Latest news with #Panchatantra
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did you know Jitendra Kumar's Panchayat holds special connection to RK Narayan's Malgudi Days? Find out how
The acclaimed series Panchayat, celebrated for its authentic depiction of rural India, is set to return with its fourth season on July 2, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video. The recently released teaser has only added to the excitement among fans looking forward to revisiting the village of Phulera. Interestingly, the show's director drew inspiration from the beloved classic Malgudi Days and its rural theme; interestingly, he named it after the book series Panchatantra. Director Deepak Kumar Mishra has credited classic Indian television, particularly Malgudi Days, as a significant inspiration for Panchayat. He expressed a desire to revive the viewers' fondness for such shows and relate that to reality. Mishra aimed to present a narrative that resonates with the simplicity and depth of village life, reminiscent of the storytelling in Malgudi Days. During the release of the second season, director Deepak Kumar Mishra shared the reasoning behind naming the series Panchayat. The director shared, "A panchayat in India is the personification of what village life is. I wanted to revive the viewers' fondness for classic shows and relate that to reality. When we were kids, we grew up watching shows like Malgudi Days and Panchatantra. This had the essence of small village culture. We aimed to show the new-age generation what we grew up watching back in the day. 'Panchayat's name connects viewers to their motherlands.' Panchayat follows Abhishek Tripathi, an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a Panchayat office in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh. The series delves into his experiences navigating the complexities of rural administration and community dynamics, offering a blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The upcoming season promises to continue exploring the intricacies of village politics and personal relationships, maintaining the show's signature charm and relatability. With its engaging storytelling and strong performances, Panchayat continues to be a standout series that captures the essence of rural India. Meanwhile, a new season of Panchayat is all set to premiere on Prime Video on July 2, 2025. The recently released teaser hints at the rising political tension in Phulera, as Pradhan Ji and Bhushan go head-to-head in a bid for victory. The upcoming season promises to unveil the fate of Phulera like never before.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tales that undo othering
Take the much-loved Charlotte's Web by EB White, in which unlikely yet touching relationship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider teaches valuable life lessons about empathy, kindness, and bonds that connect us, beautifully depicting how precious friendships of those not like us can make a profound impact in someone's life. In a world increasingly divided for a host of reasons into various us/not us categories, it would go a long way to awaken our true nature of goodness and compassion – though deeply buried – by turning to some children's books and stories. Many of these books reveal how relationships – good ones or bad – work, and how to understand and accept, include others not like us, and maybe embrace differences. A story from Africa, that a wonderful storyteller friend shared, goes like this: One day, birds challenged four-footed animals to a ball game. Those with wings on one side, and animals with teeth on the opposing team. When Bat arrived, he was sent to the team whose players had teeth. But animals with teeth claimed Bat did not belong on their team because he had wings! They sent him off to birds' team, but feathered and winged birds refused to accept Bat; he couldn't join their team because he had teeth. Finally, four-footed animals somewhat reluctantly accepted Bat because he had teeth. The game began and birds were leading because they could fly with the ball above where animals couldn't reach. Eventually, Bat, playing for animals, managed to take the ball away from birds again and again, and finally animals won. We notice there seem to be as many books about animals and birds acting like humans as there are books about actual children, and there may be a good case for this. Animal fiction goes to places that other stories can't. Our world is different when viewed through non-human eyes. Adventures feel more exciting because characters – and you, in your imagination – can be hunted by a predator, swept away by giant waves or abandoned in a difficult place. But stories also have built in safety-valves because characters aren't human, so there is a kind of 'distancing'. And so, authors can – carefully – go to more difficult places, handle more difficult themes. It's not just modern writers who think so – we have, after all, the wonderful Panchatantra treasury, which contains fables usually involving animals, with so much to teach us through incisive insight into human behaviour. Animal stories of Buddhist Jataka tales teach followers to avoid hurting people or tell of meritorious acts of kindness and compassion performed by animals, inspiring us to emulate these. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
A trip down memory lane with Agassi and his parrot friend Steffi
Khyrunnisa A is now a household name among those keenly following the Butterfingers journey or the animal stories in The Lizard of Oz . She even made a crocodile eat butter chicken for breakfast— a la Panchatantra style, according to fellow writer Shashi Tharoor. With dollops of sports and sweet fun, she sets her stories in a world where children laugh freely, feel disgusted when denied their innocent wants, and aim to play, read, explore, and develop their innate skills — innocuously yet deftly. The latest from her bouquet, Agassi and The Great Cycle Race , joins the list. And so will many more that she has lined up for release from June. TNIE spoke to the veteran writer about her books and the world of books today. Excerpts: From cricket to football, karate to now tennis — your books for children seem to hover around sports. I love sports and am a Nadal fan. Agassi and the Great Cycle Race is centred around tennis and cycling. The central character is Agassi, and the parrot that he gets along with, a vintage cycle, is Steffi. It's a kind of trip down memory lane. You have brought back the nostalgia in children's writing by focusing on the innocent pleasures of childhood. How relevant is that in today's changing milieu? In an age where parents lead the way by toting mobile phones, children tend to follow suit. So, exposure to a world where joy and leisure aren't defined by technology is needed. I write for my readers — both the young and the young at heart. There are many who want to identify with or relive the moments created in my books. Have there been attempts to adapt your books into visual media? Yes, there have been, but they didn't quite take off. However, some of my books have come out in comic format, and they hold immense potential for visual adaptation. Frankly, I love writing and am more focused on making my books connect with readers. How far do you think the naive pleasures of childhood resonate in times that may not be as naive? There is something called writing for young adults, where issues such as gender, political correctness, etc., are considered. But I don't want to get into all that. I grew up reading P G Wodehouse and Enid Blyton, and the world they portrayed reflected the child I was. So every child, too, should be shown the world of children. I like to focus on the simple pleasures of childhood. And there are still children who enjoy that, despite the complexities around them. How do you see literature today? Literature today is not just about writing; it's also about promoting what you write, and the writer is often involved in that process. There are literary festivals, which are no longer exclusive to literature alone. So, a lot has changed. But I have always enjoyed writing the most, even when I enjoyed teaching. And the moment I stopped teaching, I switched to my other love. So, it's like I do what I love — writing to connect with my readers and recreate a world of fun, sports, and a life where the child in us can still breathe easy and free.
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Why reading before you sleep is a boon for your brain
It's been a long, exhausting day and you can't wait to jump into bed, get cosy under the covers, and doze off — but not before opening Instagram and getting your nightly fix of reels. Do you remember when your parents or grandparents would read you fables, stories from the Panchatantra, or narrate episodes from mythology? Although reading as a form of relaxation might seem counterintuitive, it can give your mind the rest it needs, especially before sleep. Ahead of World Book Night, which is marked on April 23, experts tell CE about the benefits of reading and how it can improve your sleep and quality of life. Improved cognitive ability Reading is one of the few activities that has an overall effect on the brain. Dr Virinchi Sharma, a consultant psychiatrist at Arete Hospitals, Gachibowli, explains, 'Reading activates all four lobes of the brain. It also stimulates both the left and right side of the brain, improving the connection between them and enhancing cognitive abilities.' As a person continues to read, their neurological structure changes as well. The psychiatrist adds, 'When you learn something new, the neural connectivity and white matter in the brain are strengthened, which further improves neuroplasticity and aids in neurogenesis.' Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. Indeed, reading allows individuals to process, retain, and recall information more efficiently and navigate their lives with ease. Impact on sleep quality For adults, it can be particularly beneficial to read before bedtime. Dr Sai Chandra Nivedita A, consultant neurophysician at KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals, Begumpet, says, 'Throughout the day, people — especially working adults — accumulate a lot of stress. Reading can reduce cortisol levels in the brain and produce feel-good chemicals.' The activity puts you in a deep, meditative state, helping you fall asleep faster. She further notes, 'Unlike short-form content, it provides a consistent level of dopamine, the effects of which last long after you finish reading, inducing positive thoughts and improving sleep quality.' Although PDFs and EPUBs (electronic publications) are popular alternatives to physical books for many new-generation readers, where you read from also impacts your sleep quality. 'Reading from a touch screen activates the occipital lobe, and it remains activated even after falling asleep, adversely affecting sleep quality,' Dr Nivedita states. Time to invest in a few hard copies! Why adults should be reading If strength training is an elixir for muscles, reading is a boon to the brain, strengthening and protecting it against neurodegenerative disease. 'After a certain age, every organ in the body slowly deteriorates,' says Dr Virinchi, adding, 'But a hobby like reading promotes thickening in the cortex, combating the cortical thinning we see in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.' Dr Nivedita explains that new brain cells are recruited to consolidate whatever we read into our memories. 'This activates our memory networks, strengthens memory, and lowers the risk of developing dementia,' she points out. Even as an adult, it is never too late to reap the benefits of reading. How to make reading a habit Whether it's because of a short attention span or a hectic schedule, it may initially be difficult to inculcate a reading habit into your life. A 2009 study by researchers at the University of Sussex found that even a mere six minutes of reading can reduce stress up to 68%. So, a little can definitely go a long way. Dr Nivedita suggests that new readers take a break from their electronic devices and reconnect with nature, then begin with reading in a quiet, comfortable environment like a library or common reading room. Gradually working towards a reading goal can make all the difference for both your present and future neurological health — one page at a time.
