?Time to take a re-look at how we have neglected our real places of rich knowledge?, says Pranab Mukherjee at a book launch event

New Delhi: “Today’s society needs to know about the real Draupadi and learn from her intellectual & devotional strengths. Draupadi is ever relevant, and it is time we recognise and honour this woman of immense grit and substance. It is also high time we took a re-look at how we have neglected our real places of rich knowledge and sidelined the personalities that stand out as examples of righteousness,” said former President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee, while releasing a book ‘Draupadi and her Panchala: Reasserting their Place in History’. The book, authored by Neera Misra who is also chairperson of the Draupadi Dream Trust, was released at a function held at National Museum Auditorium on October 30, 2018. Director General of National Museum Dr BR Mani, Major General (Retd) GD Bakshi and Air vice Marshal (Retd) Rajesh Lal were also present.

Shri Mukherjee said from time immemorial women have enjoyed a high dignified status in our homes and society and Draupadi was given the status of an ‘intellectual partner’ by Sri Krishna Himself. “She is one among the five revered Panchkanya’s and in South India there are Temples devoted to Draupadi Amman. This ‘kuldevi’ to many seems to be lost in misperceptions and misinterpretations of our real history. The book on such a great personality by Ms Neera Misra is a bold initiative to bring back on track our Indian historical perspective,” he said adding: “The book is special on two counts. While establishing the backdrop of a logical understanding of a legendary empowered woman Draupadi, it rekindles our desires to know the history of Panchala. This land was a repository of the highest Vedic knowledge and gave many stalwart philosophers and traditional scientists. Knowing the original roots of our rich civilisation’s nurturing grounds takes us to our historical evidences via a geographical path. This gives the touch of reality to what we believe has been our past.”

The former President of India further said in the turbulence of almost 700 years of invasions, followed by the colonial domination and distortions of our ancient texts, many of us have been deprived of knowing our own legacies. “This makes this work a significant documentation of the heritage and cultural history of our ancient times. It brings out the depth and richness of an important Kingdom that promoted Vedic knowledge, and gave us personalities of valor and character,” he added

Shri Mukherjee said Draupadi stands out as a towering personality of courage and deep intellect, which she acquired from the environment of her home and society at Vedic Kampilya, capital of erstwhile Panchala kingdom. The book brings out many facets of Draupadi. It discusses and dispels the belief that Draupadi was responsible for the Kurukshetra war narrated in the Mahabharata. Her actions and reactions emphasise the place of women in our society and other issues that are even relevant in today’s world. “In fact, each character in the Mahabharata is as alive today as during the period of Mahabharata ‘itihasa’. We just have to look around and we will find Dhritrashtras, Duryodhanas, Shakunis, but there will always be one Draupadi raising a voice for justice. And to her we all must give our unending, eternal support,” Shri Mukherjee added.

In the beginning, Neera Misra introduced the book. Major General (retd) GD Bakshi and Dr BR Mani appreciated the book and appealed to the people to read it to know the glorious chapter of Bharatiya history.