Hari Om Parents,
In the class, we continued our journey through the Ramayana and also began shaping ideas for our annual class performance. The children were actively involved in choosing the themes, and with great enthusiasm, they selected Surpanakha's episode and Sita's abduction (Sita Apaharan) as the two incidents they would like to portray for the annual performance. To prioritize preparation for the play, we set aside Ayodhya Kanda for now and focused our discussion on these two significant events in detail.
We discussed the episode of Surpanakha meeting Rama in the forest and the events that followed. Attracted by Rama, Surpanakha approached him with a proposal, which Rama and Lakshmana gently declined. Overcome by jealousy and anger, she attempted to attack Sita, prompting Lakshmana to intervene and protect her. This incident led Surpanakha to seek revenge through her brothers and eventually Ravana, setting off a powerful chain of events that culminated in Sita's abduction. The children reflected on how uncontrolled desire, jealousy, and impulsive actions can lead to serious consequences.
We also discussed the episode of Sita's abduction, where Ravana, driven by ego and revenge after his sister's humiliation, plotted to take Sita away from Rama. Using deception, he sent Maricha in the form of a golden deer to distract Rama, while Lakshmana was drawn away by Sita's concern. Ravana then approached Sita in disguise and forcibly carried her away to Lanka. The children reflected on how manipulation, desire, and ego can lead to grave wrongdoing, and how even a single moment of distraction can be exploited. This episode marks a major turning point in the Ramayana and sets the stage for the great battle between Rama and Ravana.
The children did a wonderful job engaging with these stories, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing ideas on how these scenes could be brought to life on stage. Some of the thought-provoking questions we discussed included:
Why did Maricha choose to remain in the form of the golden deer?
How was Rama able to recognize that the golden deer was not ordinary? What helped him see beyond appearances?
Why did Rama not turn back immediately when Maricha cried out in Rama's voice after being struck?
If Maricha had chosen to change sides like Vibhishana, would Rama have accepted him?
If Maricha had truly switched sides, would Panchavati have become a battlefield? How can wise choices at the right time prevent destruction and change the course of events?
As part of our performance preparation, we encouraged the children to think along these lines and begin coming up with content for the annual day. We are also encouraging them to create their own lines and expressions, so the performance feels natural and meaningful to them. These ideas will continue to be refined in class and during rehearsals.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Hari Om,
Rahul and Keerthi
