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My Mother was my first and foremost teacher. She was a wonderful storyteller. Each story she told me had an abiding impact. The stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata were the most fascinating of all.
By the time I learnt to read and write, she would often ask me to read and recite from Ramacharitamanas for her. I thus became a “Kathavachak” to my mother! The rapt attention with which she listened to my recitals gave me confidence. The way she annotated the Dohas, Sorathas and Chaupais of Ramacharitamanas for me gave me a better understanding, not only of each episode in the epic of Rama but also of basic ideas and values. My mother led me to Tulsi, Valmiki and Vedavyasa, and they reconciled for me the qualities of Valour, Compassion, Humanitarian Service, Non-violence, Equanimity Detachment, Duty and Justice. That reconciliation of seeming contradictions was made easier, relevant and vivid for me by Mahatma Gandhi, who himself bestrode our time and age as a votary and ardent follower of the quintessential Rama, the “Maryada Purushottama” of Indian heritage, and helped us to rediscover India and ourselves.
Rama emerged on the canvas of my perceptions as an ideal and as an exemplar, the indwelling sense of God which fills the human consciousness with the cosmic divine. In his life on earth, he was the touchstone of the highest standards of ethical conduct.The legend of Rama made him the greatest son, the greatest pupil, the greatest ruler and the greatest teacher of all time, especially for all Indians. His life became his message. That is why Allama Iqbal called him the Imam of India.
Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two great treasuries of Indian heritage and the heritage of South Asia. I find them an inexhaustible source and resource for understanding and interpreting India and the spirit of India.
Valmiki, Kamban and Tulsi were poets par excellence. They wove tapestries of untold beauty weaving as they did with the warp and weft of Lord Rama’s noble life. At every step, I find the resonance of Ramayana in my life and the life of our people. I find in it the metaphor of life and its many meanings and messages. I find in it the familiar characters who converse with me and who are a part of the living reality for me. I find in Ramayana the romance of legend and history. I find in it the strength and weaknesses of human nature. I find in it the depth of philosophy, ethics and spirituality. And finally, I find in its pages the fragrance of our heritage and the wit and wisdom of Mother India and my mother.
Dr. L. M. Singhvi, M.P.,
Formerly India’s High Commissioner in U. K.,
Co-Charman,
Bhavan’s International
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