The Guardians of the Forest: Madras Christian College
Returning to my alma mater, Madras Christian College, for the launch of my book The Guardians of the Forest was a heartwarming experience. Accompanying me on this special occasion was my dear friend and the founder of Paper Lantern Books, Ms. Samyuktha Nair, who dedicated her time and effort to ensuring that all the necessary arrangements for the event were in place.
There was a great deal of anticipation surrounding this book launch, as both Samyuktha and I were revisiting the place where our love for literature first blossomed. It was here that we began to understand its profound role in reflecting and shaping the world around us.
Our former professors welcomed us with open arms, treating us with kindness and respect. To make the event even more special, we decided to combine the book launch with the inauguration of the English Literary Forum.
During the inaugural address, I shared the story of my journey to becoming an IB educator and what inspired me to explore the world of environmental fiction. I also encouraged students, many of whom feel pressured to pursue academia after studying literature, to consider the wide range of career paths available to them.
Following the inauguration, I conducted a workshop on the art of writing eco-fiction. I provided students with a graphic organizer to help them identify local environmental issues, such as the release of chemicals into the Ennore Creek, the state of the Coovam River, or the proximity of the Pallikaranai Marshlands to garbage dumps. Once they had selected an issue that resonated with them, they were tasked with crafting a creative piece that portrayed the problem and its consequences.
Samyuktha then led a workshop on the world of publishing and the many opportunities it offers. The students were fascinated as they discovered the wide range of roles within the publishing industry, with many expressing excitement about the possibility of interning at a publishing house in the future.
Returning to MCC for a book launch was truly a dream come true. I am deeply thankful to Samyuktha for making this event possible and to Mr. Kevin Woods for working closely with us to ensure its success.
