Why I Am an Indian and Other Essays

This volume reflects the evolution and growth of Prof. K. Ramakrishna Rao’s thought and the different dimensions and shades of his academic pursuits, ranging from Gandhi’s thought to consciousness studies, educational issues, identity problems, parapsychology, and Indian psychology in general and yoga in particular. While the topics covered appear to be very diverse and quite divergent, there is a common thread knitting them together; the thread is that the material covered is concerned with human nature. The crucial aspect of each of us is identity, which bestows on us individuality and separateness. It has its advantages and entails some problems as well. This book reflects on them from different perspectives, focusing mainly on the philosophical and psychological aspects in human functioning, and one’s identity and unity with others. Man is conceived as a composite of body, mind and consciousness. The discussion of these concepts hopefully sheds light directly or indirectly on the multiple problems concerning human nature and the associated difficulties in chasing them in real life and especially in one’s academic pursuits.