Serene Woods launches ‘Anyone Can Write’ initiative and children’s book ‘Maya’ by author Mrs. Dheera Kitchlu at Oxford Bookstore, Mumbai
On August 28, 2010 Serene Woods, in collaboration with the Oxford Bookstore, Mumbai organised a launch event to mark the unique children’s writing initiative ‘Anyone Can Write’ by Author Mrs. Dheera Kitchlu. Mrs. Dheera Kitchlu is an educationist, and a full-time writer and illustrator of books for children. Her initiative encourages children to fully explore their creative potential through the medium of writing, with a view to being published. She helps each child create original, individual work, through a one-on-one interaction. The final version will be published as a part of a compilation by young authors under the Serene Woods banner.
The Chief Guest for the event was Mrs. Kavita Gupta, Secretary, Labour Ministry, Govt of Maharashtra. She holds a doctorate in Economics and has been working actively in the field of education, as an IAS officer, advancing creative and value education for students in various districts. She also advanced the Total Literacy Mission and Adult Literacy programmes of the government.
The event started with an introduction about Serene Woods and the initiative by Founder Swapnil Chugh followed by the Chief Guest’s address. Thereafter, Mrs. Dheera Kitchlu addressed the gathering about her own writing experiences, encouraging school children to write. The launch of the book was followed by a short book reading. The event was attended by students from schools like Fort Convent, Jesus and Mary, etc and some of the parents. Thirteen students participated in the extempore writing activity and wrote on the theme ‘I woke up to an upside down world…’ Five of them were selected for prizes (the book Maya), while all of them received participation certificates. By the end of the session, many lined up for the book signing. The best part about the event was the interest and excitement shown by the students, who couldn’t help but pour out their hearts into their articles/poetry. After all, the idea of the initiative is to encourage children to write.