Author Rajay Pawar, who is also a noted stand-up
comedian has released his eighth Konkani book, titled, ‘Saim ani Rukhmaro’ (Nature
and the Woodcutter). This book is special to him as it’s the first ever 3D book
to be released in Goa. “We have seen English books in this format, but this is
the first Konkani 3D book; in fact, even Hindi or Marathi 3D books weren’t available
earlier,” says Rajay.
This latest addition to children’s
literature is a pictorial storybook. “The book is in pictorial format. It comprises
80 per cent pictures and 20 per cent written content. It will come with special
spectacles used for 3D reading,” informs the author.
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The book has been launched by Vidhyut
Creations, as part of the 3D book series ‘Allay 3D Chitrakaani’; its
proprietor, Rohit Khandekar, believes that innovation is important to keep
traditional forms of learning alive. “Due to modern lifestyle, children are
getting attracted to smartphones and drifting away from reading books. We came
up with this innovative idea to introduce 3D storybooks in order to inculcate
the reading habit among kids,” he says.
Sharing the plot of the book, Rajay adds, “The
reason for writing the book was to teach children about the conservation of
nature in a simple language. I believed that this was the best medium to reach
out to kids.”
“The book tells the story of a village that
used to worship the forest that was on the other side of the river. They
considered it the abode of God. But one day, a greedy man owning a furniture
store set his eyes on the forest, seeing it as a great source of wood. Soon
after, he starts cutting the sacred trees. But it’s not long before he has to
pay for his deeds. Despite all his wealth, he meets his fate at the hands of
nature,” narrates Rajay.
The publishers of the book are looking at
attracting readers between the ages of five to thirteen years. Rajay’s previous
books were also well accepted and ready by many.
The book, which will be soon available on
bookstalls, has been published by Shantadurga Vijayate Kala Mandal with funding
from Goa Directorate of Official Language.
