IT professional creates culture-based board game
Maharashtra: In an era of digital screens, online gaming, and high-octane video games, a Mumbai-based IT professional turned social entrepreneur has taken the initiative to bring Indian culture, history, and philosophy to the masses in a new way. He has developed a board game that aims not only to entertain but also to connect players with Indian wisdom traditions, life values, and the philosophy of living a better life.
Sahil Shirke, founder of Bharatam Reawakening and Subhiksha Social Ventures, has developed a simulation board game called “Mumukshu” after two years of hard work and extensive research. The game is based on Indian civilization, history, and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). Sahil aims to bring to the world aspects of Indian culture that are often overlooked in modern entertainment media.
The name “Mumukshu” is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning one who aspires to attain moksha, or spiritual liberation. The idea behind the game’s name is that life isn’t limited to material achievements; balance, morality, knowledge, relationships, and self-development also play a significant role.
According to Sahil Shirke, the current global gaming industry lacks original games that reflect Indian culture and philosophy. To address this gap, he conceived the idea of creating a board game that explores the Indian perspective on life through entertainment.
Unlike traditional fantasy or role-playing board games, ‘Mumukshu’ is a life simulation game. Players don’t play the role of a fictional character, but rather play themselves. During the game, players must make various life decisions and strive to live a balanced and ideal life in accordance with traditional Indian ideas.
The game takes players through various aspects of life, covering topics such as personal growth, relationships, knowledge, responsibilities, social contribution, and spiritual development. Players must devise strategies not just to win, but to balance various aspects of life.
Sahil Shirke explained that extensive study of Indian history, philosophy, traditions, and knowledge systems was conducted to develop this game. His goal was to create an experience that would allow the younger generation to enjoy entertainment while also understanding Indian heritage.
He added that a large portion of today’s generation is attracted to digital gaming. At this time, mediums like board games can provide people with the opportunity to play, communicate, and reflect on life’s values with family and friends.
‘Mumukshu’ is also considered an effort to promote Indian soft power. The gaming industry is growing rapidly worldwide, and the culture of many countries is reaching global levels through their games. In this context, a game based on Indian civilization and philosophy can help present India’s cultural identity on the international stage.
The uniqueness of this game is that it doesn’t limit the Indian lifestyle to historical contexts, but rather connects it with modern life circumstances. While playing, players can understand that balance, responsibility, and inner development are essential for success in life.
Sahil Shirke, who works in the field of social entrepreneurship, believes that combining education and entertainment can effectively convey messages to people. His goal is to make ‘Mumukshu’ more than just a game, but a medium to understand Indian thoughts and philosophy of life.
According to gaming experts, board games are still popular worldwide because they allow people to interact and strategize face-to-face. Amidst the growing influence of digital entertainment, such games can also play an important role in enhancing communication within families and communities.
Sahil Shirke’s initiative is a unique attempt to present Indian culture through a modern medium. While the younger generation is becoming more connected to new technologies and digital media, initiatives like ‘Mumukshu’ are trying to connect them with their cultural roots and life values.
Presently, preparations are underway to bring this game to the Indian and global gaming markets. The producer hopes that ‘Mumukshu’ will reach out not only to people in India but also to people across the world who want to understand Indian philosophy, culture and lifestyle in a new way.
