During my vist to Cuttack I participated in the birthday celebration of the late Justice Harihar Mahapatra, I went there at the invitation of justice Ranganath Mishra. For me, it was a revelation, how the independence movement, the first vision for the nation, had created the larger-than-life figure of Justice Harihar Mahapatra. He lived to the age of ninety-two and established Cuttack Eye Hospital, Utkal University and above all organized multi-pronged efforts to remove poverty. My biography in Oriya was released. At the end of my speech the youngsters crowding around put forth many questions.
The first question was, 'Sir, tells us which are your favourite books, that you loved and which have shaped your mind?'
I said, 'Four books in my life have been very close to my heart. I cherish treading them. The first is Man the Unknown by Dr Alexis Carrel, a doctor turned-philosopher and a Nobel laureate. This book highlights how the mind and body both have to be treated in an ailment as the two are integrated. You cannot treat one and ignore the other. In Particular, children who dream of becoming doctors should read the book. They will learn that the human body a mechanical system it is a very intelligant on with a most intricate and sensitive feedback system. The second book, one I venerate, is Tiruvalluvar's Thirukkural, which provides an excellent code of life. The third Light from Many Lamps by Lillian Eichler Watson which has touched me deeply. It illuminates how we live and has been an invaluable guide to me for fifty years. And the Holy Quran is, of course, a constant companion.'