Robert P. Goldman has reverentially written in his work 'Ramayan of Valmiki':-
“Few works of literature produced in any place at any time have been as popular, influential, imitated and successful as the great and ancient Sanskrit epic poem, the Valmîki Ramayana. A. A. Macdonell’s sweeping comment is hardly an overstatement of the case: “Probably no work of world literature, secular in origin, has ever produced so profound an influence on the life and thought of a people as the Ramayana.” For at least the last two and a half millennia, the tragic tale of Rama and Sîta, the oldest and most influential surviving version of which is Valmîki’s poem, has entertained, moved, enchanted, and uplifted untold millions of people in India and much of Southeast Asia for countless generations. The poem in all its versions and representations in the literary, plastic, and performing arts has constituted traditional India’s most pervasive and enduring instrument of acculturation.” (Vo. I, p. 3)
The great Mauriz Winternitz (1863-1937) Austrian Orientalist, accepts the antiquity and universality of the Ramayana in the following inspiring words:-
“Since more than 2000 years the poem of Rama has remained alive in India, and it continues to live in all strata and classes of folk. High and low, princes and peasants, landlords and artisans, princesses and shepherdesses, are well versed with the characters and stories of the great epic.” (A History of Indian Literature, by Moriz Winternitz, volume 1, p. 455)
It is spread over 5 acres of land and has got a magnificent palace known as Bhuwarreshwari Bhawan after the name of the late Rani of Amawa Estate in Bihar. The palace, which-was built in 1920-21, consists of 50 big rooms and 8 courtyards. The total built-up area of the palace is 2244 sq.m. The Samiti has repaired the palace to some extent. But it requires massive renovation to convert this palace into a Ramayan Research Institute. It is likely to incur an expenditure to the tune of around 50 lakh rupees.
The Samiti has constructed big boundary walls on all sides. The newly constructed boundary walls measure 416.11 R.m. The whole plot has been developed in such a way that the area is almost plane now and is completely free from any encroachment or any shopping structure. At Ayodhya, this complex is the largest eco-friendly area free from concrete structures. However, the landscaping, tree-plantation and beautification plan will cost rupees 20 lakhs.
Ramayan studies
In addition, the Institute
The Institute will issue the following certificates:-
Period – one year
Period- six months
Students will be charged nominal fees.
It will endeavour to create job opportunities for students. It will blend ancient wisdom with modern techniques.