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Decoding Medusa At IIM Lucknow - The One On Greek Mythology

Mar 18, 2019 | 4 minutes |

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Isn't it fascinating when you realize that the things you considered so light (casually), has an interesting story behind it? The same happened with me a few days back. This is a popular landmark in Hel(L) and we call it Medusa. Medusa is a beautiful sculpture in the middle of the fountain, surrounded by luscious trees of a beautiful campus. A favourite spot for the selfie lovers and admirers of nature, I never knew it could have an interpretation or symbolism for it being near Chintan Block. I wonder if, whosoever placed this statue right near the Chintan Block had some strategic motive behind this? Was he aware of the story behind Medusa and wanted us to be familiar with it too? Well if you ask me, I was completely oblivious to its tale, except the name which caught my attention, thanks to the fact I am not an ardent follower of Greek Mythology. So to all those folks like me, here it goes. As per Greek Mythology, Medusa is one of the three monster sisters called Gorgons. Daughter of Phorcys and Ceto, she was the only mortal who was blessed with immense beauty such that many men lusted for her. She was envied for her luscious locks by all women including goddess Athena. Medusa wished to be a priestess at the temple of goddess Athena. One day she caught the attention of Poseidon, the god of the sea who got infatuated by her unworldly looks. He wanted to take Medusa as a possession from goddess Athena. Medusa rejected Poseidon’s proposals multiple times, as she was required to be pure so as to serve as a priestess, until one fateful night when Poseidon had his way with Medusa forcefully at the steps of Athena’s temple. Mythology says that Athena in a state of vengeance and full of rage with the unholy turn of events cursed Medusa. The hair she was so envious of, was turned into a head of venomous snakes. Overnight a beautiful lady was turned into a monster. It is believed that anyone who looked into Medusa’s eyes was turned into stone. As the words spread, she became the target of many warriors who craved to add her head to their list of trophies, signifying their utmost valour and courage, which stood up to this venomous creature. Medusa was finally beheaded by Perseus, with the help of divine gifts. Now when I am familiar with the story, I think she was a highly misunderstood character, she was punished for circumstances she had little control over. I somehow observe an uncanny resemblance between the portrayal of Medusa and Hel(L). IIM Lucknow or Hel(L) as we love to call it, is infamous for its academic rigour, pressure and sacrosanct deadlines. From the last 10 months, though many have despised this place thanks to its notorious portrayal of hellish characteristics, deep down we have realized, this place is more than just Hel(L). It is a place which actually shields us, protect us and prepares us for Hellish competition of the outside world. Medusa is a saga of misplaced trust, pride and consequences of one’s actions. As in IIM Lucknow, it may signify to be mindful of the choices we make, build relationships that are beyond the realms of jealousy and not be stoned by the fact that we are in IIM Lucknow. As our lovely professor has once quoted “You all will be provided with equal opportunities to be unequal”, it's up to us how we employ our senses in wake of unfortunate circumstances. It is those moments that will define our stories. While I am writing this at an ungodly hour of 4:00 am fully loaded up on caffeine, I am not quite certain whether it was the real intention behind placing this statue in the middle of a beautiful setup, but, one thing is for sure, the relevance of this place for me has changed forever.