Scientific edge excerpt

From Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist from Vedic to Modern Times by Jayant Narlikar  I heard [the] following stocy from my father, who got it from one of the many versions of the Ramayana. After Rama had returned from Lanka and begun ruling in Ayodhya, a hideous-looking dog appeared in his court, asking for justice. In Ramarajya (Rama's kingdom), even animalls, let alone humans, were entitled to justice. So the dog was given a hearing, the accused being a Sanyasi (a person who has renounced the world and who lives on alms collected from house to house). 'Sire, I was merely following this Sanyasi when he suddenly beat me with a stick for no rhyme or reason,' said the dog. 'I demand justine.' 'What is your side of the story?' Rama asked the Sanyasi. 'O Rama! This dog did follow me everywhere as I went from house to house begging for alms. but everywhere the householder took a look at the dog and shut the door in fear or disgust.' The courtiers nodded in agreement. The dog did look ugly, dirty and ferocious. The Sanyasi continued. 'Sire, at the end of the morning my bowl was still empty, thanks to this animal. I was naturally hungry and angry and took my frustration out on him.' The dog replied, 'O Rama, I was following him so that I may also get some food. It is my fault that he should beat me? I was born this way and cannot help my appearance.' 'Do you have anything to say, O Sanyasi?' Rama asked. 'No, Sire! The dog is right. Whatever the provocation, I, a Sanyasi should not have lost my temper, certainly not on a dog who was blameless. I am ready for whatever punishment that is my due,' the Sanyasi replied. 'Well, let the plaintiff recommend the punishment,' said Rama as he passed on the responsibility to the dog. The dog pondered a bit and then replied, 'Sire, seeing that the Sanyasi is a scholar, I suggest that you start a new vidyapeeth (university) and make him its kulpati (vice chancellor).' 'But that is an honour, not a punishment,' Rama exclaimed. 'Honour, yes, but punishment as well, replied the dog. 'For, managing a vidyapeeth is a very onerous task. He will certainly suffer enough anguish.' 

© Jayant Narlikar