Sadhus follow the Pandavas
Yudhishthira tells them that he is grateful for their love and concern, and their praise of the attributes of the Pandavas. But there are others who are sorrowful too, because of what has happened. Kunti is staying behind in Hastinapura. Bhishma, Vidura and other well wishers of the Pandavas are there. Who will console them if everyone follows the Pandavas to the forest? They need someone to speak kindly to them. So those following the Pandavas should return, says Yudhishthira. Some people turn back. But the sadhus insist on being with the Pandavas. Yudhishthira tries to convince them too. He tells them that the life of the Pandavas is sad. There is no room for happiness in their lives. Yudhishthira has no kingdom or wealth. What can he give them, he asks. The Vedic scholars reply that whatever hardships he and his brothers face in the forest, they are ready to face too. They are prepared to eat whatever is available in the forest. Yudhishthira has no option but to agree.
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Deccan Herald
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Bulls get away with goring people to death because they are holy, and when tigers turn maneater, those particular animals are tranquillised and caged. The former is protected by religious beliefs, the latter by wildlife laws. The dog has neither. It is time for that to change, for protection to be put in place for this most gentle and loyal of animals. Those who have never known the love of a dog have never known heaven. Ever since 9/11, entire human populations have been punished for acts of violence by a few. If the Supreme Court has its way, all of Delhi's strays will pay the price for the few that have caused death or disease. What should the Indian state choose: Yudhishthira's dharma or blind brutality? Roy is a writer based in Ranikhet
