The climax of human evolution may be considered as the stage where the field of empathy becomes so pervasive as to encompass the entire biological kingdom. At this stage, the intrinsic human excellence is manifested which is the basic motive force behind services to others. It is also the minimal requirement of all religions. In Hindu ideology, the objective of practising “Tapa” (devout austerity) and “Yoga”, too is to awaken the dormant empathy in the seeker so that he is elevated to such a super human status that he instantly rushes to help the downtrodden and needy. A “Devta” (an Angel) in this world is distinguished by this inherent and ever present quality of empathy and benevolence. Intelligent, enlightened individuals seek and follow the guidance of such super-humans.

“Swarg” (“Heaven” or “Bahisht” ) can only be the place where congregations – cooperation of such benevolent souls co-exist. The existence of “Swarg” (Heaven) in the world beyond may only be an ideological concept but there is little doubt that besides raising themselves to the superhuman angelic status, the aforesaid compassionate-benevolent individuals impart to their surroundings the status of a contemporary “Swarg” comparable to the aforesaid concept.

This is the age of all-round progress and achievements and man is proud of them. It is true in respect of unprecedented facilities and comforts available to mankind. High speed transport-systems like ships, aircrafts, railways and cars; and communication-media like telex, telegraphs, cinema and television were beyond imagination in not too remote past. In ancient times, who could think of the present day mass industrial production, surgery and transplantation of human organs? Apparently, modern science has far surpassed the capabilities of the mythological Hindu architect, Vishwakarma and there is a greater hope for the future. In the field of education too, there has been a remarkable progress. Economics, political science, logic, sociology, psychology and other numerous educational curricula now claim to impart much more knowledge to mankind than was possible earlier.

With these apparent achievements, man has begun to question the very existence of God. The modern thinker regards religion merely as a plethora of superstitious beliefs. For him, if not avoidable, it is simply to be swallowed like a bitter pill.

Without going into positive and negative aspects of modern scientific advancements, it is conceded that progress in various fields has been unique and unprecedented. Nevertheless, it leaves one big question un-answered. Why this apparent progress has been inviting innumerable catastrophes for the human race?

How does one account for the increasing pollution, war-frenzy, food-crisis and increasing crime surpassing all limits? To what does one ascribe the ever-increasing physical infirmity of human race, succumbing to earlier unknown epidemics and pollution of human-thought and behaviour by evils and animosity, distrust and treachery? If this state of affairs continues, there is little doubt that Doom’s Day (“Mahapralay”) will not be far. Unwillingly, man is progressively contributing to environmental pollution and preparing a ground of mass suicide. The global warming is likely to melt enough ice in the polar regions to raise the water level of oceans well above the landmass thereby drowning all land creatures. Rapid depletion of forests, fast expanding deserts, decreases in the fertility of lands, isostatic imbalances arising from unscrupulous exploitation of mineral deposits, unusual changes in weather, acid rains, atomic radiation and paucity of resources for the increasing population are some of the difficult problems facing mankind. Paradoxical it may seem but the only factor responsible for these maladies is the so called “modern progress”. In other words we are paying a heavy price for the petty gains.

One feels bewildered how events are taking this disastrous turn and who on the earth is responsible? Man who considers himself too clever to find a new “Alladin’s lamp” which could conquer all the forces of the nature has suddenly lost his balance. He is facing the biggest enigma of human history where he can neither live with modern technological progress nor denounce it.

The fault, however, does not lie with the technological achievements. The human race is failed to utilize its prudence, caution and intelligence in fruitful utilization of the gains. Only benevolent and empathetic individuals are capable of formulating policies for proper utilization of resources. Unfortunately, in modern civilizations, these attributes have lost their relevance. Consequently, the achievements which should have been a boon have become a bane of humanity.