Learn Curve for Girls

Story knowledge systems of India

Could you talk about how and in what form you encountered the stories of India?

My maternal grandfather used to tell stories at night during vacations. The school curriculum included stories in both Hindi and English. Starting from classes 2nd and 3rd, the English teacher would narrate stories to us. She would narrate it like a storytelling performance with voice modulation. I used to like listening to her so much. I used to read also – Cinderella, Rapunzel, Puss in the Boots. I especially liked folktales.

Could talk about how listening and stories as a child had influenced you?

Indic Stories influenced me tremendously, as also did stories like Snow White. They all had an imprint on me. In the 9th standard there was a speech from the Bhagvat Geeta, a speech given by Krishna to Arjuna before the war. The speech goes, “If you lose your mental composure, you will lose completely.” In my adult life, I always went back to this Bhagvat Geeta speech when I needed some clarification or guidance. I was deeply influenced by the Ramayana. Lord Rama is an obedient son, so I wanted to be obedient like him.

“In Celebration of Being Alive,” the Dr. Christiaan Barnard story taught me about the lesson of celebrating life.

They make me thoughtful and in my adult life, the stories I have heard as a child, have played on my subconscious mind.

The stories existed before there was writing on paper or TV. Indian stories are numerous. I watch the Ramayana every time there is new version.

What can children learn from our stories?

Much can be learnt from stories. There is a deep focus on family life in Indian stories. The Ramayana is all about standing for your blood.

How are Indian stories different from western ones?

The landscape is very different. Snow-white is played out on a vastly different climate zone. Cinderella too. The landscapes itself create a deep difference in the storytelling styles. Culture gets transferred through stories – any culture. If you look at Krishna stories – they advocate community living. In all Indic stories there is a great emphasis on community living.

In Indian stories you get a good sense of the grandeur of Indian lifestyles.

Any message on Indic stories?

In India, people take the stories as sacred and very seriously. They could just let stories be stories.