In a recent interview byte, actress Ratna Pathak attempted to impart a profound ‘un-funny’ and illogical epiphany on Mahabharat. However, her so-called “epiphany” falls short of a basic understanding and appreciation of the finer nuances the legend of Mahabharat has to offer. The actress likened Arjuna’s focus on the bird’s eye to a lack of appreciation for the beauty around him. Thereafter, Pathak asserted that the pursuit of goals or ‘Lakshya’ is overstated and detrimental in nature. Thereby, implies that any Indian youth’s goal-oriented development is severely misguided. Let’s unpack Ratna Pathak’s cacophony of an epiphany!
Ratna Pathak and Her Flawed Mahabharat Analogy
💥RAGA has a sister in Ratna Pathak –
Arjun was a warrior. If he would not focus on target, you wouldn't have born to speak this rubbish😂
Irony is she comes from the same circle who asks for proofs of Balakot strike.
Imagine forces following her logic & deciding to do picnic… pic.twitter.com/LZegl3Mf5z
— Dr. Shah (@ankitatIIMA) May 5, 2024
In a short viral interview byte, Ratna Pathak compares Arjuna’s focus on the bird’s eye to his disregard for life’s beauty. She also said that by focusing on his Lakshya, Arjun was unable to build a rapport with his fellow students.
Unfortunately, Ratna Pathak’s understanding of this important story of ‘Lakshya‘ and Arjun as a ‘warrior’ is fundamentally flawed.
Arjuna’s unwavering focus was not a sign of narrow-mindedness or inability to appreciate beauty. It was a testament to his dedication and discipline as a warrior. In Mahabharata, his absolute concentration on the target symbolized his commitment to excellence and duty. In this particular story, the task was one assigned to all students, but only Arjun was allowed to fly his arrow! Why? Because the Guru Dronachraya was teaching absolute focus in archery as a skill.
Thus, the bird’s eye story celebrates traits of steady focus on aim, attention to teacher’s directions, and commitment to goals in Bharat’s culture. It encourages the youth to commit wholeheartedly to their own ambitions. Moreover, it asks the youth to not be distracted in the pursuits of self-determined or assigned goals.Â
Debunking Ratna Pathak’s Misguided Notions on Focus
India has produced numerous achievers in various fields. In sports icons like Sachin Tendulkar, P.V. Sindhu, and others showcase that dedication to goals yields success and perfection. In academics, examples like Srinivas Ramanujan exemplify the power of focus and determination.
These are a few examples of individuals that stand at the pinnacle of success gained through the relentless pursuit of excellence. Many others reach their own summit of success in their own ways. Some gain fame, some gain wealth, and others gain satisfaction of a job well done. All because they choose to keep an unwavering focus on their personal goals.
Rather than detracting from their appreciation of life, their focus amplified their ability to succeed, sometimes for the sake of happiness and sometimes to inspire millions.
The Danger of Illogical Messages
A successful warrior is an average man with 'Laser like Focus'#Focus pic.twitter.com/nGHfqMdqkN
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 5, 2019
Ratna Pathak’s comment risks sending a dangerous message to impressionable young minds. It allows the youth of the nation to look at goal orientation through a biased lens. Moreover, it suggests that ambition and focus are inherently detrimental to one’s overall growth and well-being. These notions undermine the importance of focus and perseverance, which are essential skills for navigating the complexities of life and achieving one’s dreams.
Ratna Pathak used the wrong example to talk about the importance of appreciating life’s beauty. She presented a rotten view that Arjun’s focus on ‘Lakshya’ came at the expense of his personal relationships and appreciation of the bigger picture. While appreciating the world around and relationships is essential for personal growth, they should not be taught as directly opposite of goal-orientation. Indian youth need to pursue their goals with determination while also fostering an appreciation for the world around them. This is the correct holistic approach to life and achievement. Not Ratna Pathaks’ half-cooked understanding of Mahabharat, its legends, and its lessons!