“Draupadi is the Mahanayika of Bharat”: Dr. Sonal Mansingh
New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Kalnidhi Division, hosted a book discussion on Dr. Sonal Mansingh’s latest work, ‘A ZigZag Mind’. Published by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, this book is a captivating collection of episodic tales that beautifully captures the life journey of Dr. Sonal Mansingh. Through its pages, readers set out on an autobiographical voyage, witnessing the artist’s profound moments of self-revelation and unique experiences. At this book discussion Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary IGNCA and Dr. Malashri Lal, Writer, Former Professor, Dean, University of Delhi, engaged in a conversation with Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Guru, Scholar, Thinker, Padma Vibhushan, and Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. The welcome and introductory address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Head Kalanidhi Division & Dean (Administration), IGNCA.
During the book discussion, Dr. Sonal Mansingh expressed, “This is like a coming-of-age experience in a way I never imagined.” She pondered the genesis of her writing, marveling at the sharpness and acuteness of her ideas. Her journey as a writer began in school, with poetry, but life’s myriad experiences intervened. It was when she started writing fortnightly for a newspaper that her writing found a platform. In discussing the evolution of women’s portrayal in foundational texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Dr. Mansingh emphasized the role of dance in her understanding. She noted how Puranic history intertwines with art, inviting one to immerse oneself in its richness. The conversation delved into intriguing references, including Radha, Sita, and Draupadi. Dr. Mansingh highlighted Radha’s distinct intelligence and the nuanced portrayals of Sita by Tulsi and Valmiki, shaped by regional and cultural differences. She emphasized Draupadi’s significance as the ‘Mahanayika’ of Bharat and her intimate bond as the best friend, or ‘Sakhi,’ of Lord Krishna.
In the discussion, Prof. Malashri Lal remarked that the book ‘A ZigZag Mind’ brims with inspirational wisdom, showcasing a revival of Indian knowledge. She highlighted the convergence of diverse values and knowledge in contemporary India, a source of pride for its people, with the book making a significant contribution to this wealth of knowledge. Prof. Lal also praised Dr. Sonal Mansingh for her enormous corpus of knowledge in Indian mythology.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi remarked during the conversation that Sonal ji’s perspective on mythological characters transcends the European notion of feminism. He emphasized that her portrayal of mythological characters reflects the essence of ‘Bhartiya Sanskriti’ and the esteemed position of women in ancient Indian society. Additionally, he discussed how the book mirrors the tradition of ‘Guru-Shishya Paramapara’.
The book, segmented into twenty-six chapters, intricately delves into various themes such as ‘Guru Shisya Parampara’, ‘Making of a Classical Dancer’, ‘Creativity in Dance’, ‘Yamuna- Witness to Krishna Lila’, ‘Sapta Nadi’, ‘Radha’, ‘Draupadi’, ‘Ramayana as narrated by Tulsidas’, among others. Dr. Sonal Mansingh eloquently narrates her life experiences, offering a unique perspective on ‘natya’, ‘nrtya’, and ‘nrtta’ based on her own journey. Through its pages, the book showcases Dr. Mansingh’s perseverance, magnanimity, and dedication to Indian art. The book discussion event was anchored and a formal vote of thanks was given by Sumit Dey of IGNCA.