by 
Hi Friends,
Today I have with me for virtual coffee, Dr. Ajay Kansal whose first book The Evolution of Gods
has shocked and engaged readers all over the world and forced them to reconsider their notions on the existence of God!
has shocked and engaged readers all over the world and forced them to reconsider their notions on the existence of God!
About the Author:
Ajay Kansal is a professor and consultant pathologist. It was during his medical practice that he encountered human suffering in a big way that made him question the concept of gods and drove him to write this book.
Ajay Kansal is a professor and consultant pathologist. It was during his medical practice that he encountered human suffering in a big way that made him question the concept of gods and drove him to write this book.
Follow The Author:
Welcome to Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff, Ajay!
First, I have got to tell you that I totally loved your book and it made me re-evaluate every belief I have of God. Great effort and a very promising read. Kudos.. 🙂
Let’s grab coffee and start this interview.
Question: Tell us something about yourself?
Answer: I studied medicine in G.S.V.M Medical
College Kanpur and was awarded M.D (Pathology) in 1991. Currently, I am working
as a professor and consultant in clinical pathology.
College Kanpur and was awarded M.D (Pathology) in 1991. Currently, I am working
as a professor and consultant in clinical pathology.
Question: Whatgenre are your books? What draws you to this genre?
Answer: I have written only one book The Evolution of Gods. This comprises
anthropology and ancient history of the religious activities of mankind. This
is a non-fiction and most of its assertions are taken from several reference
books on the subject.
. This comprisesanthropology and ancient history of the religious activities of mankind. This
is a non-fiction and most of its assertions are taken from several reference
books on the subject.
Question: When and why you began writing your book?
Answer: During my clinical practice, I
encountered many suffering patients, which drilled a hole in my faith. Besides,
rampant terrorism, poverty, inequality, exploitation, injustice and crimes
raised several questions on the kindness of gods. Gradually, I realized that
gods and religions are doing nothing to resuscitate the suffering humanity.
Rather priests’ promises make complacent to the sufferers; they do only
worship in place of struggle. I began conceiving that gods and religions seem
to be human imagination.
encountered many suffering patients, which drilled a hole in my faith. Besides,
rampant terrorism, poverty, inequality, exploitation, injustice and crimes
raised several questions on the kindness of gods. Gradually, I realized that
gods and religions are doing nothing to resuscitate the suffering humanity.
Rather priests’ promises make complacent to the sufferers; they do only
worship in place of struggle. I began conceiving that gods and religions seem
to be human imagination.
In order to resolve the quest, around ten
years ago, I developed a keen desire to explore the origin of religions and
gods and studied philosophy, history and anthropology. The study carved a
clear-cut picture in my mind about The Evolution of Gods
and religions. After
that visualization, I had several questions: ‘Why
do people still worship gods; is the whole show in the name of gods an
illusion; is someone there up in the sky to hear prayers or the temple bells?
The show was funny as well as serious, and I answered myself: ‘People
do not know the truth.’ I recollected that I could
decipher the truth only after a long study, and a common educated person could
hardly spare such a long time. At this point, my desire to write on this
subject sprouted, I visualized writing a concise book to share the knowledge
with others, at least the skeptics.
years ago, I developed a keen desire to explore the origin of religions and
gods and studied philosophy, history and anthropology. The study carved a
clear-cut picture in my mind about The Evolution of Gods
and religions. After
that visualization, I had several questions: ‘Why
do people still worship gods; is the whole show in the name of gods an
illusion; is someone there up in the sky to hear prayers or the temple bells?
The show was funny as well as serious, and I answered myself: ‘People
do not know the truth.’ I recollected that I could
decipher the truth only after a long study, and a common educated person could
hardly spare such a long time. At this point, my desire to write on this
subject sprouted, I visualized writing a concise book to share the knowledge
with others, at least the skeptics.
Question: and what do you hope people take away with them after reading your work?
Answer:
Today, many modern educated people have scientific bent of mind and they wish
to know the truth behind gods and religious dogmas. The purpose of this book is
to compile anthropological, historical and scientific facts about the origin of
gods and religions. I have chosen its content with a motive to quench the
curiosity of teenagers and at the same time, resolve the serious questions arising
in the minds of well read people.
Today, many modern educated people have scientific bent of mind and they wish
to know the truth behind gods and religious dogmas. The purpose of this book is
to compile anthropological, historical and scientific facts about the origin of
gods and religions. I have chosen its content with a motive to quench the
curiosity of teenagers and at the same time, resolve the serious questions arising
in the minds of well read people.
There
are enough reasons to assert that the book may vaccinate the serious readers
against the evil effects of religions such as superstitions, extremism or
demigods. Apart from this, they would come out from the religious dogmas and
liberate themselves. For example, Hindus are currently facing a rampant problem
of self-acclaimed preachers, demigods or Babas, and they are cheating the
masses in broad day-light with impunity. Most of them hypnotize their devotees
and then exploit them physically, mentally and financially. After reading the
book, anyone would easily recognize the chicanery of these Babas and thus
escape their trap.
are enough reasons to assert that the book may vaccinate the serious readers
against the evil effects of religions such as superstitions, extremism or
demigods. Apart from this, they would come out from the religious dogmas and
liberate themselves. For example, Hindus are currently facing a rampant problem
of self-acclaimed preachers, demigods or Babas, and they are cheating the
masses in broad day-light with impunity. Most of them hypnotize their devotees
and then exploit them physically, mentally and financially. After reading the
book, anyone would easily recognize the chicanery of these Babas and thus
escape their trap.
Question: What
inspired you to become a writer?
inspired you to become a writer?
Answer: Writing was not my childhood dream; I
wrote this book just to communicate a very complex concept that I could learn
after the study of more than one hundred books.
wrote this book just to communicate a very complex concept that I could learn
after the study of more than one hundred books.
Question: What are
your ambitions for your writing career?
your ambitions for your writing career?
Answer: Currently,
I am directing a documentary film based on the book and writing a romantic fiction.
I am directing a documentary film based on the book and writing a romantic fiction.
Question: Which
writers inspire you and is there an Author that
you would really like to meet?
writers inspire you and is there an Author that
you would really like to meet?
Answer: The greatest ever Munshi
Premchand and Rajneesh Osho.
Premchand and Rajneesh Osho.
Question: Do you
write full-time or part-time? Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
write full-time or part-time? Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Answer: Writing
is my favorite pastime. I can write anywhere anytime by staying aloof; however,
I love to write in a cozy room of some hill station or wild life park such as
Zim Corbett.
is my favorite pastime. I can write anywhere anytime by staying aloof; however,
I love to write in a cozy room of some hill station or wild life park such as
Zim Corbett.
Question: What was the time-line between the
time you decided to write your book and publication? What were the major events
along the way?
time you decided to write your book and publication? What were the major events
along the way?
Answer: The
transcription of the book took around five years, and then I spent another two
years to hunt for a publisher. It’s a known secret among top
publishing houses that they rarely publish the debut book of a no-celebrity
author. And the atheistic concept of book further closed the doors of many
believers; however, it was the concept that impressed HarperCollins to publish
this book.
transcription of the book took around five years, and then I spent another two
years to hunt for a publisher. It’s a known secret among top
publishing houses that they rarely publish the debut book of a no-celebrity
author. And the atheistic concept of book further closed the doors of many
believers; however, it was the concept that impressed HarperCollins to publish
this book.
Question: Where do
your ideas come from?
your ideas come from?
Answer: The process began with the study of the gods
and religious practices of the prehistoric and ancient people. The books on
anthropology, ancient history and philosophy of religions provided me with the
raw material, and I visualized several events to portray the complex process as
a simple narrative. Apart from this, the aid of the Internet—an
ocean of knowledge in our fist—increased the reach of my
study to many fold.
and religious practices of the prehistoric and ancient people. The books on
anthropology, ancient history and philosophy of religions provided me with the
raw material, and I visualized several events to portray the complex process as
a simple narrative. Apart from this, the aid of the Internet—an
ocean of knowledge in our fist—increased the reach of my
study to many fold.
Question: Do you worry about the human race?
Answer: My serious concern for humanity motivated me
to write the book: it will provide scientific knowledge, and the readers may
come out of the darkness created by religions. However, the impact may vary
from person to person. Apart from this, I visualized no other effective way to
liberate the human race from the soothing illusion of gods.
to write the book: it will provide scientific knowledge, and the readers may
come out of the darkness created by religions. However, the impact may vary
from person to person. Apart from this, I visualized no other effective way to
liberate the human race from the soothing illusion of gods.
Question: If humanity is living in the
soothing illusion of gods, then why you wish to liberate, they are already
living happily.
soothing illusion of gods, then why you wish to liberate, they are already
living happily.
Answer: Almost every illusion is soothing but proves
harmful later. Let’s consider a few examples of
the barbaric acts mankind committed with religious convictions and
celebrations: human sacrifices, witchcraft, slavery, caste-ism and sati. All
these were considered divine revealed customs, people performed these inhuman
acts with much enthusiasm, and they had absolutely no doubt on the efficacy of
the rituals involved. They were doing these heinous activities to appease their
kind gods and ensure a brighter, healthier and prosperous future. At one point
in time, several scientific authors exposed these and they liberated humans
from the darkness of such divine barbaric customs. Similarly, I believe that a
scientific book about the origin of gods and religions may enlighten the
present generation, specially the curious ones.
harmful later. Let’s consider a few examples of
the barbaric acts mankind committed with religious convictions and
celebrations: human sacrifices, witchcraft, slavery, caste-ism and sati. All
these were considered divine revealed customs, people performed these inhuman
acts with much enthusiasm, and they had absolutely no doubt on the efficacy of
the rituals involved. They were doing these heinous activities to appease their
kind gods and ensure a brighter, healthier and prosperous future. At one point
in time, several scientific authors exposed these and they liberated humans
from the darkness of such divine barbaric customs. Similarly, I believe that a
scientific book about the origin of gods and religions may enlighten the
present generation, specially the curious ones.
Question: What was the most difficult part of
writing your book? As a follow up, were there any elements of the book that
forced you to step out of your comfort zone, and if so, how did you approach
this part of the writing?
writing your book? As a follow up, were there any elements of the book that
forced you to step out of your comfort zone, and if so, how did you approach
this part of the writing?
Answer: Book writing was a smooth process, but I faced
problems in publishing and promotion.
problems in publishing and promotion.
Question: Do you believe in God? What are your thoughts on
the existence of God?
the existence of God?
Answer: Of course not! God is an illusion or
imagination of humankind.
imagination of humankind.
Question: What are
the four most important things that one needs to write a book?
the four most important things that one needs to write a book?
Answer:
Passion, Passion, Passion and Passion
Passion, Passion, Passion and Passion
Question: If you were deserted on an island, who are the 3
famous people you would want with you?
Answer:
I am afraid to say that I do not wish the company of some famous person;
however, some wise and humorous person would be a far better company.
famous people you would want with you?
Answer:
I am afraid to say that I do not wish the company of some famous person;
however, some wise and humorous person would be a far better company.
Question: Where is one place in the world that you would
really love to visit someday?
really love to visit someday?
Answer: Not one, I have a list of places to
visit in the next five years.
visit in the next five years.
Question: One of your favorite quotes?
Answer: My book is an effort to light a candle
in the darkest corner of human consciousness.
in the darkest corner of human consciousness.
Question: List 3 books you just recently read and would
recommend?
recommend?
Answer: Almost all books by Dale Carnegie are
worth reading; especially, How to Make
Friends and Win People, is such a great book that must be included in the
school courses. I saw this book almost thirty years ago and have read more than
ten times, since then.
worth reading; especially, How to Make
Friends and Win People, is such a great book that must be included in the
school courses. I saw this book almost thirty years ago and have read more than
ten times, since then.
Question: And now,
before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and
tantalize us:
before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and
tantalize us:
Answer:
Some readers of my book have pointed out their surprise over my assertion that
human diseases and other sufferings gave birth to new gods and even the
monotheist God. Such a conclusion was rarely written earlier; in fact, this
comprises my interpretations after reading several ancient holy scriptures.
There is one important point to note that the scriptures were copied and
interpolated thousands of times, during the last three thousand years;
therefore, these are not the exact thoughts of the ancient people. We need to
interpret the scriptures as per the conditions of their original authors.
Some readers of my book have pointed out their surprise over my assertion that
human diseases and other sufferings gave birth to new gods and even the
monotheist God. Such a conclusion was rarely written earlier; in fact, this
comprises my interpretations after reading several ancient holy scriptures.
There is one important point to note that the scriptures were copied and
interpolated thousands of times, during the last three thousand years;
therefore, these are not the exact thoughts of the ancient people. We need to
interpret the scriptures as per the conditions of their original authors.
To
explain this, I would briefly describe one example here. The Bible mentions,
at many places: ‘God ordered Moses that He
will punish the infidels and sinners with plagues.’ It
is obvious that the
people who wrote this must have suffered plagues and did not know about the
causative bacteria. They visualized that an omnipotent, omnipresent and
omnificent power called God punished them with the devastating disease.
Obviously, the menace of plagues must have been a major factor behind the
invention of monotheist God.
explain this, I would briefly describe one example here. The Bible mentions,
at many places: ‘God ordered Moses that He
will punish the infidels and sinners with plagues.’ It
is obvious that the
people who wrote this must have suffered plagues and did not know about the
causative bacteria. They visualized that an omnipotent, omnipresent and
omnificent power called God punished them with the devastating disease.
Obviously, the menace of plagues must have been a major factor behind the
invention of monotheist God.
Question: Where can your readers stalk you?
Answer: They may find several links search The Evolution of Gods
by Ajay kansal on
Google.
by Ajay kansal on
Google.
Thanks once again and good luck with
all of your future endeavors..Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff hopes to read more from you.. 🙂
all of your future endeavors..Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff hopes to read more from you.. 🙂
Thanks
Ms Nikita for your time, efforts and courtesy.
Read my verdict of The Evolution of Gods
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2013/08/the-evolution-of-gods-by-ajay-kansal.html
Buying Links:
Amazon.com: Paperback | Kindle Ebook
Amazon.in: Paperback
| Kindle Ebook
| Kindle Ebook
