Sri Vijaya Puram, April 2: Dakshin Foundation & Andaman and Nicobar Environment Team (ANET) organised the launch of a children’s book called Riya’s Little Island. This story is a collaborative effort inspired by the ideas and experiences of 13 children from the Junglighat community co-created and published by Dakshin Foundation.
The book launch brought together children, parents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders in a shared space of reflection, storytelling, and learning. The programme began with a welcome address by Mr. Anand Rao, Programme Officer of the Seachange Programme, who highlighted the importance of listening to children’s voices and nurturing safe spaces for conversations around emotions. The book was then formally unveiled by community leaders, marking the release in the very community where the story first took shape.
The event was graced by several esteemed guests, including Dr. Mitesh Behari, Neuropsychiatrist; village leaders from Junglighat Mr. B Papa Rao, Mr. I Papaiya, Mr. K Papa Rao; the State Library In-Charge Mr. Anbarasan; Mr. Chanchal Singh Roy; and Mrs. Samhita Acharya. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to promoting children’s mental health and community well-being.
One of the most memorable moments of the event was when Yamuna, one of the children who conceptualised the story, shared her experience of being part of the creative journey. Her reflections highlighted how children’s ideas, when encouraged and valued, can grow into meaningful stories that resonate with many.
The celebration continued with a lively puppet show adaptation of Riya’s Little Island, performed by the children of Junglighat along with Ms. Aplonia Topno, Programme Assistant at Dakshin Foundation. Through colourful characters and expressive storytelling, the performance brought the story’s themes of emotions, resilience, and friendship to life, captivating the audience.
Keeping children at the centre of the event, a lively game of “Finding the Crabs” was organised towards the end of the programme. As children eagerly searched for hidden crabs placed around the venue, the activity created an atmosphere of excitement, teamwork, and curiosity.
Children from Wandoor, Guptapara, and Junglighat attended the programme in large numbers. Parents of the children who had conceptualised the story were also present, making the event a proud and collective community milestone.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Mariam Joe, Programme Assistant, Dakshin Foundation. As the event drew to a close, copies of both the Hindi and English editions of Riya’s Little Island were distributed to the children, ensuring that the story continues to spark conversations and comfort young readers beyond the event.
The launch of the Hindi edition in Junglighat marked not only a literary milestone but also a significant step towards encouraging open conversations around mental health.