When religion and science collaborate...

The launch of Dr Mithin Aachi’s book, ‘The Womb of Brahma’ was a wholesome event with live music, book reading and an interactive session among the participating guests.

Launched by poet and doctor from the USA, Dr Neal Hall at The Gallery Café, the book is perhaps India’s first science fiction fantasy adventure series where the protagonists, Anu and Naren go in search of the centre if the universe.

Following the launch, a book reading session was conducted by the ‘Little Theatre’ group consisting of Vijay Marur, Shankar Melkhote and BS Prakash, who read excerpts from the book.

There was a discussion about science and religion as well with questions directed to the author by Chandana Chakrabarti and Prakash. In the discussion, Dr Mithin said that Indian religious thoughts were not alien to scientific discoveries and both are actually mutually complimentary in the long run.

Objections were raised during question hour by well known director, Mani Shankar who stated anecdotes from the Kaivalya Upanishad and talked about the definitions of Hiranyagarbha and Brahmayoni.

Mani also said that the true journey is inside and not outward. Mithin replied that the gist of the book is the same as it is a trilogy.

He also stated that there are no limiting adjuncts to the absolute and all endeavour and descriptions are in the relative only. He concluded saying that outward journey one day matures into a restlessness, which then turns inside to the inner journey. The discussion awed the audience.

Another guest asked about the ‘Big Bang’ of the universe wherein Mithin said that the phenomenon might not be the entire truth and ‘Big Bounce’, which is a cyclical creation and destruction of the universe, might correctly describe its origins.

The event concluded with Akram Ul Haq, a guitarist who presented his own composition that was suitable to the theme of the book.