"Sita: Now you know me" is a beautiful story by Author Sini Panicker. Written in an easy-to-read style, Ms. Panicker's unique rendition of a familiar tale narrated by many in the past is compelling and enchanting. The book transports you into a beautiful land with its vivid descriptions.
Narrated in Sita's voice, it presents a viewpoint that is far often ignored with the grandness and memorable moments of the Ramayana. Sita, a strong and capable princess faces innumerable struggles and survives each time with resilience and grace. Here are some of the major takeaways I had reading the book.
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| Author Sini Panicker |
In her growing up years tormented by her past, when Sita creates a beautiful place in her mind to be at - she displays a unique skill to survive and thrive. She develops mental strength focusing on what she loves best (nature), a lesson for us all when we are feeling low ourselves. To immerse ourselves in things we enjoy.
As an accomplished princess, with a solid plan for her future, the fallacies of youth are beautifully portrayed when Sita falls for Ram on the banks of the lake in Mithila. How true this is in modern day times when distractions can cloud the best of minds and have people stray from their goals.
When Valmiki offers his advice to Sita before their 14-year exile into the jungles -it is again real and current. The first advise to look outward for beauty in surroundings even in the times of despair. Finding the silver lining among dark clouds is both difficult and forgotten.
And the second piece of advice ~ most beautiful and relevant to everyone even today. As the world battles issues with depression, finding that inner peace is beautifully depicted in the paragraph from the book below.
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Extract from "Sita: Now you know me." |
It is indeed a poignant point of reflection that the first exile though much harsher was easier than her banishment into the ashram the second time. The first time, she chose to leave - to stand by the one she loved. But the second time, she was banished by the one she loved unwaveringly.
The story from beginning to end of how Sita approaches every role of her life - as a daughter, wife, sister, and mother. She shows strength and tenacity. And finally, when she walks away from the offer to come back to Ayodhya after being exiled a second time... shows her own self-respect which is above all other roles she plays. A unique story and a unique perspective which is less often remembered.
To all the Sitas out there, may you find inner peace, strength, resilience in your challenges. Thank-you Ms. Panicker for your unique and captivating storytelling. The book had me teared up on more than one occasion! And that is exactly what one looks for in a good movie or a good book. A story that moves you. A story that teaches you something new.
