The resurgence of all
things mythological in the literary space is a welcome phenomenon and not only
because many authors including yours truly have made a career out of this
seemingly insatiable interest. Any book that can distract youngsters from their
addiction to fancy gizmos designed to make douche bag zombies out of them by
harkening back to the glories of an ancient time must be considered a truly
marvellous accomplishment. In fact, offerings in this sphere have helped people
from all age groups suffering from smartphone syndrome. Which is why it is
encouraging when books in this genre especially when penned by the likes of
Amish Tripathi, Anand Neelakantan and Kavita Kane sell like hotcakes with a
little something illegal stirred into it.
Yet,
in keeping with the adage that where there is a demand there must be an
excessive supply this trend has led to aficionados overdosing on the stuff and
reaching saturation point. Publishing houses are spewing out endless mythology
related titles featuring every single character from the Ramayana and Mahabharata
into the sea of books that have already been written on the same, Many aspiring
writers who dream of getting published feel that mythology is the way to go and
contribute steadily to the massive influx.
In
fact, there is even talk that one enterprising author has successfully pitched
a book – proposal to a leading publishing house about a fly on the wall who
happened to be present when Ravana and Mandodari were engaged in a heated
debate over the unmitigated gall the former had displayed in kidnapping another
man’s wife which the latter felt was a scathing indictment of the fact that her
looks where no longer what they had been before she had borne him the warlike
sons, he had insisted upon. The eponymous character is saving the details about
the make-up sex that followed as well as his familiarity with Ravana’s bowel
movements for a sequel.
If
this sort of desperation does not put off the faithful adherents to the genre
then the infamous ‘Gau Rakshaks’ and religious doggerel spouting extremists
will definitely do the trick. They have managed to take a lovely tradition and
found a way to make it something unspeakably ugly by using it as a weapon to
spread hate.
If
they had their way India would be a nation of clones brainwashed into toeing
the line for jingoistic goons who would have us believe that ideally we should
all turn vegetarian, embrace Hinduism, speak nothing but chaste Hindi, enforce
modesty upon women by forcing them into clothes that cover up every inch of
their bodies as well as chastity belts and figure out a way to reproduce by
swallowing tears. Partying, kissing, hugging, sexual intercourse (Gasp!) and
questions of sexual orientation (Double Gasp!) ought to be made taboo in the
interest of preserving our culture of course.
Such
regressive thinking has to be contained in order to prevent folks becoming
allergic to all things related to Indian mythology, especially those who have
been victimized and marginalized in its name. Which is why it is more important
than ever to read retold versions of beloved tales in order to stop those who
would purvey distortions and half – truths to further their twisted agenda. It
is imperative to understand and familiarize oneself with the compelling
philosophy, complex truths and pearls of wisdom bequeathed to us by the best
minds of the past through this medium. And no, they were not intolerant jerks
who sought to belittle and prosecute others over petty nonsense.
The
noblest and greatest of our ancestors sought to teach us how to be better
people and live rich fulfilling lives by learning to do the right thing by
ourselves and others. There is nothing in the knowledge imparted to us over the
eons that encourages us to be judgemental, badly behaved buffoons who would
bully others into behaving in keeping with misguided beliefs.
By
preserving the proper spirit of the past contained not just in Indian mythology
but in those belonging to different parts of the world, passed on by
storytellers, wandering minstrels, bards and yes, present day writers on the
subject, we can find a way to deal with the horrors of the present in order to
usher in a better future where sense prevails.
No comments:
Post a Comment