Three decades ago, Devdutt Pattanaik's fascination with mythology began as a mere hobby. Little did he know that this journey would unravel profound insights into the human condition, ultimately shaping his identity as one of the foremost authors in the realm of mythological literature.
With over 50 books to his name, including acclaimed works like Jaya, Sita, Business Sutra, and the 7 Secret Series, Pattanaik has not only delved into Hindu mythology but has also explored the often overlooked realms of Jainism and Buddhism.
In a recent conversation about his latest release, "Bahubali: 63 Insights Into Jainism," Pattanaik expressed his concern about the predominant focus on Hindu mythology in India. "I realised most Indians focus on Hindu mythology. They do not pay attention to other mythologies that thrive in India, such as Jainism and Buddhism," he notes, emphasising the need for a broader understanding of the diverse mythological tapestry woven into the cultural fabric of the country.
Pattanaik believes in the educational value of mythology, advocating for its incorporation into the curriculum for the next generation. "Everybody lives in myth. So when people have ideas like justice, equality, and human rights, they're dealing with mythic concepts," he explains. "Since these ideas are so integral to our existence, it's good to study them academically. We need to appreciate how different people imagine the world, and how these differences manifest in different stories, symbols, and rituals around the world."
However, in an era dominated by accessible technology, where screens vie for attention, Pattanaik reflects on the challenge of instilling a love for reading in children. He remarks, "The whole point of technology is to create addicts, to make people swipe cards."
According to him, parents inadvertently contribute to turning their children into dopamine addicts through technology. To break this cycle, Pattanaik advocates for a disciplined approach. "The only way to de-addict a person is unfortunately by a little bit of discipline. Parents and children need to sit together and work towards detoxifying themselves from technology," he asserts. "They need to give themselves a few hours every day away from screens. Unless parents take the lead, children won't follow. It is difficult, but that's the only way forward."
One of the speakers at this year's Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series Jaipur Literature Festival, Pattanaik believes that literature festivals like JLF celebrate how ideas are expressed through stories. "It offers a platform for people to connect with the process of writing. It does so by engaging with authors and this is a good thing."
About the importance of engaging with the audience for an author, Pattanaik says, "I engage with mythologies, so interacting with audiences helps me appreciate various human inadequacies. This is why people seek perfection in stories." However, this interaction with the audiences is not limited to literary festivals. "You can do it anywhere you want - if your eyes are open."
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