendship etc.

        R Ramachandran, retired chief sub- editor of The Hindu, while introducing the masterpiece, said minor characters in Ramayana have been vividly portrayed with delectable artistry.