From fables to reality: Iconic 'Panchatantra Van' to come up at Raj Bhawan in Lucknow

Raj Bhawan in Lucknow will soon house the iconic 'Panchatantra Van', from the popular children's collection of stories with the same titular name. People, especially children, will get to learn lessons of Panchatantra (the ancient Indian collection of animal fables) with the help of self-explanatory murals, at this forest.

The modular garden coming at the Raj Bhavan in Uttar Pradesh, will be developed on 2.5 hectares of land. This set-up will have a nature trail, fountains and models of animals that will be highlighted by light and sound system.

The tales of Panchatantra, beyond storybooks:

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The Divisional Forest Officer, Avadh Region stated that the work no this project, will begin from December 15 and is expected to be complete by April 2021, at the Governor's official residence. He also added that layouts, drawing and features of this new addition have been carefully drafted, after thoroughly discussing the proposal with the Raj Bhawan officials.

The team has paid attention and care to ensure that no trees be cut in the development of this park. In addition to the three-dimensional animal models and figurines of tiger and lions, concave and convex lens will be installed to catch children's attention. Slides and swings will also be put up for the children.

The Panchatantra translates into the 'Five Treatises' and is believed to be authored by scholar Vishnu Sharma roughly in the 3rd century BCE. Till date, it is one of the most popular and iconic story books among kindergarteners in India. All characters in these book are wild animals, that exhibit one trait or personality that simply teaches young minds about the complex behaviour of man, the social animal.

The Forest Department official said that the theme had been chosen "because it provides an ideal vantage point for understanding conflicts involving individuals, philosophies, organizations or consciousness. Stories in Panchatantra can be leveraged to provide useful clues to resolve all kinds of conflicts."

- With inputs from IANS