Epics can be used to inculcate ethics and values in children

Indian epics are full of moral teachings and sacred discourses that are relevant even in today’s life.

The Mahabharata contains the Bhagvad Gita, the gospel of duty that was taught to Arjuna by Lord Krishna. The Mahabharata dwells on the aspect of the important goals of a human being in his/her mortal life. The Ramayana is an educational medium to demonstrate the importance of values such as loving and respecting one’s family, keeping promises, protecting the weak and so on. By using the Ramayana we can teach our children many life-skills and ethics. The values and principles highlighted in the epic are something that every child needs to know.

Important values and ethics can be taught to our children by using storytelling as a medium.

A highlight of these epics is the variety of characters it has — each with a distinctive touch that leaves a mark in our minds. The narration and presentation are unique and strikes an easy chord in our heart.

None of the epics should be compared. Art must not be compared; it must be appreciated, revered and accorded the respect it deserves.

There are also everyday lessons one can learn from the epics. Be it asking children to respect their elders or loving one another, or being true to oneself or living in harmony with nature — the great epics have them all. So it might not be a bad idea to start reading the great epics and take pride in them.