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Chandra Holm deserves our gratitude for bringing the Mahabharata Story to the forum.

The modern era is described as having progressed from stone age, through iron age, industrial age, nuclear age and information age to the current status of knowledge age and is expected to mature as wisdom age. Looking at the reactions and responses to C's contribution, clearly we seem to be inching towards that destination however slowly, the reenactment of the Mahabaratha War in SAWF Forum notwithstanding.

The ancient story is remarkable in as much as it includes concepts of heredity and chromosomes, which theories were supposed to be non-existent in those times. The birth characteristics are not pure but a combination of ancestral qualities. They are not derived from only the parents, but from several preceding generations. Probability plays a role in determining the presence and extent of desirable and undesirable qualities. This explains why every individual is different even within the same family. Each person is a combination of good and not so good traits (Satvik, Tamasik and Rajasik gunas).

There is little one can do about the circumstances of one's birth. Everyone has certain strengths and weaknesses of body, mind, likes, and dislikes from the time of birth. However, this need not be a damper. There are several real and fictional examples of persons who have conquered their handicaps. To quote just one example Kalidasa is said to have overcome his ignorance and lack of background to provide some of the most brilliant literature. Valmiki and less known poets like Nandanar (16thCentury) in the South were also ordinary, simple people who metamorphosed into great men of verse and wisdom. Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has excelled in the literary and political field without any formal education. He is also a great orator.

Hinduism, the oldest known religion, the mother of all religions, so to speak, has survived to this day braving all onslaughts effortlessly without any need to convert or defend itself from uninformed and motivated hostile propaganda. This was only perhaps because wisdom age was in existence long ago. This collective societal wisdom was reflected in all the scriptures and mythological stories. The Vedas are a typical example of the collective works of different sages and wise men.

Today, in marching towards the Wisdom age again, we need to explore ideas beyond the narrow interpretations of the rich ancient literature. We need to accept and cope with the rapid changes that are taking place around us every day. The concept of 'Raja' and 'Praja' has given way to democracy where all are entitled to equal opportunities. Democracy in turn has created pressure groups wanting to exploit the society for their ends.

To my mind, a Brahmin is one who is willing to learn, who is willing to change and improve the society and therefore who is the embodiment of wisdom. Anyone's birth is only an accident, but it is open to him to rise to the status of a Brahmin through achievements.

Who then are the Shudras? Corrupt Politicians or Bureaucrats, Drug peddlers and Criminals, Blackmarketeers and Exploiters of the poor and weak, especially children, are the untouchables, who definitely are not "Harijans". Anyone, who like a leech sucks the vital fluids of society and like a parasite lives off society deserves to be called Shudra. Can we educate them into becoming Brahmins. Compulsory gene therapy is perhaps the answer.

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