President Pranab Mukherjee released on Thursday a visually spectacular book that makes possible learning about India fun for little ones in the national capital. Titled India: An Alphabet Ride, the book published by Dehradun based Etch (Natraj) publishers, uses the alphabet to denote various aspects about India through detailed illustrations that blend India’s rich history, architecture, diversity of food, customs and languages with our values systems, lifestyles, and ways that we perceive ourselves.
The book is the brainchild of well known Kuchipudi Dancer, Shallu Jindal, who has spent more than two years doing research for the book and collating material and ideas that were then translated into visuals by the graphic illustrator, Priya Kuriyan.
Together, they have produced a classic work for children of all ages. It is also the perfect book to give as a gift and to read in a classroom or to be discussed by parents and grandparents with their little ones.
In this book, A is for ‘Anthem’. The President while launching the book said it was a wonderful idea. “A lot of children will benefit from the book,” informed Omita Paul,
secretary to the president, praising the effort of the author.
“Teaching children through visuals is always easier and more exciting for them. India was a challenge as there was just so much that one could keep learning about. But yes, in the process, I learnt a lot and would love to share it with our young ones,” says the author, Shallu Jindal, who is also the chairperson of the National Bal Bhavan.
The detailed visuals, bright colours and borders, and wonderful symmetry that make this book so different from the rest are the result of Priya Kuriyan’s dedication and vivid visual vocabulary.
“This book is one of the longest projects I’ve worked on. When I look at the finished work now, I am ever so proud.”
Etch is a publishing firm that focuses on publishing popular trade titles that are a little different from the books that are being published, in terms of design, layout, content. The firm is based in Delhi and Dehra Dun and books published by Etch and Natraj are available in leading bookstores and online.
India: An Alphabet Ride makes learning about India easy, interesting and intelligent.