In the TEDxYouth talk “Folktales – Our First Teachers,” Bitasta Das explores the invaluable lessons hidden within traditional stories that often surpass textbook education. She highlights how these tales, often perceived as mere entertainment, encapsulate timeless wisdom relevant to our lives. Through the enchanting narratives of Puneekoti the cow, the Cunning Man and the Wishing Tree, and the Bone of Desire, Das illustrates key values such as truthfulness, careful consideration of desires, and the significance of courage and commitment.
Das contends that folktales serve as mirrors reflecting societal struggles, aspirations, and solutions to life’s challenges. Each story presents characters navigating their worlds while imparting essential life lessons. The tales encourage listeners to remain curious and resilient, stressing that success often comes through persistent effort. Ultimately, Das invites us to appreciate the profound knowledge embedded in our cultural heritage, urging us to recognize folktales not just as stories, but as guides shaping our understanding of life.
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Author Video Description
In her talk, Bitasta examines how folktales influence our early beliefs and how these timeless stories can continue to guide and uplift humanity. Dr. Bitasta Das is an author and educator who has taught and coordinated the humanities curriculum at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, for over fifteen years, and also serves as Visiting Faculty at Assam Downtown University. Her work explores the intersections of folk wisdom, science, and technology, reflected in publications such as ArtingScience and Jal, Jungle, Zameen in the Age of Science and Technology. She has lectured and led workshops at national and international platforms, including the Global Impact Conference and NASA International Space Apps Challenge, and has spoken at podcasts and TEDx events. At IISc, she oversees IIScPress and contributes to Connect magazine. She is also a member of the State Planning Commission of Chhattisgarh, with research interests spanning folk art, ethnic studies, Northeast India, and ethnography. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “Folktales – Our First Teachers | Bitasta Das | TEDxYouth@PSBS” was uploaded on 12/03/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks