Archive · 24 Aug 2026
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.
- When
- The interview took place during Ramjhol 4.0; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Kolkata Centre for Creativity in Kolkata.
- Why
- Pattanaik was discussing why ancient mythological stories and interpretations continue to matter in a world shaped by data, artificial intelligence and modern institutions.
- 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