The Indian Experience [antikvár]

By publishing this book, the Indián Airlines Limited has made a thoughtful departure from the ritualistic way in which we tend to celebrate sacred days in the history of our country. The forthcoming 50th anniversary of India's Independence is certainly one such day. Going through the names of the distinguished contributors as well as the great variety of subjects covered, the book can be described as a creatively crafted piece of jewellery in which, as Dr. Rajendra Prasad once said, each precious stone retains its distinctiveness but combines with others to produce an identity of its own. The mystery of India, its splendour and its capacity for surviving the ravages of Time has aroused the curiosity of many travellers. I recall the names of Megasthenes, Fa Hien, Hiuen Tsang, A1 Baruni and Ibn Battuta. Contemplating the panorama of India's history, the great poet, Alama Iqbal summed up the story of our civilisation. His immortal words are worth recalling even if the flavour of his poetry cannot be conveyed through the English language. Iqbal says: "The great civilisations of Greece, Romé and Egypt have vanished from this earth. However, the unique identity of Indián civilisation has survived. There must be something which preserves our identity despite the ravages of Time." The historical phenomenon of the survival of Indián civilisation which, apparently, haunted the great Iqbal was the subject matter for deep contemplation by Rabindranath Tagore in several of his luminous writings. I should particularly like to refer to two of his works, viz. The Nationalism in the West and A Vision of India's History. Quoted below