Panchtatva

The word Panchtatva refers to the elements of universe that are essential for life. This is a series of 3 short stories that extends the focus from elements necessary for life to those ideas and values necessary for living / leading this life. In doing so, it follows two different species and their common struggles and explores the theme that most, if not all, of what we need in order to figure out people and life is found in the elements and systems of universe that are otherwise ignored because they are seen as lifeless.

Part 1: Reboot - It is about how the systems of the world around him and an evening with his daughter reboots the way a single father looks at life. And how everyone of us, irrespective of who we are, is suffering from the same issues of lack of space, voice and rights.

Part 2: Reason - Having reset his vision towards life and the world, he begins to look into the deeper meaning and truths about what everything around him actually is. He believes it is what education should actually be about but the next generation is missing out on it as the institutions continue to suit their own conveniences. Hence, he pledges to share his wisdom with the youth at the "Shiksha" camps so they aren't stunned when faced with life. But does he know enough himself?

Part 3: Meaning - In this conclusion to this 3 part series, he finally figures out the meaning of life. Though it isn't the one he had been after.