Mysuru: Inspired by one of the country’s greatest epics, an 11-year-old girl from the city has authored a handwritten children’s version of the Ramayana in just 15 days, which will be released on Sunday.Dhanyashree S., a Class VII student of Sri Jnaneshwari Vidyasamsthe, Hebbal, has written this 36-page book titled Makkala Ramayana (Children’s Ramayana).The daughter of Dr Shriram and Samata Shriram, residents of Hebbal, Dhanyashree developed interest in the Ramayana from an early age by listening to stories narrated by her parents, attending religious discourses, reading books and watching television serials based on the epic.
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Her interest was further strengthened by participating in Ramayana-related competitions and examinations.Written in simple language for young readers, the book covers the major episodes from Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkindha Kanda, Sundara Kanda and Yuddha Kanda. It also explains the story behind the tradition of applying Sindhoora to idols of Lord Hanuman. Every chapter is accompanied by illustrations, making the narrative more engaging for children.“I love the Ramayana and its characters. That inspired me to write this book,” says Dhanyashree. Written from a child’s perspective, the book narrates the epic in her own words, making it easy for children of her age to understand and enjoy.Her father, Dr Shriram, said the idea was born out of a casual conversation. “Seeing her enthusiasm for the Ramayana, television serials and spiritual discourses, I jokingly suggested that she write her own version of the epic. She took the suggestion seriously and completed the entire manuscript in her own handwriting within 15 days,” he said.Apart from academics, Dhanyashree has completed her Bharatanatyam junior examination and is preparing for the senior level. She is also learning veena at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.Congratulating the young author, school headmaster Nanjundaswamy said her achievement would inspire children to develop reading habits, creativity and a deeper appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
