HELP THE EARTH

What activities have been planned by the city’s organisations to commemorate the Earth Hour? PT checks out

CELEBRATING DARKNESS:
Puneites are doing their bit to help the environment

WHEN you were a child, elders at home must have told you to switch off the lights whenever you left the room. But did you follow their advice? Chances are, you didn’t, not because you wished to play a prank but since you were simply indifferent. Even as an adult in today’s times, many of us are guilty of keeping the television on while snoring away. We forget to switch off some other electronic gadget after leaving the room. Such a casual approach has impacted the Earth badly, which is why the need for an Earth Hour is even more significant than it might have been. Earth Hour is a global initiative in which the world demonstrates their will to defy climate change by switching off their lights for an hour. On March 26, the city will plunge into darkness for an hour at 8.30 pm. Hear Bhushan Salunke, co-ordinator for Youth to Youth Foundation, Pune who launched the initiative in Pune three years ago. He says, “This year, the theme is to go beyond the hour. The response to the Earth Hour has been good, and now we want people to switch off electronic appliances when not in use. Also, we want to engage the present generation in the initiative. Taking this global call of action further, we have started a plantation project in the city.” 

Green Energy Foundation is organising a poster campaign to spread awareness about the initiative. President of the foundation Sharmila Oswal highlights, “Many times, people are not ready to participate as it causes a lot of discomfort. So we tell them to at least switch off for five minutes, if not more. We have been organising programs in schools and colleges to spread the word among the younger generation. To get people used to the habit of switching off the nonessential electrical appliances, and organisation has come up with an interesting concept. Sanchita Jain, creative director of Happy Hands Foundation, gives the details, “We are putting up switches — electrical switches in a Switched On mode on different walls, streets, poles, trees, pavements...anywhere and everywhere across the city. The idea is to make people switch them off. This might motivate them to go home and do the same. It’s also to make people aware about the climate change.”
Many organisations are doing their bit. 

NDA too will pull out all plugs for the noble cause. Lt Gen Jatinder Singh AVSM, SM, Commandant NDA, says, “The lights will go off across the NDA campus for an hour, showcasing its support for a global movement against climate change. It is inspiring to see how a simple step as switching off lights for an hour can make a difference. These future military leaders will definitely play a significant role for the cause of a greener earth.” NDA has organised many green initiatives including cadets using bicycles 24x7, observation of only cycle’s day twice a month wherein all officers either walk or cycle to their place of work and tree plantation drives among others. 

Hotels too will participate in the drive. General manager, The Westin Pune, Anuraag Bhatnagar says, “Showing our commitment towards a greener planet, we have launched a campaign that starts on March 26. We have organised a drive to clean-up the Mula Mutha river bed along our hotel’s property once a month for the entire year. We will also be laying the foundation for an Herb garden in the hotel premises which will expand to include other aspects as the year goes by. Apart from switching of the lights at all our food and beverage venues, we are spreading the word through posters, videos and collage making competition.”
The O Hotel too is switching off the non-essential electronic appliances. Avijit Chaturvedi, vice pesident, (operation) confirms, “We are organising a candle-lit dinner at the hotel and will be participating in the Earth hour initiative.” Jaswinder Narang, general manager of Le Meridien says, “We have put collaterals in our lobby and in guest rooms to make people aware about the Earth Hour. 

Non- essentials will be switched off for one and a half hour from 8 pm.” Are you doing the same as well?

She’s the boss

LEADING THE WAY: Women acts as compassionate and understanding bosses

They are at the top. And they are the bosses of all they survey. PT talks to women chiefs who have made an impact.

THEY have the right style of leadership. They also display a special warmth that is absent in most men. Women bosses, whether great ladies of history or more contemporary pioneers, have always made a difference to their colleagues and companies through hard work and single-minded goal of perfection. And every woman has a story to tell. Lila Poonawalla, who holds the post of director in various local companies, feels she has been able to understand her employees better. “As a woman, you are able to understand their body language, psychology and emotions much better. We are a more focused, and stable lot. While there were some men who didn’t want to work under a lady, after seeing others’ progress, the reason for taking a woman as the head of a company is clear.” But to get to the top, women have to prove themselves time and again. Architect Gauri Naik Navare says, “Initially, it wasn’t easy for me to break into the construction field as it’s dominated by men. But now that I have made my mark here, it feels great. It has been a good experience.” Naik Navare says she has been able to influence a lot of women during the course of her career. And she believes that women bosses are a class apart. “I would say women are better bosses as they have more patience, understanding and listen to what others have to say,” says she.

For Pratima Kirloskar, president of an innovation society, attitude is everything. “Everything is interwoven – your attitude and the actions based on your attitude. When people know that you cannot be bought or deterred, they have confidence in you. The biggest compliment for me would be the mimicry of this positive attitude.” Aruna Katara, president of an IT management institute, started her life from the bottom of the pyramid. And she learnt and grew with her team. “There were times that my subordinates were like my seniors, giving me advice.” Katara has realised that, more than the numbers game, the quality of the product that one provides makes the real difference. “The quality of work is more important. And that quality comes when there is a direct connection with the employees. These are the values I’m trying to pass onto my faculty.” Though only three years old in the business, Damini Oberoi, director of a hotel management institute and PR company, is enjoying her journey. These three years have brought her respect and love from employees and students. “Age has been an advantage when it comes to new thoughts and ideas. I have become the peacemaker between the senior management and the junior staff. But I’m still learning to become tougher when it comes to work.” 

Women bosses possess a rich perspective and the right vision, too. Our conclusion: We need more women in leadership roles. And, the time is now.

JUST MESSING AROUND

A messy home is all you have when your friends consider your home as their property. PT talks to people about their ‘dirty’ experiences.



FUN NO MORE:

Fun with friends can turn into a messy affair

when they take your home for granted

IT’S your day off, and you plan a get-together with friends at home. You prepare yourself to chill out with a few select ones. But then you see friends and friends of friends inviting themselves to your ‘private’ party to chill out with you. Till this point, you accept everything. But after the party ends, you realize that your house is in a mess. Hear Paras Bhanushali, marketing executive, “I wanted to throw a party for my closest pals and relax. Along with them, even their girlfriends came home. We partied hard and had a really good time. But after the party, I realized that my house was in a mess. Empty cans and chips packets were thrown on the floor. Sometimes, your friends do tend to think of your home as their property. But I do not mind that, as we had a blast.”

It’s really okay when your friends ‘mess’ it up. But what happens when you don’t even know the person who pretends to be your friend? Amrita Kabra, a student shares, “My friends come to stay with me as I live alone in the city. And it’s great to have friends over. But one day, a girl called me saying that she was my friend Meeta’s friend and she wanted to stay at my place. Although I was a little hesitant, I gave in to the request. In the five days she stayed at my place, she actually pissed me off. My bed was not mine as it was full of her books, clothes and her. My kitchen was in a mess and I reached college late as she took a lot of time to bathe.”

Something that even jewellery designer Meha Parekh faced during her college days. She recalls, “One day, my classmate came home as she wanted some help with her studies. By the time we were done with our book work, we were starving. So I decided to churn a quick dish. She said she knew how to cook so I took her help. That was one big mistake. She mixed up all the masalas, burnt my subzi and the worst of all, spoilt my kitchen walls. When I put together the things to make pulao she said she would do the rest. A few minutes later the cooker burst. Thank God, both of us were not in the kitchen at that time. Later, she confessed that she had never stepped in the kitchen until that day. My favourite vessels were ruined and my kitchen wall was decorated with colourful veggies. I was so angry that day. Though we are good friends now, I still keep telling her that she was the one who messed up my kitchen.”

We have all come across people who are brats and just wanna have fun. But for Vishaka Deshpande, student of software engineering, the fun quotient was raised beyond limit and everything was one big mess. She shares, “My classmates and I were enjoying a nice evening at my place. It was a bad day. The guys were so ill-mannered and while doing masti that they burnt the curtains and smashed the window glass. My face was red with anger. And by the time they realized that they had taken things for granted, it was too late.”

Fun with friends is good, but we all should know where to draw the line.

OUR TEACHERS, OUR FRIENDS

Both teachers and students are using social networking sites to bond with one another.

GETTING updates on our friends’ lives has become easy, courtesy social networking sites. But, look closely and you’ll realise that it’s not just friends that youngsters are in touch with. Browse through TY BCom student Aditi Sharma’s online profile, and you will notice that amidst the ‘likes’ and comments from friends, there is a message or two from her college professor, proving that social networking sites have taken the student-professor relationship to another level altogether.

As Aditi tells us, “My professor and I are online buddies. We share links, chat and interact a lot through social media. It helps us bond better, and it becomes a ‘fun learning’ process.” Agreeing with Aditi is Professor Nidhi Arora, course head, business communication and soft skills, at MIT College of Management. She says, “Being a personality development teacher, social networking sites are a good platform for me. Inside the four walls of a classroom, I am restricted by the usage of words and can give limited live demonstrations. But with the help of online media, I can c o m m u n i - cate with my students and suggest links and videos that could help them understand the topic better.” For Ujjwal K Chowdhury, executive director, ISB&M School of Communication, too, the social network is a way to communicate with all the students at the touch of a button. “If I am reading an interesting article online, and think it would help my students in any way, I just have to post the link on the wall. It makes life really simple. It’s a great tool for sharing links for good reads,” he says.

Apart from being a way to impart knowledge, interacting on social networking sites has helped teachers bond with their students and understand them too. Dr Neha Sharma, director MITCON, explains, “It is a great way to know what the students think, their aspirations, future plans and dreams, on a one-on-one basis. This helps me analyse and understand them and modify the programme according to their needs.” Online communication also helps bridge the student-teacher gap. “The social network is a great equaliser as it puts everyone on the same platform. And students do not hesitate to discuss various issues concerning them,” she adds. The trend seems to have caught on. The affirmation of this is the number of students found in the list of these professors. Group director of Indira Group of Institutes Chetan Wakalkar, whose contact list comprises 90 per cent of students, agrees saying, “Earlier, I just had my friends and relatives on my list. Now, I have more than 1,500 contacts, and most of them are my students. It is a great tool to connect with the students and get their feedback on the various things happening at college.” But the online medium is an informal way of communication. So do students ever cross the line? After a moment’s pause, he says, “There are just one or two such instances. But if someone is not behaving well, these sites also have an option of blocking the person. So why bother? Moreover, we also have internet etiquette classes,” says Wakalkar.

Youngsters are hooked to the social network. If professors are taking using as an opportunity to bond better and make learning fun, then it’s a win-win situation for both.

Developing Global Managers

Minocher Patel

Management students gain a competitive edge through an international finishing school programme

 TO help students get adapted to the competitive corporate environment they would soon be a part of, MITCON Institute of Management, Pune, tied up with Ecole Solitaire, India’s first residential finishing school and international corporate training consultancy for a nine-day finishing school program conducted by the country’s leading motivational speaker and corporate trainer, Minocher Patel for its students. Students from diverse backgrounds are a part of MITCON, pursuing their management courses in specialised verticals including Bio-technology management, Pharmaceutical management, Agri-business and General management. This workshop was an effort to get them all to the same platform for a better understanding of the corporate world. 

Rajesh Purushottam and Neha Sharma



The workshop dealt with a wide range of topics including confidence building, positive attitude, self awareness, self analysis, presentation skills, business etiquette and protocol, telephone etiquette, personal grooming skills, group discussion, interview techniques and others. On the concluding day of the workshop, prizes and certificates were awarded to students. “MITCON and Ecole Solitaire wanted to appreciate the students, who were indeed making genuine efforts to imbibe and incorporate the skills being taught in the workshop on a day-to-day basis. Awards and recognition are a major motivational factor for students hence MITCON and Ecole have instituted these two annual awards — Best students with etiquette and manners and the Most congenial and helpful student. This year, Hrikishesh Kanitkar and Prasit Sengupta bagged the awards respectively,” says Dr Neha Sharma, director, MITCON.

Addressing the students, the chief guest for the day, Rajesh Purushottam, general manager (HR) of a global corporate, said, “In today’s competitive world, soft skills play a major role in the overall development of a personality and it’s nice to know that MITCON is investing in high quality workshops conducted by somebody at the calibre of Minocher Patel who is highly acclaimed and well respected in the corporate sector for his straining and coaching skills to the students' needs.” Says Minocher Patel, Founder and Director of Ecole Solitaire. “I’m extremely happy to receive positive feedback from the students at MITCON. Over the four years of our association, it has always been our vision and objective at Ecole Solitaire to conduct world class programmes for our students which will not only make them more employable but also help them succeed on the professional and personal front.” The students were thankful to the institute for providing them a once in a life time experience of spending nine days in a Minocher Patel workshop. No doubt, the students unanimously accepted that the programme completely changed their outlook towards life.

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

What does Christmas mean for diverse individuals?

HERE COMES SANTA:
The Christmas festival brings out
wonderful feelings and memories in people

FOR some, it means celebrating love and peace. For others, it means food and wine. December 25 is not just another day in the calendar. It’s an expression of joy, an experience of happiness and a feeling of blessing. And obviously, it also means loads and loads of gifts. As model, actor and former Miss World Diana Hayden agrees, “It’s actually a time to exchange presents. And it’s the shopping part that gives you the feel that Christmas is arriving. Other than that, the best part about Christmas are the coconut sweets. That’s the traditional dish I have been having since childhood during Christmas, and that’s what I love the most. It’s time to celebrate with friends and family. It’s the time to get together.” 

Since childhood, most of us have believed that a plump and friendly man in red would climb down our chimney and load our stockings with many gifts. And actress Vidya Malavade still hopes for the same. “I look forward to any occasion that I can spend with family and friends. This time I will be going to Lonavala. This time too I hope to wake up to loads of gifts in my stockings,” she smiles. Actress Gul Panag adds, “The first thing that comes to my mind is Santa Claus! It’s not a big, big celebration for me but I love the way everything is lit up — the shops, the malls, the streets and the whole spirit of the festival.”

Christmas is the day when Santa gives away his goodies. But it also means lighting up the homes and praying to the Lord for peace and happiness. Former VJ Maria Goretti says, “For me, Christmas brings memories of making the crib and decorating the tree with my mum and sister. Apart from this, I love the Christmas mass as it gives me so much peace and happiness. I also love preparing the Christmas lunch. And this time too, I have planned an elaborate menu for the day. From Chicken roast to cheese cakes rum balls and tarts, it’s all going to be a big party with my family.”

With so much of joy and happiness around, the day also triggers off memories and nostalgia. As lead guitarist of Agnee Koko says, “I have fond memories of Christmas. I remember I was ten, and the Christmas that year was the first ever party of my life. There were the f e s t ive decorations, live music, smartly dressed guys and gals dancing. Till then, dancing and music was only on TV, but I was there watching it live. It was also the first time I had turkey. C h r i s t m a s means a lot to me.”

Christmas means different things for different people. But in the end, it’s all about lighting up your lives. So this time, conquer despair, impart happiness, forgive sins and start a new beginning. Merry Christmas.

Training that counts

Many management students have benefited from corporate training and soft skill workshops

(From Left) Minocher Patel, Apurv Choubey

handing over the certificate to a student and Chetan Wakalkar

TO make their management students stand apart and get the best soft skills, communication and corporate training in the industry, Indira Group of Institutes joined hands with Ecole Solitaire, India’s first residential finishing school, ten years back. This long association has seen thousands of management graduates of Indira discover their true potential under the guidance of internationally acclaimed corporate trainer and India’s leading motivational speaker, Minocher Patel.



Students enjoying the session

To celebrate their long association, and to give out certificates to the students who have benefited from the workshops, the Indira Group organised a ceremony recently. To felicitate the students, group director Chetan Wakalkar, director, IIDEA professor Manju Phadke, director- ISCD professor V Nulkar, and executive director PGP programmes professor P K Divakaran were present on the occasion. The chief guest for the event was director, human resources of a global MNC, Apurv Choubey, and founder and director of Ecole Solitaire, Minocher Patel. Addressing the students, group director Chetan Wakalkar said, “Indira is a pioneer in this field. There are many students with good academic scores but who loose out on big opportunities as they are not totally confident and get nervous when addressing a group of people. This is where soft skill and corporate training matters.” 

(From Left) Prof Manju Phadke,

Prof P K Divakaran, Prof V Nulkar

Minocher Patel adds, “The ten years of association with Indira has been really fruitful. I have seen many students grow into successful corporate professionals. And, when they call you, years after they had attended the workshop just to say how the classes has changed their life for the better, you feel satisfied.” The workshops had definitely benefited the students tremendously as many came forward to speak about the positive change the classes had brought into their lives, and how the program had lead to their holistic development.

Money matters

How does one react when a distant relative or friend tries to enquire about your salary.

BE CREATIVE: Find different and humourous ways

to dodge the salary question



HOW much do you earn?” This is one of those much hated questions which everyone tries to dodge when asked at some point or the other. When marketing executive Anjali Phadke was asked the same question by one of her distant relatives, she was shocked and confused. Many times we face this situation which we cannot ignore. Neither do you want to spoil your relationship by being blunt about your inhibitions about revealing the ‘figure’ nor do you want to give a straight reply. So what does one do? IT professional Kinjal Jain suggests that one should come up with something creative. “When my aunt asked me how much I earned I just brushed aside the question by saying that it was enough to fulfil all my shopping desires.”

It’s a well-known fact that one should never ask a man his salary. Yet there are people who just forget all manners and pop the question, directly or indirectly. Sometimes, the question is so direct and on the face that it’s very difficult to ignore. Ajit Khandekar, a media manager says, “Whenever I was asked this question, I would just wink at the person, say ‘it’s a secret’ and giggle. Though I genuinely don’t mind revealing the figure, it gets irritating when relatives or friends, who are distant to the point of being unknown, try to get too friendly or when aunts ask the question to start comparing the figure with their kids.” Sometimes, the question is thrown at you indirectly and you just don’t understand you to react. Sumita Dhar tried to ignore the question, but failed. She narrates, “Someone asked me this question by saying that when they were at my level, they earned a particular figure and wanted to know how much times had changed. Instantly I knew where the conversation was heading to so I tried to dodge the question by weaving various abstract answers around it. This went on for more than half an hour and neither of us would give up. At the end of it, we were both tired and irritated and ignored each other for many days to come.”

While it’s impolite to ask someone their salary, motivational speaker and corporate trainer Minocher Patel tells you to go the humourous way. He suggests, “There are many ways to reply but it should always be with a dash of humour. You could just say that ‘I haven’t got my salary for a long time now, so don’t remember what my pay is, or the company is planning to revise the salary and you are hoping for a raise.” Humour definitely is the best way to go, but when it’s an elderly person asking you, you have to give some sensible reply. Abhishek Choudhary, a media professional says, “My grand mother’s friend once tried to get to personal by asking me my salary. There were people around me and some of them definitely earned more than I did. I was really embarrassed to reveal my salary. So, I just said, ‘what ever I earn gets spent so please teach me how to save’. I wouldn’t say that this was a good reply because I had to spend the next few hours listening to tips and tricks to save money.”

Times will change and so will people, The ques tion of one’s salary will continue to be asked. But one can always come up with a quick reply to dogdge the question.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

How are city youths planning to celebrate the Diwali this year?



LIGHTING UP:
Youngsters are opting for a green Diwali



 IT’S the festival of lights and crackers, of loads of mithai and lots of shopping. But, for many city youngsters, Diwali is going to be a ‘different’ affair this time. Even as the pre-festival frenzy surrounds us, there are those who have made their plans already. For them, Diwali isn’t going to be just about bursting crackers and lighting up their homes. It’s about doing good for the society.As Priya Bhagat, a college student, puts it, “Diwali is not just about spending time with family and friends. Instead, it’s about lighting up someone’s life. This year, my sister and I plan to visit an orphanage. We plan to do it a few days before Diwali since the place will be full of people wanting to spend time with the children on the day itself. I want to spend quality time, and also wish to sponsor the education of a few children.” Talking along similar lines, MBA student Deepti Sangani and her friends have given the old idea a new twist. They aren’t donating old clothes but new ones. They say that they want to see everyone in their brightest best. “My friends and I are shopaholics. Each one of us has, sometime or the other, complained of having clothes that haven’t been worn even once. So we thought, why just let them lie in our wardrobe when someone can look beautiful wearing them? We decided to bring all those nice and pretty dresses, and give them to people who really need them,” she tells. While, for many, festive fervour and firecrackers go hand in hand, there are those who wish to have eco-friendly Diwali and want zero pollution.“It’s been more than five years since I last burst crackers. I think there are better things to do than just shooting rockets”, says Mahi Bhutada, an advertising professional.

For those who just cannot bid goodbye to crackers, there is a ‘green’ way they can explore. “I cannot give up bursting crackers. There are firecrackers that produce less sound and are available in the market. I have bought these eco-friendly crackers as I want to do my bit as well,” says Siddhant Jain, a photographer. Youngsters who have been away from home plan to visit their grandparents and lighten up their festival. Manish Sinha who is working in an IT company in Hyderabad intends to celebrate Diwali with his grandparents in Pune. “My grandparents live in Pune, and I plan to spend the festival with them. I want to see an everlasting smile on their face and wish to do all that they have been longing to.Two of my cousins are also accompanying me,and we are going to have a grand Diwali. My grandmother is very bubbly. Even at 72, she loves to have fun and party. So this Diwali is dedicated to her,” says he.

Those who cannot go home plan to enjoy the festival with friends. “Why crib and cry over things that are not in our hands? So, my roomies and I have decided to make this Diwali special by decorating our little home, like our mothers do each year. We are also making sweets and goodies for everyone. We will also have a small-get together for all our friends. We wish to feel at home and enjoy the festival like we always do,” tells Shraddha Bhatia, an IT professional.

This Diwali is not just about lighting up your home. It is also about enlightening our lives, which the youngsters seem to be know quite well!

Home away from home

WHEN our uncle in the US told us that his son aged 18 was going to live alone, we looked wide-eyed and our jaws dropped. But, now that’s passé. As youngsters today move out of their cocoon — for work or study — and live away from parents. The trend of moving out is ‘in’. But, here we are not talking about youngsters who are living away from parents as they work or study in another city. Rather, about Puneites who, following the West, are moving out even if they don’t have to shift base to a different city. While for some, it’s a chance to experience freedom, for others it’s about taking control of one’s own life.

A case in point is Nisha Khanna, a student who moved out to live with a group of friends to prepare for a competitive exam. “It can get really disturbing and annoying at times when you sit in the corner of your room and prepare for the exams while everyone else around you is having fun. So, I decided to move in with my friends who are also preparing for the exam. This way, not only is a healthy environment for studying created, but we also help each other with doubts.” While Nisha had opted to live with friends, Devika Chitnis, a student, proudly declares that her mother asked her to move out of the house, “I have been brought up in a very protective environment. And my mom thought I had become too dependent. So, she wanted me to go out and experience the world first-hand. This was a good step as I am now more confident and independent.”

When youngsters move out, they learn to be responsible. From managing their room to funds, they do it all. Counsellor Meenal Sohani feels, “When the child moves out on a happy note, then it definitely creates a positive change in him, and helps in the enhancement of the overall personality. They become self-reliant, and learn to manage stuff like expenses, study timings and can take right decisions.”

Living with friends is fun. Agrees Nishit Nair, another student, who moved out of his home as commuting to college was getting really hectic for him, “I have my MBA classes at nine in the morning, and then in the evening I have my PGDHRM course. To travel back and forth every day was really pressurising. So, I took a call and shifted base from Nigdi to Aundh. Living with friends is definitely fun, but I do look forward to finishing my studies and going back to live with my parents.” For Ritwike Chakravarti, who also moved to a hostel as he did not wish to travel 25 kms each day to college, it wasn’t quite difficult. He says, “Living alone was never an issue for me. I have been at a boarding school, and I enjoy living alone, except the fact that I really miss ghar ka khanna. Nothing can replace that.” What about freedom? Don’t you love that? Ritwike Laughs, “Oh! Who doesn’t? Freedom is great.” Devika feels otherwise, “You tend to enjoy the freedom for the first few months, but when you have to do everything yourself you start valuing your home and what your parents do for you even more.”

Guess, living alone is not that bad after all!

Hooked!

Today’s kids are looking beyond the standard best selling material available in various bookstores.

OPTIONS GALORE:

Children today have a variety of books

and authors to chose from

WHO said that today’s kids confine their reading to books like the Harry Potter series or the Chronicles of Narnia? A little research makes it easy to discover that the children are looking at all kinds of fiction that have invaded the books’ mart in recent times. Books like those written by Enid Blyton might have become antiquated — at least, in most cases — but the kids are happily excavating many new options that are currently available. Hear Sharan Biradar, Senior Manager at a leading bookstore, “In the past two years, the sales of children’s books have gone really up. The variety of books available for a young adult is amazing, be it an international bestseller like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or our own Indian Harry Potter version in the form of Portion of Eternity by Sonja Chandrachud." Chandrachud’s way of writing is simple, and her stories are peopled by powerful sorcerers, yogis, vampires and witches. Deepak Dalal’s books on adventure and wildlife are really enjoyed by children, and he is popular for his books – Andaman Adventure -I, The Jarawa and its sequel, Andaman Adventure-II, Barren Island, Troubled Islands.

Janaki Visvanath, owner of a bookstore, says, “Children today are voracious readers. When they enjoy reading a particular author, they do come back for more time and again.” Many children love reading fantasy and science fiction stories. As Chandrachud explains, “The child prefers reading Captain Underpants and Artemis Fowl. That is because they identify with the heroes, the narrative style is more contemporary, more hip hop, snazzy and speaks their language. They also prefer reading stories that address issues without preaching or sermonising and with a sense of humour.” Chetan Joshi, children’s book writer, feels that pictures, graphics and interactive characters work really well with children. “They should have the potential to be made into an animated series or games.” What other qualities does a kids’ book need to be a hit with the children? Siddhartha Sarma, winner of an award for his book The Grasshopper’s Run, answers, “Children mainly look out for the plot. The style of writing though is not very critical. Re-tellings of myths are also loved by the children.”

So, which are the books that children come back for again and again? Janaki says, “Among the international books, the Wimpy kid series, Percy Jackson series, the Red Pyramid from the Kane Chronicles are the favourites. From the Indian bag, it’s The Bird with Golden Eye and Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murthy and Pune’s very own Deepak Dalal’s Sahyadri Adventure are admired by the teens as well.” Many books. That many options. All those kids who wish to explore beyond the obvious have countless choices at their disposal. Is your child one of them?