Words of Wisdom Woven with Wit: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni as a Patron of Indian Knowledge

It is the predicament of modern world that the flood of information can’t quench the thirst for knowledge. The torrent of virtual experiences can’t push aside the craving for actual essence. The youth with brighter career prospects has bleaker perspectives. A plethora of techs- Edutech, Infotech, Nanotech, Agrotech, Greentech, Astrotech, Fintech, Medtech or Neurotech fails to teach the purpose of life. Futuristic AI tools falter in navigating the way to spiritual upliftment. The reason is obvious. There is a void between information and knowledge, experience and essence, prospects and perspectives, technology and teaching, intelligence and upliftment. This widening gap threatens intellectual, social, economic, psychological and spiritual growth of man. This chasm can be bridged over by a system that combines traditional wisdom with modern advancement. A system that has not exhausted but evolved itself over the ages. A system that has not diluted itself on the routes but has distilled itself through the roots. An umbrella term for this system is “Indian Knowledge System”. With its balanced, holistic and sustainable approach, it offers enduring solutions to the myriad global concerns. When a system is introduced organically through culture and literature, it tends to be readily embraced and effectively integrated. This is what Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, the first-generation immigrant writer has been doing through her writings. The present paper delves into Divakaruni’s profound contribution to the transmission and revitalisation of the Indian Knowledge System at global platform. It is a humble attempt to explore her magnificent ability to intermingle the traditional values with modern resonance. This paper also reflects on the role of women as crusaders of IKS in Divakaruni’s narratives.