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.
