By Shailesh Prithani
Did you know that Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana broke all OTT records when it was re-aired during COVID-19, proving the enduring power of Ramayana even without fancy VFX? In the age of smartphones and social media, the Ramayana’s timeless themes of love, duty, sacrifice, morality, and the triumph of good over evil are more relevant than ever. However, the epic’s extensive length and complex narrative can pose a challenge for today’s younger generations.
To address this challenge, Jumbaya, the storyteller for children, has embarked on a journey to retell the epic Ramayana in an interactive read-along read-aloud animated storybook format. This endeavour aims to preserve the essence of the story while simplifying the narrative to cater to children aged 6-14(but surely a delight for grown-ups, too).
Ramayana’s Enduring Appeal for Modern Audiences
Valmiki’s Ramayana, an ancient epic, continues to enchant modern audiences with its profound themes of righteousness, devotion, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend time, resonating with people across generations. Jumbaya, in its innovative approach, maintains the original essence of Ramayana while simplifying the narrative for young minds. By preserving the core moral and ethical lessons of this timeless tale, Jumbaya ensures that Valmiki’s masterpiece remains relevant and impactful, making the epic accessible to today’s youth without diluting its spiritual and cultural significance.
Jumbaya’s Extraordinary Approach in the Children’s Tale
Jumbaya’s dedication to nurturing a daily reading habit among young minds stands out as one of its defining qualities. Their approach is a harmonious blend of innovation and engagement, providing a concise story that lasts just 6-10 minutes. These meticulously designed stories are presented in a minimalist animated format adorned with high-quality illustrations that effortlessly capture the imagination.
Another notable aspect is its dedication to creating a holistic reading experience. In addition to captivating visuals, they infuse their story with enchanting music that enhances the storytelling. Alongside the narrative, they sprinkle fascinating facts and trivia, adding an educational dimension to each story. These visually and acoustically rich elements not only elevate the storytelling experience but also ignite the imagination of children, fostering their curiosity to explore the epic further.
Moreover, Jumbaya incorporates the Same Language Subtitling (SLS) into its content. This innovative approach has been proven to enhance children’s reading abilities by aligning spoken words with written text. Not only does it make the Ramayana more accessible, but it also nurtures a love for reading among young viewers.
The highly awaited Jumbaya’s approach to the “Ramayana- The Journey of Sita and Rama” series made its spectacular debut on September 16th. This ambitious project promises to take viewers on a journey through over 70 captivating episodes. Jumbaya’s mission with this series goes beyond entertainment; it aims to instill essential life lessons in children. By bringing this timeless epic to life in a contemporary format, the creators hope to forge stronger intergenerational bonds.
(The author is the CEO and founder of Jumbaya)