CERTAIN
things are eternal. Like the Indian epics the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata. These ancient tracts have wielded immense civilisational
influence since times immemorial.

Yet, even in the post-modern
world, with outer space very nearly conquered by man, the two epics
continue to hold in thrall tens of millions of Indians.

Cutting
across differences of caste, creed, region, and even religion, the
intricate tales of deceit and low cunning pitted against high moral
principles and good conduct have never failed to engage generations of
Indians. For, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata constitute the very
life-blood of Indian civilisation.