DRAUPADI - 50

   

 Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - 50

Life Turns a Leaf

 

Empress Draupadi stayed away

from the durbar much to the displeasure

of emperor Yudhistir, when questioned

she said, I am not a decorative piece

to sit sealing my mouth, when I

have work to do in your vast empire

organizing people for purposeful activities.

A frowning Yudhistir said, look here

you are  now the Empress your empty

throne  in the durbar raises eyebrows

unsavoury murmurs reach my ears

I fail to satisfy the courts curiosity.

If the prestige of the court so demands

I'll attend all important sittings but

kindly permit me to visit places,

meet people, that too is important Emperor

for we are here to serve people

not to receive  their service only.

Draupadi bowed and left slowly

leaving Yudhistir to his indignation.

 

Draupadi's chariot was followed by

three other chariots full of guards

she was to meet a group of villagers

from ten villages at an appointed place

she had sent an advance party with

food clothes and other provisions.

She was making people aware of life

and the challenges which the poor villagers

faced in their routine encounters

with the multifarious demands of Reality.

 

You are at no one's mercy

you are free souls to ignite

the energy inbred to

illumine your lives in your work field,

home and society.

There is no such thing as

Prarabdha^*, and if there is one

you do your utmost  in this life

to transcend it by work

whatever pleases you and

whatever engages your spirit.

Live your life baggage free.

 

If you are a farmer produce more

If you are a carpenter

create new designs.

If you are in business

move to other kingdoms with your wares.

Produce sell and buy in honest trade

and remember to do anything in life

you need to learn things hence

education is primal in life,

each village must have a school

contribute to raise a good building

for the education of your children

improve your speech - and all these

can be achieved if you are fearless:

A farmer asked how can we

be fearless when hunger burns

want dissipates our strength

mind always fears calamities?

 

Draupadi smiled a rasping breath

paused and said yes life is fearful

uncertainties and wants stalk humans.

Therefore we must keep fear away

by knowledge hard work alertness.

Fear is ignorance dark and eerie

drive it away by the light of knowledge

and always love fellow humans

in family village and society

love will give you strength infinite

to struggle strive to soar heights

not to surrender to hunger and fright.

Treat your women as equal partners

work study and dream for honours.

 

And you women you are not meant

for the kitchen and house keeping

make your home vibrant but your soul

must emit light to brighten others.

The Royal council will give you

all help for schools, skill centres

also to promote your  products

but you should work without wasting

an hour - for that reduces your longevity

in ruinous gossip and small talks.

Above all  keep yourself clean

keep the environment clean

and help your children grow healthy.