Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, DEC, 21
A session titled ‘Who is God?’ at The Art of Living International Center with Smt Bhanumathi Narasimhan, Director, Child and Women Welfare program at The Art of Living Center, drew significant curiosity from educators, parents and children during the launch of her second book, Gods and Goddesses.
Speaking at the launch, Bhanu Narsimhan shared, “this book is a result of my own grandchildren asking me questions like, ‘Do you think God likes chips?’ Children are trying to make a personal connection with God. If they can relate with God at their age, that sense of connection continues to grow with them. God should be introduced in a peaceful and gentle manner. If you keep God on a pedestal, there will be a disconnect. But God likes fun.”
Bhanumathi Narasim han spoke at length about crucial questions relating to the concept of faith, God and spirituality. Also a parenting expert, she advised parents to limit their children’s screen time, encourage reading books as it stimulates their imagination, and keep their impressionable minds away from violence, and avoid using harsh words around them.
The book Gods and Goddesses, is an illustrated series and meant for children aged 2-4. It contains a small explanation on each deity, and they are introduced with their associated birds, animals or flowers. About Bhanumathi Narasimhan Inspired by Gurudev’s vision for a violence and stress-free world, Bhanumathi Narasimhan leads the women welfare and child-care initiatives of the Art of Living. From a small free school with 30 children of construction workers, her Gift-a-Smile project now supports 618 schools with over 68,000 underprivileged children.
Her last book-an intriguing memoir on the life of one of the most widely followed spiritual leaders of our times, ‘Gurudev-On the Plateau of the Peak’-is an Amazon bestseller. She has previously authored two books, Tejasvini and Lalitha that expound the spiritual significance and mystical meaning behind popular Hindu scriptures and practices.
As the chairperson of the International Women’s Conference (IWC), her vision is to make a global connection of responsible women to catalyze positive transformation in society. Over 5000 women from 80 nationalities have participated in these conferences so far with eminent speakers from diverse spheres.
