In this period when the digital world impacts our lives more than what epics did, we should reanalyse our stories through a different lens. The Ramayana can also be considered a metaphor for our online existence today, in addition to being a spiritual and moral guide.
By re-narrating the characters and events from the epic from the cyber safety and digital wellbeing perspective, we are able to draw parallels in the lessons which make them relate able and impactful for all age groups.
Online threats such as cybercrime, data theft, online grooming, misinformation, and more have become commonplace in recent years. These threats are akin to the demons of Lanka in the forest. We are now in tremendous need of cautiousness, restraint and wisdom. To become aware of morals and life experiences taught through Ramayana one can become safe, secure, and ethical online.
Rama – The Ethical Digital Citizen
Depiction: Rama represents the ideal user who follows dharma (ethical conduct) online.
Message: Be like Rama, use the internet responsibly, follow platform guidelines, don’t spread hate, and protect your digital identity.
Sita – Data Privacy
Depiction: Sita’s abduction is symbolic of how personal data can be misused when not protected.
Takeaway: Don’t overshare online. Protect your photos, location, and private information like Sita should have been protected in the forest.
Ravana – The Cyber Criminal
Depiction: Ravana is the master of disguise and manipulation, much like modern-day cybercriminals, scammers, and hackers.
Takeaway: Recognise threats like phishing, social engineering, and online grooming. Just because someone appears trustworthy doesn’t mean they are.
Golden Deer – Clickbait & Fake Offers
Depiction: The golden deer that lured Rama away represents clickbait links and fraudulent advertisements.
Takeaway: Don’t chase every appealing offer you see online. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Lakshman Rekha – Privacy Settings & Boundaries
Depiction: The line drawn by Lakshmana is like your privacy boundaries and digital controls.
Takeaway: Never cross your own or others’ boundaries online. Use privacy settings to avoid cyber intrusion.
Hanuman – The Cyber Protector / Ethical Hacker
Depiction: Hanuman is the ethical hacker, he enters enemy territory (Lanka) only to rescue and report.
Takeaway: We need more “Hanumans” in the cyber world, white-hat hackers who protect, monitor, and serve.
Lanka – The Dark Web
Depiction: Lanka, Ravana’s kingdom, can represent the dark web or unsafe corners of the internet.
Takeaway: Stay away from illegal or harmful platforms. Not everything online is safe or lawful.
Vibhishana – The Whistleblower
Depiction: Vibhishana represents the importance of reporting wrongdoings.
Takeaway: If you see cyberbullying, abuse, or scams, report it. Be the Vibhishana who stands for what’s right.
Disclaimer:
This interpretation of the Ramayana is shared purely from a place of reflection and learning, combining my personal understanding of this timeless epic with my professional experience in digital wellbeing and internet ethics. It is not intended to offend, reinterpret religious beliefs, or hurt any sentiments. The aim is to foster awareness and promote responsible digital behaviour by drawing parallels with stories that are deeply rooted in our culture. Let us take this as a learning journey toward building a safer and more ethical digital world.
