Athena Multiskills Coaching Classes 3.31

In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, arts and crafts and skills. She exists in the mind space of that ancient civilization as one of the most benevolent goddesses---strong, fair and merciful. She has been portrayed as a skilful negotiator and strategist, mediating to avoid wars but, if war becomes unavoidable, siding always with the virtuous and the wronged. Her portrayal in this context is not much different from that of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharat.

In the folklore, goddess Athena taught weaving and sewing to women, and agriculture and metallurgy to men. She was the protector of the war heroes and ensured their safe return from the battlefield.

Athena is hailed as the natural patron of education. Universities in Europe and the Americas are named after her. Students across Europe are known to seek her blessings during examination time.

Goddess Minerva in the Roman mythology is the goddess Athena of the Greek civilization, with identical attributes. Athena represents the reverence for Shakti in our own contemporary society with its emphasis on independence, virtuous deed and positive thought process. Athena’s constant companion is Nike, the goddess of victory. Athena is depicted with the owl, a symbol of wisdom and perspicacity. She is seen along an olive tree, the symbol of prosperity and productivity in those lands where she has been worshipped from ancient times.

We have, in this age of globalised endeavours and transcontinental academic knowledge-sharing, chosen to name our own humble effort after Athena, the goddess of wisdom and skills, seeking to inculcate those very virtues in ourselves and in those who come to us for advice and guidance.