Page 58 - Tata-Trusts-Annual-Report-2021-22

OF
HOPE

Enriching illustrations in children’s

literature, one batch at a time

An experienced illustrator with several books credited to his name, Through the initiative, the Trusts have tried to tap the impactful
Shivam Choudhary was looking for a way to upskill himself to the use of images to refine the perception, professional skills, and
next level. “The Riyaaz Academy for Illustrators,” run by the Tata intellect of students and young professionals interested in
Trusts’ Parag Initiative—a flagship education programme—provided illustration, especially picture book illustration. Shivam is among
Shivam with just the right opportunity to refine his artistic skills. the graduates of the latest and fifth cohort of the programme,
which ended in March 2022.
Visual imagery forms an integral part of how children perceive the
world around them, especially when they are first acquainted with The course helped impart an easier visual fluidity to Shivam’s
books and reading. Learning during these formative years can be artistic style. He is now able to better visualise the world
varied, but images continue to play an important role in the around him and integrate these visualisations into his
development of children’s sensory perceptions. illustrations. He is also able to understand the various nuances
of composition and line drawings a lot better. The world of
Good story books also play a crucial role in a child’s educational
children’s literature is richer for the likes of Shivam graduating
journey. Since 2005, the Parag Initiative has been working to
from every batch of the programme, which has trained 85
strengthen the children’s literature ecosystem in India and to
children’s book illustrators so far.
promote reading for pleasure, especially in regional languages.
Illustrations form a defining part of children’s books, but a lack of During the certificate course’s 10-month duration, the students are
supporting training infrastructure to build and nurture children’s mentored by a group of distinguished illustrators, who guide them
book illustrators has impeded progress in this area. on how to hone and diversify their existing creative and artistic skills.
“Riyaaz alumni have gone on to work for many publishers
To address this gap, the Trusts joined hands with noted education
and CSOs, including Pratham Books, Eklavya, the National Council
Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Eklavya and
of Educational Research and
eminent children’s illustrator Atanu Roy in 2015 to
Training (NCERT), Room to
start Riyaaz. Supported by Parag grants, first two
Read, and the Aga Khan
batches of Riyaaz were run by Eklavya, and the last
Foundation,” says Shivnarayan
three batches by Ektara and the Takshila Education
Gour, who is part of the
Society’s Children’s Literature and Art centre.
leadership team at Eklavya.

Shivam with batchmates
and mentors

4 QUALITY EDUCATION

PROJECT ALIGNS WITH SDG

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