Why I Am an Indian and Other Spiritual 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.

Prof. Koneru Ramakrishna Rao is currently Chancellor of GITAM (deemed to be) University. He has the rare distinction of being National Fellow of the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research and the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, and Distinguished Honorary Professor at Andhra University. His earlier academic appointments include Professor of Psychology and Vice-Chancellor at Andhra University; Executive Director, Foundation for Research on the Nature of Man, USA; Chairman, A.P. State Council of Higher Education, and Advisor on Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh. He published 25 plus books and nearly 300 research papers.

Prof. Rao received numerous honours that include the national award Padma Shri from the President of India and Honorary Doctoral degrees from Andhra, Acharya Nagarjuna and Kakatiya universities. He was elected as the President of the US-based Para-psychological Association three times, the only Asian to be so honoured.

**Contents and Sample Pages**