Devdutt Pattanaik, a mythologist, speaker, illustrator and author who was one of the guests at Outlook Money’s 40After40 Retirement Expo on Tuesday, shed light on one of the four stages of life in the Indian scriptures, “Vanaprastha”, and whether these teachings are about retirement from the world. In an engaging conversation with Outlook Editor Chinki Sinha, Pattanaik attempted to unravel the relevance of mythology in our lives, citing the scriptures in the context of the 21st century. For example, what does it mean to grow up, grow old, and manage a life full of growth and possibilities until the last day on earth? He touched upon briefly areas, such as tradition and belief systems, where mythology is deeply rooted.

Here’s the excerpt of the interview in the Spotlight Session of the event titled “The relevance of ‘Vanaprashtha’ in the 21st century context”.

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Purpose Of Mythology

According to Pattanaik, it’s a human desire to feel significant. We constantly ask, do I matter? Will I be remembered? We are all looking for meaning, and mythology serves the purpose of ascribing that meaning. We imagine a world without us, and we see it goes on without us just fine, which is a terrifying idea. Mythology, he says, gives us answers in cycles and stages of life.

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History And Mythology

Mythology is the subjective truth of a culture. Many things have impacted our lives and will continue to impact where we don’t have much control. Reflection is something we don’t invest in. What do I wish to pass on to the generation? Do I have to be like a 16-year-old till I die? What’s unique about South Asia is the concept of rebirth or “Punar Janm”. We don’t ask foundational questions. There is time to pause and prepare for the next step.

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Mythology And Gender

Pattanaik is of the opinion that mythology across context and culture has been unfriendly to women. Women mostly have been impregnated to birth heroes, he says.

Outlook Money’s 40After40 Retirement Expo, a first of its kind, organised in Mumbai’s Jio Convention Centre from January 23-24, aims to deliberate on everything about retirement. The event is divided into sessions for experts to give their views on various aspects of retirement, from planning and investing to managing finances for a trouble-free life in old age.