1 week ago
Mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik on Why Ancient Stories Still Matter
Devdutt Pattanaik studies and explains myths from different cultures.
He says myths are important because facts and numbers cannot explain every human feeling.
Feelings such as jealousy and the search for meaning are part of everyone’s life.
He believes one story can have many versions, and people should be able to consider different interpretations.
Pattanaik says businesses should care about people and society, not only tasks and money.
He also thinks science and the humanities can learn useful skills from each other.
He says traditions change as people live in new times and gain new information.
He is especially interested in asking what Hanuman wants, instead of only seeing him as someone who helps others.
Devdutt Pattanaik describes mythology as subjective truth that addresses emotions data and science cannot fully capture.
He argues that Indian mythology’s multiple versions can encourage acceptance of plurality rather than a single definitive answer.
Pattanaik says responsibility and social impact should balance the task-driven priorities of modern corporate management.
He supports alternative interpretations of epics and questions why traditional interpretations, especially those shaping women’s lives, are treated as authoritative.
He identifies the search for meaning as a concern shared across Indian, Greek and Abrahamic mythologies, and says Hanuman’s personal ambition remains an overlooked question.
- Who
- Devdutt Pattanaik, a mythologist, author and illustrator who previously trained and worked as a medical doctor.
- What
- An interview about mythology’s relevance, multiple interpretations, management, tradition, meaning and the character Hanuman.
- Where
- Kolkata Centre for Creativity in Kolkata.
- When
- The interview took place during Ramjhol 4.0; no specific date is provided.
- Why
- Pattanaik was discussing why ancient mythological stories and interpretations continue to matter in a world shaped by data, artificial intelligence and modern institutions.
Key facts
- Interviewee
- Devdutt Pattanaik
- Training
- Medical doctor
- Previous career
- Around 15 years in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors
- Event
- Ramjhol 4.0
- Location
- Kolkata Centre for Creativity, Kolkata
- Selected books
- Business Sutra, Jaya, Sita and My Gita
- Central concern
- The search for meaning
- Character discussed
- Hanuman
Quotes
Devdutt Pattanaik
Indian mythologist, author and illustrator
“Hanuman has. Because nobody asks the question: what is Hanuman’s ambition? Everyone thinks he’s a divine helpline if everybody wants to ask for his help. But what does he want in exchange? Does he want anything? Why do we like people who give us things without asking anything in exchange? What does it say about us?”
telegraphindia.com
“The search for meaning. Some people think that following what God tells me gives me a meaningful life. Others think that if I think for myself, I have a meaningful life. And others think that if I listen to people around me, I have a meaningful life. All three have different things.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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