ple. The characters in a story shape an entire people. The story of the Ramayana has helped the country of India establish independence. It has also caused political turmoil and social upheavals, but it continues to shape the culture of India and all Hindus everywhere. It is the cornerstone of the Hindu religion and shapes all aspects of the country, politically and socially. The heroes in this wonderful tale seem to be just as popular today as they were in 550 B.C. A quote from Jonah Blank in his book Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God describes the enduring theme that the Ramayana holds and why it has withstood the test of time: The Ramayana is not a fact but an idea. That is why it will continue to dominate India in a way no objectively verifiable chronicle ever could. It is beyond corroboration. It can never be confirmed, so it can never be denied. (11) The Ramayana will continue to influence Hindus and the world at large. Whether we believe it or not dharma exists in the form of the Ramayana....
