Stories From Ramayana

The story of Rama remains to be the most popular story in the literary, social and religious life of India. However, most people know the story of Rama upto his victory over Ravana and return to Ayodhya after his exile for fourteen years. Similarly, not much is known about the life of Ravana before he kidnapped Sita and came in conflict with Rama. As a mater of fact, these two aspects are not a part of the main story of Rama.

However, Uttar-Kand of Ramayana of Rishi Valmiki deals with these two aspects. They are equally interesting and inspiring. The ancestors of Ravana and his early life presents the background of his later misadventures. The last days of Rama are very touching and present completely a new aspect of his noble life. "Stories from Ramayana" in this book are based on these two themes. The ingredients of the stories are from the original classic and have not been distorted. However, sequence of events and presentation are the prerogatives of the author. Every effort has been made to retain the spirit of the original and still make the stories interesting. The language is simple to be within the comprehension of an average reader. The stories are also expected to give a glimpse of the cherished "Rama Rajya."

Dr. Suraj Narain Sharma had been born, brought up and educated in Delhi. After obtaining his post-graduate degree in Economics from Delhi University and doing his Bachelor of Education Course, Dr. Sharma joined the Education Department of Delhi Government in 1948 as a post-graduate teacher. He served the Department for 36 years in various capacities and retired as Deputy Director of Education in 1984.

After retirement, Dr. Sharma studied Pali and Sanskrit at Delhi University. He obtained his first Ph.D degree in -Buddhist Social and Moral Education". Then Dr. Sharma joined the Central Institute of Education, Department of Education, University of Delhi and perused his studies in Indian Culture. His studies culminated in his second Ph.D thesis on "Indian Concept of Man and His Development" in 2001. At present, Dr. Sharma is studying Indian Religions and their relevance in modern times. Dr. Sharma has written several books on education and religion. He has specialised in "Value Education" and is working on a -Practical Course in Value Education for a Pluralistic Society".

**Contents and Sample Pages**