Kathmandu, December 6, 2021: “Sita – A Tale of Ancient Love”, a book by Smt. Bhanumathi Narasimhanhwas launched in an musical event, on Friday,hosted by The Art of Living, Kathmandu . The author is also a meditation teacher, and chairperson of IWC (International Women’s Conference) as well as Director of Women Welfare and Child Care, The Art of Living. Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, First Lady of Nepal and women’s right advocate was the chief guest at the event. There were around 280 participants in the session including some distinguished personalities and everyone activley participated in the session.
The author had recently released ‘Sita: A Tale of Ancient Love’ in India and the same was unveiled at the virtual session as well . The book seizes the readers to its narrative as its breezy back and forth swings to Sita’s life through her own memories while she is sheltered at the Ashoka Vatika garden at Lanka, after she is abducted by the Lankan King Ravana. Based on a variety of sources including published material, stories from religious texts and from tales passed on since generations, the book “reflects the understanding of such stories by the author… presented in simplified form.” The book also contains some 16 eye-catching illustrative-paintings from Pratibha Kumari .
Sita, the beloved princess of Mithila, is one of the most revered women in Indian history; so well known, yet probably the least understood. At every crossroad of her life, she chose acceptance and grace over self-pity. Her life was filled with sacrifice yet wherever she was, there was abundance. It was as if she was carved out of an intense longing for Rama, yet she had infinite patience. In every situation she reflected his light and he reflected her love.
In Sita: A Tale of Ancient Love, readers find someone who is so divine yet so human.
Speaking in the event, Dr. Arju rana deuba said, “As a women activist, I used to question Sita’s quiet and timid personality. But as I grew older, I started admiring her forbearance. She displayed strength in every challenge that was thrown to her.Even somebody as powerful, wealthy, mighty and intelligent as Rawan could not bear down her fortitude, forbearnace and strength. She is always idolised for the maturity and wisdom she displayed at an young age.” The book is expected to promote tourism in Janakpur.
Commenting on the style of narration, Bhanumathi says, “Sita’s understanding of life was unselfish and sympathetic and truth-seeking, so presenting it through her eyes was a pleasure. Wisdom helps you feel this connection with the subtle. When a drop feels connected with the ocean, it feels the strength of the ocean. Sita felt this union not just with her Lord, but with nature, her parents Janaka and Sunayana, and her sister. Urmila too is another glow to me behind the scene, for her show of strength and endurance.”
About Art of Living
The Art of Living Foundation is a volunteer-based, humanitarian and educational non-governmental organization. It was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Art of Living Foundation has centers in more than 156 countries.Art of Living offers several stress-elimination and self-development programs based on breathing techniques, meditation and yoga.