| “Indian philosophers’ subtleties make most of the great European philosophers look like schoolboys.” |
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— T.S. Eliot, a great American poet and critic |
 If you are suspicious about the heritage and culture of your country, a book of quotes entitled “What is India?” by Salil Gewali would be an eye-opener, says John Palmer of Las Vegas, Nevada. Palmer is a big fan of Indian classical wisdom and spiritualism. A book of quotations compiled and published by Salil Gewali of Shillong, Meghalaya (INDIA) is doubtlessly a remarkable attempt to showcase the views of the world renowned scholars about India and her classical literature , particularly Vedas, Upanishad and Bhagavad Gita. The book provides how Indian wisdom inspired ‘the greatest of the great’ scientists, writers, poets etc that include Werner Heisenberg — father of Quantum Physics, T. S. Eliot — great American writer, Voltaire, Friedrich Hegel, Ralph Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, H G Wells, Mark Twain, Bernard Shaw, Erwin Schrodinger— father of Quantum mechanics. The compilation has already earned the world-wide appreciation. A US based renowned writer Prof Chitra Divakaruni whose famous novel ‘The Mistress of Spices’ was released as a film starring Aishwarya Rai, says —– “Salil Gewali has lovingly compiled an excellent set of quotations that illustrate how highly great thinkers from all over the world valued Indian spiritual culture and how it transformed their lives. An inspirational read that reminds us of our amazing ancient heritage and why we need to incorporate it into our lives as modern Indians.” The book illustrates how the father of Atomic Bomb, Julius Robert Oppenheimer got immersed into the treasure trove of oriental knowledge who even had gone to the extent of proclaiming —- “What we shall find in Modern Physics is an exemplification, an encouragement and a refinement of old Indian wisdom.” The book has even won the fascination of an internationally acclaimed NASA scientist, Prof. A. V. Murali, who comments — “ ‘WHAT IS INDIA’ is simply outstanding! I never knew that such a compilation exists and we all should be thankful to Salil Gewali ! These great quotes should be embossed on plaques and displayed on the walls of our Parliament, State Assembly Halls, and at all our educational institutions. Most importantly, the material should be made a compulsory reading for all the school students — elaborating more on ‘ who is who’ and the monumental contributions of these intellectual giants.” The global recognition that the book earned is doubtlessly something remarkable we Indiana people can take pride in. A scholar from Scotland says — ‘I congratulate Salil Gewali for this beautiful quotes book on Indian classical literature. True intellectual minds who are free from prejudices always appreciate Indian wisdom. Indian wisdom is secular and universal. A big proof is Salil’s book with eminent scholars’ comments who are mostly scientists and philosophers.’ The book was released by the Governor of Meghalaya and forwarded by the Education Minister of the Meghalaya itself. ‘Sri Ramanuja Mission Trust’ of Chennai has undertaken the task of translating and publishing Gewali’s book into seven languages, as – Tamil, Hindi, Marathy, Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit and Malayalam. ‘While the West has excelled at investigating and manipulating the Exterior world, the East has specialized in understanding and transforming the Interior world. This book is a superb eye-opener’,opines Dr K Bruder of Michigan, USA. Salil Gewali |
