Geeta Dharmarajan, an award-winning writer for children and adults,
social entrepreneur, educationist and founder of Katha Publishing House,
spoke to CECILIA D’SOUZA on the importance of books and reading in a
world where we are all stuck at home.
Tell us about your journey as a writer.
I had an awesome childhood, swirled and
twirled and taken for never-ending rides by
stories. I loved daydreaming. I remember
sitting in the balcony of our home in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, reading and dreaming, dreaming
and reading; the characters were real. And
often they made up their own stories inside
my head. My mother had to ban books at the
dining table for all of us three girls!
In school, my principal, my beloved Sister
Nessen, thought I had a special way with
words. With such encouragement, what else
could I do but to dream of writing. I still feel
shy calling myself a writer—but I love writing.
And if I could be anything else, I would still be
a writer for children.
How can children be introduced to reading
books at an early age?
When parents understand, "Why should
children be introduced to reading books at an
early age?” the "How?” will happen as a natural
progression.
It normally starts with parents reading
themselves. We need to walk our talk.
Especially when we know that whatever may
be the future career choice your child makes,
reading to understand and to better express
yourself will be an important part of it.
Many studies in neuroscience have shown
that the earlier children start to enjoy reading,
the easier it is for them to develop the soft skills
required in the 21st century—compassion,
curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. When
they read, the different cognitive muscles in
the brain get strengthened…and the future
responsive, responsible adult is born.
So do ask the why—and the how will come
on its own.
How can children develop good reading
skills?
Through storytelling, watching plays and
taking part in story games at an early age. Of
course, it is easier for children if parents read to
them at night. Borrowing books from a local
children’s library also helps. Children should
read at least one book a month.
In this COVID situation, how important is it
for children to take up reading as a hobby?
Very. In fact, if children are surrounded by
books–paper and print, e-books, old, new,
age-appropriate, books for slightly older kids–
they will read. Reading is fun and it tickles the
imagination and makes reading more fun.
There is a symbiotic relationship between
reading and thinking and coming up with
daydreams and then reading some more.
With everything becoming digital, do you
think books will become obsolete?
Never. I hope never ever. But then, I am
old fashioned. I just read somewhere that
the younger generation finds the full stop
threatening. So things change, habits change.
And if we are wise adults, we will go with the
new wind that keeps blowing. Having said this,
I know in my heart that the joy and experience
young kids get out of a good picture book
physically in the hand, can never be replaced
by a digital one!
What are your thoughts about reading and
writing in a world of home-schooling?
As a reader and writer, I would say awesome!
May we have more home-schooling where
children can read other than textbooks.
In fact, Katha has just brought out the first
series of an Untextbook series for GEEKs—
children who care about gender, earth, equality
and kindness. Home-schooling has a greater
chance of turning out "geeks” and genuinely
compassionate and interesting adults than
school ever did or ever can. Home-schooling can, if we are smart, create
a space for serious thinking for our children. We
call this, at Katha, TADAA! Think. Ask questions.
Discuss. Act. To Achieve lasting wisdom. We
yearn for our children to be knowledge
workers. Why not go one step more and say
we want them to be geeks; wisdom workers?
With many progressing towards homeschooling, do you think this method of
schooling has more to offer to the children?
Yes, Remember Margaret Mead said, "My
mother wanted me to have a real education, so
she took me out of school.” I sometimes thank
COVID-19 for losing patience with the adult
human race and deciding to give children a
break—home-schooling.
What advice would you give young writers
to develop their writing skills?
Read and read and read more. Write and write
and write more. Fill up notebooks with your
writing. Then be the most critical self-editor
you can be. Hone your skills. You cannot be
bogus if you are a writer. Be an iconoclast. Go
where no road leads. Discover your own world
that no one has even dared step into. It’s tough
being a writer…but oh, the rewards!
What tips should young readers follow
while picking up a book?
Look at the cover. Read the blurb at the back.
Dip into the book. See if the story catches your
imagination. Then…walk to the counter, ready
to buy!