Hi! Friends, The Library at ATS Green’s Village is gradually sprouting new leaves and beginning to encourage more kids to step near and around books through its regular story telling sessions – and Meena Aunty’s sessions are a favourite with our kids – not without a reason! Apart from being a beautiful, smiling always gentle and kind Aunty she’s also a fantastic story teller!
This time Meena Sharma (apt 1864) spun her tale around the flitty feathers of this fast vanishing, chirpy species, as a tribute to our Sparrows; to mark the World Sparrow Day, observed each year on 20 March.
If she intended to sensitise our kids towards the importance of protecting this darling little bird, she did so very well – along with driving home some of the most precious and essential values of power in togetherness, getting each other’s back during times of crises (especially in community living), importance of heeding to parental advice and guidance and most importantly not losing heart in the face of darkest times and challenges!
Through her rhetorical prowess, Meena flew her ‘Son Chirraiya’ straight into the hearts of her rapt audience. Her route that first transported them into her imaginary world full of wonders and magic where she quietly nestled her Chirraiya snuggly against the pulsating warmth of their hearts was a smart route indeed! Son Chirraiya came to us on the 26 March at ATSGV Library, Atheneum, and has stayed back in our hearts and minds ever since.
The audience comprised lovely girls across all ages (from 4 to 60+) and across all relationships – sisters, mumma(s), daughters, grannies, granddaughters, friends, colleagues… you name it! The Boys surprisingly played hooky with the singular exception of ATSGV ‘s very own cardiologist Dr. Siddhartha Samrat who more than filled up for all missing boys and men through being one of the most appreciative and encouraging audience and also setting the ball rolling for impromptu storytelling, by doing so himself!
His example enthused many of our young children to take on to the mike and make Atheneum resound with their songs, poems and little stories. Bravo! Meena Aunty and Samrat Uncle!
As we step into a beautiful April, ATSGV continues to add more flowers and gurgling fountains to its beautiful campus and the residents have started noticing an increase in the sounds of tinkling laughter of children and chirping sparrows. Just as Its beautiful gardens have more happy feet walking, prancing, exercising its shady and flower-laden trees boast of an increase in the number of perching, hopping claws; unafraid to sometimes perch-peep into balconies and at times even ground hop to share the space with residents reading books on benches under trees.
One cannot help but wonder if it isn’t the beautiful effect of Meena Aunty’s ‘Son Chirraiya’ bringing home the indefatigable spirit of Bach’s, Levingston Seagull with it!
by Shubhi Singh (0391, ATS Greens Village; 9695095917)
