Don’t try to think your excel sheet contains the universe: Devdutt Pattanaik

Author and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik enjoyed a house full session at the Times Lit Fest Delhi on Saturday, with audience members spilling out into the aisles and even out the doors. While he spoke of identity, imagination and world mythology, some quips on demonetisation and the day’s politics also made their way into his session titled “Devlok: Myth in the life of India”.
Asked about some of the striking similarities between myths and mythological figures from different parts of the world, Pattanaik said that these were only natural and expected.“Every geography experiences death suffering, misery, lust, pride. Emotions are the foundation of storytelling. I am interested in difference, and where the cultural divisions and boundaries come from,” said Pattanaik who has just come out with his latest book Olympus: An Indian Retelling of Greek Myths.
Talking about myth creation and its prevalence, Pattanaik said, “Myths are part of every person’s reality. Politicians (talk about) the promised land of the Abrahamic tradition. The idea of constitution is commandments. The mythic structure doesn’t change. By saying they will change the world, they are constructing a narrative that makes them the hero.”
After a brief foray into the ideas of justice and equality being mythic constructs, material wealth too came in for examination. “Greatest fiction in the world is money – ek din kuch tha, aaj kuch hai (It was one thing earlier, and today it is the other). Now Indians understand, sab maya hai (everything is myth),” Pattanaik said without mentioning demonetisation, as the audience broke into peals of laughter.
Addressing the point of diversity of beliefs from an earlier politically charged panel at the fest, Pattanaik made a case for humility in one’s convictions. “Imagination is what makes us special... That’s where the problem starts. My imagination looks at the world differently. I think god is here. You think differently. We are frightened people, and cling to the notion of truth…you want (everyone to believe your truth) because you think you know everything – that is ahankaar (pride). Don’t try to think that your excel sheet contains the universe,” Pattanaik said to loud applause.