|
Young World
Adapted for modernity
R. KRITHIKA
|
Three children learn the relevance of the Panchatantra tales in today's world.
|
The Panchatantra stories were supposed to be the method by which Pandit Vishnu Sharma taught the five sons of a king to be good kings. But did you think that these stories could also hold lessons for modern times. Ishrat Syed and Kalpana Swaminathan, writing together as Kalpish Ratna, rewrite the Panchatantra to tell the stories of three unhappy children in Nyagrodha: The Ficus Chronicles.
Aman's parents are going through a divorce; Lily's widowed mother is contemplating emigration; and Vicky has just learned of his father's just-this-side-of-the-law financial wheeler dealings. Trying to run away from their troubles, the three meet Hanumanta, the wise old Langoor, who tells them about Nyagrodha, the ancient banyan tree, that hides many stories in its branches.
Beginning with the story of the unusual friendship between Simha, the lion, and Jeev, the bull, Hanumanta walks the three children down the Panchatantra lane — stories all retold with an eye to what it could mean today. Unlike the usual tales, nor morals or lessons are offered. The reader is left to draw his/her conclusions. The Afterword says, "We must wait together in the shadows, you and I, till Nyagrodha is ready to shake down its stories again." It can't be too soon.
Nyagrodha: The Ficus Chronicles; Kalpish Ratna, Puffin Books, Rs. 375.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
|
