Chief Justice of India TS Thakur hails Parsi community, explains why Justice Rohinton Nariman studied the Bhagawad Gita
It is a rare occasion to hear the Chief Justice of India talk about the need to integrate a spirit of oneness among religions and cite the Bhagawad Gita at a function which celebrates a book release on the Zoroastrian religion.
It is a rare occasion to hear the Chief Justice of India talk about the need to integrate a spirit of oneness among religions and cite the Bhagawad Gita at a function which celebrates a book release on the Zoroastrian religion.
What is even more interesting is that the author of the book – Justice Rohinton Nariman – is a Parsi priest who first studied the Bhagawad Gita, and in his own words, says, “In the Gita, I found a direct philosophy dealing with duty, action and detachment including renunciation of the fruits of action. As a result, I devoured the book quite easily and was able to appreciate it.”
Chief Justice of India TS Thakur emphasized that religion is an individual’s personal affair and should not be interfered with by anyone else. He also that people of all religions should live in a spirit of oneness and harmony, saying, “Fundamentals are common to all religions. All religions believe in the existence of one God. Lord Krishna, in the Gita, says that all paths lead eventually to Him,”
Referring to the contribution of the Parsi community, Chief Justice of India TS Thakur said, “Industry, science, commerce, law – the Parsis have made great contributions to the nation in all these fields but I have not known any spiritual contribution as such and therefore, I recommend Rohinton Nariman’s book.”
Chief Justice of India TS Thakur further stated, “The Gathas are written in Rig Vedic Sanskrit – it has come to us in a pristine form. This establishes a deep relationship between the Hindu religion and Zoroastrian religion. Rohington Nariman started by studying Bhagwad Gita and followed the underlying philosophy of Karma elucidated by Lord Krishna, then he went to study the Bible and Koran. It is after studying and understanding these religions that Justice Nariman began to write about the Gathas. In my opinion, Rohinton Nariman has done a great service to humanity by writing this book.”
Several eminent persons attended Justice Rohinton Nariman’s book launch at the India International Centre. The gathering including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and many others.
