The launch of Sowmya Rajendran’s Wings to Fly, based on the life of parathelete Padmashri and Arjuna awardee, Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla, at Bangalore International School was marked with excitement and awareness.
Ameen Haque of Bangalore-based Storywallahs performed for the students with Malathi looking on.
“It was a wonderful experience. Bangalore International is an inclusive school, so through an inspirational story, we sensitised the children towards the differently-abled,” Ameen said.
Ameen told the story of little Malathi, after which he introduced the children to the heroine of the story, Malathi Holla.
“The children were full of questions. They wanted to know more about Malathi,” says Ameen.
In Wings to Fly, little Malathi wants to run after hens and chicks, and pick mangoes from trees, but how can she on a wheelchair?
When she grows up, she shows she can do anything she sets her mind to. A woman of immense determination and spirit, Malathi’s life is an inspiration for children and adults, alike.
“I have written a picture book for young children, so I chose a particular episode from Malathi's life that I thought would interest my audience and then wove in details from her life to the narrative. I chose details that would add colour and some drama to the story to keep young readers interested,” says Sowmya.
The book, Sowmya adds, is one children will easily relate to. “I think children will identify with little Malathi's simple desires - to eat sweets, chase after hens, her wish to be with her family and so on. Most children also love to run races, so Malathi’s emotions are something they will be able to relate to.”
Arun Kaushik brings the book alive with his illustrations. “They are wonderful and imaginative that I’m sure will captivate the children.” Wings to Fly is a Tulika publication.
