President Droupadi Murmu joined a group of Slovak schoolchildren to watch a puppet show retelling of the Ramayana in their language in Bratislava on Thursday. The show was attended by 150 Slovak students along with the President during her .
STORY | President Droupadi Murmu joins Slovak kids in watching puppet show on Ramayana
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Blending the rich tapestry of Eastern mythology with the age-old tradition of puppetry, the 45-minute performance was the brainchild of Lenka Mukova, a devoted follower of Lord Krishna and a passionate admirer of Indian culture.
Mukova, a core member of the Babadlo Puppet Theater in Presov, channeled her spiritual devotion and creative flair to design a performance that strikes a chord with audiences of all ages.
So far, she has staged 20 shows across various cities in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, where she not only narrated the tales but also performed them herself. “I have been a Krishna devotee for the last 17 years. I liked the story of Ramayana because it is full of emotions, love and values,” Mukova, also known by the given name Lekha Sravanti Devidasi, said while speaking to PTI.
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She said this was his first project based on any Indian epic. It is very educational for the children. For over three decades, Babadlo Puppet Theatre has charmed young minds with educational and culturally rich storytelling.
Paintings By Slovak Children
The President also visited a lively exhibition showcasing paintings by Slovak children, created for the annual art competition ‘Beauty Hidden in Fairy Tales – India Through the Eyes of Slovak Children.’ Anna Galovichova, the founder of the Slovak-India Friendship Society based in Piestany, said that the idea to let children paint came from a sanatorium for sick children, PTI reported.
Each year, young artists illustrate themes drawn from Indian fables, often inspired by timeless classics like the Panchatantra. The Society started the annual event in 2015. This year, in the 10th edition, they received 700 entries.
On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu was received by President Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic at the Presidential Palace. She was offered a piece of bread by the Slovak couple, which she dipped in salt and ate. The ancient custom is performed symbolically for distinguished guests on various special occasions as a token of hospitality, friendship, and respect.
