Journalism of Courage
With their calendars providing ample space for creativity,the initiatives by GaMaBhaNa Prakashan tap various aspects related to a childs development
He,who gives pleasure to children by entertaining them,establishes an intimate relationship with god…
And if not eternal,city-based L M Kadu has certainly established a lifetime relationship with god that he renews annually. With his yearly calendar that allows children to draw pictures in a blank space provided for every month,Kadu and his GaMaBhaNa Prakashan have not only ensured that children are entertained but also educated,motivated,thrilled and their creative urges- met.
With blank space provided above the dates of every month,the paintings drawn by children not only get a month-long display but also imbibe pride and self-worth in children. We started publishing the calendar only about 11 years ago. With over 800 copies sold in the very first year,the response was so overwhelming that we came up with English and Hindi versions of the calendar too. Now,we publish around 15000 copies of the calendar that are circulated in various schools,NGOs in rural areas,remand homes and so on, adds Kadu.
Kadus GaMaBhaNa Prakashan that was established 30 years ago to publish books for children has gone a step ahead and also started an exhibition of such paintings. To give the entire activity a more personal touch,we send letters addressed to children who have purchased calendars from us. The letter also tells the child to send the best of his 12 pictures and invites him or her along with his parents to come and see his or her drawing in the exhibition we arrange. In most of the cases this is the first letter children receive on their own name. While this gives a feeling of pride,the fact that he or she is supposed to get parents to the exhibition imparts a sense of responsibility, smiles Kadu.
On the backdrop of one such exhibition that concluded at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir,Kadus commendable contribution to the world of childrens books includes publication of over 200 books in 30 years. With names such as Shanta Shelke,Sane Guruji,Gadkari associated with their publication along with translations of autobiographies of Maria Montessori for which he won the state government award,Charlie Chaplin,Carver,Aesops fables and so on,Kadu is now actively involved environmental training for children on farmland.
GaMaBhaNa is synonymous to A B C D in English. And one might feel that the name signifies- teaching children the basics of life,but it is not so. Instead it means children,the starting point of our lives who instead have a lot to teach us, he concludes.
