Neha

“How to do without, in order to grow within.”
― Ashok K. Banker, Ramayana: The Complete Edition

“If it changes shape and structure, form and even content, it is because that is the nature of the story itself: it inspires the teller to bring fresh insights to each new version, bringing us ever closer to understanding Rama himself.  This is why it must be told, and retold, an infinite number of times.  By me.  By you.  By grandmothers to their grandchildren.  By people everywhere, regardless of their identity.  The first time I was told the Ramayana, it was on my grandfather’s knee. He was excessively fond of chewing tambaku paan and his breath was redolent of its aroma. Because I loved lions, he infused any number of lions in his Ramayana retellings—Rama fought lions, Sita fought them, I think even Manthara was cowed down by one at one point! My grandfather’s name, incidentally, was Ramchandra Banker. He died of throat cancer caused by his tobacco-chewing habit. But before his throat ceased working, he had passed on the tale to me.”
― Ashok K. Banker, Ramayana: The Complete Edition

“and grinned at them, as if luring them on. ”
― Ashok K. Banker, Fortress of Dwarka

“the worst thing in life is not our own death or pain, but the pain and vulnerability of our loved ones, and of love itself. Death comes only once; a father’s concern waxes daily.”
― Ashok K. Banker, Ten Kings: Dasarajna