In Episode 6 of 'From Rudyard to Ruskin', we review a book called ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.

The author of this delightfully descriptive and interesting read is James Herriot, a veterinarian who took to writing when he was in his 50s. His experiences of working with and among animals led to a series of books, which were eventually adapted for both film and TV.

In 'All Creatures Great and Small', we meet Herriot as heads to Yorkshire to begin his career in veterinary medicine. Herriot finds a mentor in the absent-minded Dr Farnon, and thus begins his long, eventful and inspiring life with animals and their humans.

In Episode 5 of 'From Rudyard to Ruskin', we review a book called ‘Saving the Dalai Lama’s Cranes’.

This story is inspired by real-life events from the majestically beautiful state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. In this book by Neeraj Vagholikar, a young monk and his friends race against time to save the winter habitat of a rare and revered bird species: the black-necked crane.

The book also features beautiful illustrations by Niloufer Wadia.

Tune into Episode 08 of Nakshatragalu in which Umashankar Periodi (Head, Karnataka State, Azim Premji Foundation) takes us through a journey of grit and determination of Vani M L (Teacher, Harebappanahalli Government Higher Primary School, K.R. Pete, Mandya, Karnataka).

She transformed her school through remarkable dedication. When she was posted there, the school was in poor condition, with no compound wall, large rocks littering the campus, and only 12 irregularly attending students.

Vani collaborated with Grama Sabha members to clean the compound and construct a wall. She planted greenery, including jackfruit, mango, teak, and medicinal plants, and established a thriving kitchen garden that now supplies vegetables for midday meals. The students actively care for the plants and learn from them.

She set up a corridor library for the students and initiated a community library under a tree on the campus, managed by the children for the villagers. Additionally, Vani secured corporate funding to create a play area and brought an Aanganwadi into the school compound. Vani believes in starting projects with her resources, inspiring others to join in later. Her proactive approach and passion have revitalized the school and created a vibrant, engaged community.