My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
Ouch!Cried Planet Earth by Mrs.Dheera Kitchlu
Published by Serene Woods
Launched byRahul Bose at Hornbill House
3rd Decemeber, 2010
The launch of a new book is always a reason to rejoice, especially when it is a kids book set in Mumbai, and deals with the environment and how a 12 year old boy takes matters into his own hands! I have not attended many book launches before, but was rather enthusiastic about attending this for two reasons - the author was one I had heard of (I have read a couple of her books) and corresponded wtih a few times, and secondly, the book was launched at the BNHS's Hornbill House. It had been ages since I visited the place, and was really excited about visiting again, and that too for a book launch!
Published by Serene Woods
Launched byRahul Bose at Hornbill House
3rd Decemeber, 2010
The launch of a new book is always a reason to rejoice, especially when it is a kids book set in Mumbai, and deals with the environment and how a 12 year old boy takes matters into his own hands! I have not attended many book launches before, but was rather enthusiastic about attending this for two reasons - the author was one I had heard of (I have read a couple of her books) and corresponded wtih a few times, and secondly, the book was launched at the BNHS's Hornbill House. It had been ages since I visited the place, and was really excited about visiting again, and that too for a book launch!
I would have loved to take Samhith along, but the time wasnt suitable, and I had to leave him behind with his grandmother, rushing off just as he returned from school. Travelling to VT alone by train and walking down to BNHS made me re-live my college days when I made the same circuit at least once a week!
I was just in time to look around and browse through Dheera Kitchlu's other books before it was time for the programme to begin. The book was to be launched by the actor, Rahul Bose, and he arrived exactly on time! I really appreciate the guy now! Dr. Rahmani, the Director of the BNHS was the chief guest and one of the guys from Serene Woods (the publishing house) did the honours. (Sorry, forgot to ask his name!).
The programme began with a short introduction by Dr.Rahmani, followed by the launch of the book. After the formalities were over began the best part - the book reading! That Rahul Bose was a good actor is something I already knew, but that he would bring the book alive, was astounding! He had everyone in splits - from the youngest in the audience to the oldest.... all the kids were enthralled, well, almost all of them, except a few boys sitting near me. But he even managed to get them involved, asking them which excerpt to read next! He read three portions from the book, each one more interesting than the other.By the time he came to the last one, the one right at the end, the mike had conked off, and he had only his vocal chords to rely on, but that was more than enough, and every member of the audience was laughing as he came to the end.
The book reading was followed by a wildlife quiz for the kids, and I really wished I had brought Samhith along! However, it was getting late, and I was restless to get back home, so I went and spoke to Mrs.Kitchlu and the others before taking my leave. Wish I could have spent some more time. Next time there is something like this, I shall take Samhith along!
It was a wonderful evening, something I shall remember. As to the book, I began reading it on my way back in the train and am almost through. It is as interesting as it promised to be, and I am looking forward to Samhith reading it. I shall wait for his reactions before I write the review, so it will take some time. As of now, I have a copy of a wonderful book, signed by the author, as well as an actor who brought the story alive. Both, Samhith and I shall treasure this one!
Here are a few photos from the event
Rahul Bose looks nice :D And the book sounds promising too!
ReplyDeleteI like the simplicity of Rahul Bose in these pictures, and good to know he was punctual too.
ReplyDeleteI hope more such books on environment awareness are brought out for children as well as adults.
@Mridula: oh yes, it does... and the book is fun to read too!
ReplyDelete@Celine: he was so normal and down to earth... actually liked meeting him :) and yes, i hope for more such books and such events too!
He reads well too I am sure.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics.
I really love love rahul bose movies :) Wish I could be there :D
ReplyDeleteI should also get my hand on this book :) Would love to read....