From Udupi government orphanage blooms a poet

From Udupi government orphanage blooms a poet

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, March 1, 2017: A 16-year-old orphan, who has been living in a government children’s home for the past five years, has penned an anthology of poems and two short plays (‘rupakas’) titled ‘ Modala todalu ’ (‘First lisp’). Aarthi J. Madiwala is a Class 12 student and resident, along with her two younger sisters, of the Balakiyara Bala Mandira (BBM) in Udupi. Several of the poems centre around her mother.

“All I had was my mother. She too passed away when I was 11. I remember her well,” Aarthi says. The children’s home, which has 58 girls and 12 women staff, including a teacher, has inspired her as well. “I now have 12 ‘ amma s’ instead of one. So I have written about them, and about the Bala Mandira,” she said. “Whenever I get an idea, I immediately note it down and then elaborate on it during holidays or in my leisure time,” she adds.

Her favourite poet is Kuvempu, and she adores the late President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. “Dr. Kalam loved and inspired children. He said that children should dream,” she says. The cost of the booklet, published by Saligrama-based Somayaji Prakashana and priced at Rs. 25, has been borne by B.K. Narayan, chairperson of BBM’s child welfare committee, who hopes, “this will help other children come out with their talents.” Jayashree Nayak, teacher at BBM, said Aarthi loved reading and spending time in the library. “I find her enthusiastic in all her work,” she says. The book will be released by Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of the Pejawar Mutt here on Saturday.

Courtesy: The Hindu