Shankar Dev
on Goodreads (76)
What’s inside...
Shankar Dev is a biography of the 15th-century Assamese saint and scholar, Shankar Dev, by S. S. Apte. It provides a detailed account of his life, teachings, and contributions to Assamese culture and literature, with a focus on his role in the Bhakti movement and his efforts to promote social reform and religious harmony. The book also explores his journey from being a swift and strong youth, who took his grandmother's advice to heart, to becoming a committed student and householder, and ultimately starting the Vaishnava movement in Assam.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Shankar Dev such a respected leader?
How did his teachings impact the people around him?
What qualities do you admire about Shankar Dev, and why?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, like Shankar Dev did?
How do you think the story of Shankar Dev can be applied in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on Shankar Dev’s character and ask your child to reflect on and relate to his qualities. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story’s events, and connect them to modern-day scenarios. Highlight the moral and ethical lessons, and discuss how these can guide their daily actions. Lastly, use examples from the book to talk about the importance of leadership and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The story of Shankar Dev showcases his enduring spirit and relentless pursuit of his goals despite facing numerous obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain their determination and keep striving towards their objectives, even when they encounter difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of spirituality and moral values
Explanation: Shankar Dev's life is profoundly influenced by his deep spiritual beliefs and strong moral principles, which guide his actions throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider and cultivate their own values and beliefs, which can act as a moral compass in their lives.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The book provides rich descriptions of the cultural context of Shankar Dev's life, offering insights into traditions and practices.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of respecting and appreciating diverse cultures, thereby fostering a more inclusive mindset.
Example Lesson: The power of education and learning
Explanation: Shankar Dev's journey emphasizes the role of education in personal growth and societal impact.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of continuous learning and encourages children to be curious and enthusiastic about gaining new knowledge.
Example Lesson: Community service and leadership
Explanation: Throughout the book, Shankar Dev is portrayed as a leader who serves his community with dedication and vision.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of contributing to their community and developing leadership skills that can make a positive difference.