KATHMANDU

"Sita - A Tale of Ancient Love", a book by author Bhanumathi Narasimhanh was launched in a musical event held in Kathmandu, on Friday. Bhanumathi is also a meditation teacher, chairperson of the International Women's conference, and the director of Women Welfare and Child Care, The Art of Living.

The program was hosted by The Art of Living, Kathmandu. According to a press statement, Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, First Lady of Nepal and women's rights advocate was the chief guest at the event. It quoted Dr. Arju saying, "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 at her. Even somebody as powerful, wealthy, mighty, and intelligent as Rawan could not bear down her fortitude, forbearance, and strength. She is always idolized for the maturity and wisdom she displayed at a young age." 

It quoted the author saying, "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.”

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.”, it added. Moreover, it added that the book is expected to promote tourism in Janakpur, which also contains some 16 eye-catching illustrative paintings from Pratibha Kumari.