After much trial and error, I've finally discovered how to Simulate the Global Illumination effect like in images rendered in Maya, 3DS, Yafaray, Sunflow, etc.

First, create a large cube in which to encase your scene

Then create a 10x10 array of radial lights and position them near the ceiling. Then generate a 2D plane and assign a white diffuse material, set the transparency colour to black, turn the ambiance to zero, and set the transparency to about 40. Scale the plane so that it goes a little bit beyond the walls of the cube and position it just below the light array.

Also, don't forget to set the intensity of the radial lights to a low number, like between 5 and 15. To enhance the GI effect soften the shadows that the lights cast, mind you that will increase the already long render time you will have to endure.