Ram Setu and Contribution of a Squirrel

In his article titled “I am not a Statistic”, (ET, 11 Feb 2011), Devdutt Pattanaik writes a wonderful episode with a very nice lesson for all of us to learn. I think this lesson is only a drop from the ocean of Ramayana.

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The bridge was being built across the sea. This would enable Ram’s army to reach the island-kingdom of Lanka and rescue his wife who was held captive there. This was no ordinary army - this was an army of animals. Vultures had identified the location of the island. Bears were serving as the architects.
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Monkeys were the workers implementing the construction, carrying huge boulders and throwing it into the sea. Work was hectic. The monkeys were jumping and screeching everywhere to ensure everything was being done efficiently and effectively when suddenly there appeared amongst them a tiny squirrel carrying a pebble. This little creature also wanted to contribute to the bridge-building exercise.
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The monkeys saw him and laughed. One even shoved the squirrel aside considering him a nuisance. But when Ram saw the squirrel, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. He thanked the tiny creature for his immense contribution. He brushed his fingers over his back to comfort him. This, it is said, is what gave rise to the stripes on the squirrel’s back that can be seen even today, a sign of Ram’s acknowledgment of his contribution.
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Statistically speaking, the squirrel’s contribution to the bridge was insignificant. But he had given it his 100%. Does it matter? Not as far as the bridge construction is concerned, for sure. But to Ram it did. He sensed that the squirrel’s devotion was second to none. The material contribution may not have been as great as the others but his emotional contribution was as high. That mattered.
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You can read his complete article at this Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/6y6dajy
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At the end of his article, the author is concerned and says that the tragedy of modern management is that it is teaching us “not to be” Ram. But I am sure until there are writers like him, all is not lost.

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- Rahul

Book Review: Kama Vs Yama by Devdutt Pattanaik

‘Kama Vs Yama’ (Fun in Devlok Series)

By: Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik

Puffin Books (Div of Penguin Books)

ISBN: 978-0-143-33195

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is one of India’s most popular present day mythologists. I am a big fan of his writings. In his “Fun in Devlok” series of books for children, Dr. Pattanaik tells simple and very interesting mythological stories of Hinduism explaining concepts in the easiest ways for children to grasp, appreciate and love telling to others too. ‘Kama Vs Yama’, as the title suggests is a book about two gods, Kama and Yama. In Hindu mythology, Kama is the god of love and desires while Yama is the god of death. I think their relation or comparison is a new dimension which is explored in this book and it has come out very well.

In this book, a young kid Jayshree curiously finds god Kama in her neighborhood garden. She was rather a very studious student, but on that day somehow she got the idea of not doing the homework but watching the TV and eating potato chips. Kama becomes her friend and while they planned a shopping trip, suddenly Yama appeared there and started asking Jayshree not to follow Kama’s advice. While the gods argued and Jayshree evaluated the two propositions, she discovers many facts of life and messages which both gods Kama and Yama carry for all… In the end, she finds a perfect ‘balance’ where she could have fun as well as perform all her duties. I will leave more particulars for you to get when you actually pick up this book.

The book is full of sketches friendly to children and font sizes are big. The book as categorized by the publishers is fit for 6+ years. But I am sure readers from any age group will certainly find this book a thrilling experience. It is also a wonderful gift to children. I highly recommend this enlightening book to one and all.

- Rahul

Other reviews:

Book Review: Shiva Plays Dumb Charades by Devdutt Pattanaik

Book Review: Saraswati’s Secret River by Devdutt Pattanaik

Book Review: Saraswati’s Secret River by Devdutt Pattanaik

‘Saraswati’s Secret River’ (Fun in Devlok Series)

By: Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik

Puffin Books (Div of Penguin Books)

ISBN: 978-0-143-33196-4

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is one of India’s most popular present day mythologists. I am a big fan of his writings. In his “Fun in Devlok” series of books for children, Dr. Pattanaik tells simple and very interesting mythological stories of Hinduism explaining concepts in the easiest ways for children to grasp, appreciate and love telling to others too. ‘Saraswati’s Secret River’, as the title suggests is a book about Saraswati. In Hindu mythology, Saraswati is both the name of Goddess of learning, education and wisdom as well as the name of a sacred river. It is believed that on the banks of Saraswati, some greatest scriptures of Sanatan Dharma were written during the Vedic era.

In this book, Mrs. Sivakami, principal of Madame Mira High School gets a curious visitor who is none other than Goddess Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati is in search of a missing river and enquires if Mrs. Sivakami is aware about it. Mrs. Sivakami is surprised in the beginning but as she goes on in her conversation with Goddess, she actually commences on an eye opening journey which changes the way she looked at education and the modern schooling system… She realized that river Saraswati had stopped flowing in her school because her students were no longer curious… I will leave more particulars for you to get when you actually pick up this book.

The book is full of sketches friendly to children and font sizes are big. The book as categorized by the publishers is fit for 6+ years. But I am sure readers from any age group will certainly find this book a thrilling experience. It is also a wonderful gift to children. I highly recommend this enlightening book to one and all.

- Rahul

Other reviews: Book Review: Shiva Plays Dumb Charades by Devdutt ...

Book Review: Myth = Mithya by Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik

‘Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology’

By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik

Penguin

ISBN 0143099701; ISBN 13: 9780143099703

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is one of India’s most popular present day mythologists. My curiosity to know more about Hinduism and to get real meaning of our mythology or the inherent symbolism found a savior in him. His pen is so powerful, knowledge so deep and expression so simple that I think he is changing the way we look at Hinduism and Hindus, and revitalizing the world’s interest in Hinduism and India.

‘Myth = Mithya” is aptly termed a Handbook of Hindu Mythology. In its pages you would find descriptions and elaborations on numerous Hindu mythological stories and their real meanings and symbolism. I think this is one book which has given me most knowledge points per page than any other book I have ever read.

In my opinion this book is a must read and must kept book for all Hindus or anyone really interested in understanding Hinduism.

- Rahul

Book Review: Shiva Plays Dumb Charades by Devdutt Pattanaik

‘Fun in Devlok: Shiva Plays Dumb Charades’

By: Devdutt Pattanaik

Puffin Books

ISBN 978-0-143-33169-8

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is one of India’s most popular present day mythologists. I am a big fan of his writings and I picked up this book looking at its curious title. In his “Fun in Devlok” series of books which he has written for the children, Dr. Pattanaik tells simple and very interesting mythological stories explaining concepts in the easiest ways for children to grasp.

“Shiva Plays Dumb Charades” is set into a home where a group of children are playing the game of dumb charades. Suddenly, Lord Shiva, the ultimate and Supreme God, appears in front of them and becomes a participant. Next, as they all play Dumb Charades, the children get to know the real meanings of the symbols, gestures and portraits of Lord Shiva as seen in the Nataraj form. I found myself unable in explaining many of those concepts and this book was an enlightening read for me too.

The book is full of sketches friendly to children and font sizes are big. I found the back cover mentioning that the book is for children above 6 years age. Since I am also above 6 years of age, so I hope no one gives me a curious look if I collect all the books in this series for myself!

It’s a wonderful gift to children and an enlightening read for all. I highly recommend it to everyone.

- Rahul