Chutti Yaanai is a Tamil children's magazine dedicated to all aspects of climate and the environment. (Supplied)
Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.
These words of American naturalist Henry David Thoreau, may sound clichéd to some, but for Ashok Kumar, a BSc Mathematics graduate from Virudhachalam, these words became a reality.
After graduation, Kumar spent six long years amid the hustle of Chennai. However, what he truly longed for was a break, an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and nature. “I felt quite suffocated in the city,” he confesses.
Choosing to leave his job, Kumar redirected his focus to storytelling, becoming part of a community that visited children in shelter homes and fishing communities, sharing stories and, in return, receiving a trove of their experiences.
“Drawing from my rural background, I also began actively assisting individuals in establishing vegetable and terrace farms within their homes. Additionally, I extended my support to farmers, guiding them in adopting organic farming practices,” he shares.
In due course, his storytelling sessions and adept skills led him to various places, ultimately bringing him to Uthukuli. It was during this time that he crossed paths with S Alageshwari, the founder of Iyalvaagai, a decade-old environmental movement.
“I was there to share stories with school children. That’s where we met. Soon, we discovered our shared interests and began actively participating in terrace and vegetable farming together. Eventually, our connection deepened, leading to our marriage,” shares Kumar.
A children’s library in Uthukuli run by Ashok and Alageshwari. (Supplied)
Their mutual passion for nature, the environment, and Alageshwari’s established publishing house – Iyalvaagai – became the foundation for Ashok to actualise his vision of launching a Tamil monthly magazine for children – ‘Chutti Yaanai’.
Yet, this wasn’t just an ordinary publication; it was designed to be a magazine specifically dedicated to all aspects of climate and the environment.
Amid the pressing climate crisis threatening the world’s children, Kumar, the editor of ‘Chutti Yaanai’, recognises the urgency for collective action. Committed to making a positive impact, he emphasises, “Imparting environmental news and information to people from a young age is crucial to fostering responsibility and accountability for their actions.”
This assumes critical importance, particularly at a time when 40 million children annually face disruptions in their education due to disasters intensified by climate change.
Compiling one edition typically takes about 20 days. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
In its concluding 2023 release, ‘Chutti Yaanai’ features an engaging narrative with a group of elephants taking centre stage, sharing insights about the Nilgiri Tahr.
The magazine’s pages burst with energy, displaying climate news, captivating stories, and imaginative craft tutorials fashioned from household waste through ‘Kuppaigalai Pokishamakuvom,’ creating a vibrant and educational canvas for young readers.
Amid this lively content, the magazine also presents captivating science narratives through ‘Vinveli Kathaikal’ and highlights valuable international films, enhancing the educational experience for children.
“Compiling one edition typically takes about 20 days,” Kumar explains. “We have contributors providing stories, an illustrator, and we also welcome stories from children through any medium they prefer.”
“Our young readers adore the ‘Kuppaigalai Pokishamakuvom’ crafts section, engaging them in transforming household waste into artistic creations. Parents express their joy through WhatsApp by sharing images of their children’s craftwork,” he shares.
Ashok and Alageshwari. (Supplied)
Through ‘Chutti Yaanai’, Kumar aspires to instil a lifelong love of reading in children, hoping that the magazine’s content not only transforms their lives but also empowers them to be agents of positive change in the world.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kumar credits Tamil magazines like Chutti Vikatan and Mayavi Comics for shaping his positive attitude towards reading. “My father used to diligently buy these comics for me, and this was instrumental in me developing a healthy attitude towards reading,” he says. “It also improves literary skills,” he notes.
However, now, the demand for children’s magazines, particularly in the Tamil language, remains unmet. “There is a need for such publications. Apart from a handful of magazines including Kutti Aagayam, Panchumittai, Periyar Pinju, Thulir by Tamil Nadu Science Forum, and Thumbi, a bilingual monthly magazine (Tamil and English), there are not many. We need more to cater to a population that’s ever-evolving and seeks new variety,” he shares.
The demand for children’s magazines, particularly in the Tamil language, remains unmet. (chuttiyaanai.org)
The needs seem to vary — from parents subscribing to the magazine to ensure their children pick up the Tamil language, to children seeking engagement in crafts, easy math, science facts, and more.
“In the Tamil children’s magazine segment, it’s challenging to segregate by age and target groups, making it difficult to create content and sustain a magazine. As a result, each offering in the magazine targets different age groups, providing a mix of activities for younger children and stories for those aged eight to 15 or 16 years. Despite this drawback, ‘Chutti Yaanai’s’ popularity is increasing through word of mouth and positive responses from parents,” he shares.
The team derives inspiration from magazines that were integral to their childhood, integrating successful elements and consistently seeking feedback for improvement. “We also curate competitions and workshops for children, giving a holistic tangible experience,” he says.
‘Chutti Yaanai’, which commenced three years ago, now proudly boasts over 1,200 subscribers across the state and country.
Besides individual subscriptions, the magazine’s primary beneficiaries are also government schools in Coimbatore.
“In the first year, we achieved 800 subscriptions, and by the end of the 11th edition, we reached our audience in government schools,” he shares.
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Originally set at ₹30, ‘Chutti Yaanai’ envisioned a financial model that encouraged young readers to actively participate in acquiring the magazine.
The idea involved children saving one rupee every month from their pocket money or receiving a small contribution from their parents. By the end of the month, the cumulative savings would allow them to afford the magazine.
“This approach not only instils financial discipline and responsibility in children but also makes the magazine a tangible and achievable goal for them,” he says.
“The response from the schools, teachers, headmasters, and parents has been positive. The storytelling and environmental themes have resonated well with individual readers. People have started gifting the magazine for birthdays and other events as well,” he says.
This year, Kumar aims to incorporate more visuals and illustrations, catering to different types of learners, especially visual learners.
The first edition of 2024 with Warli art. (Supplied)
“We will feature Warli, Gond art, Madhubani, and Kalamkari art varieties in the magazine. In the January 2024 edition, there will be Warli art for all stories, covering the entire magazine from the front to the back page. Additionally, we will provide insights into creating characters using Warli art. It’s going to be interesting,” he adds.
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Currently showcasing their collection at the Chennai Book Fair, they have received over 50 new subscriptions. “There has been a lot of traction and inquiries,” he says.
Kumar holds a hopeful outlook amid his personal journey of self-discovery. He believes that this year he can connect with more children, perhaps enabling them to understand themselves while making a positive impact on our natural habitat.
The magazine is priced at ₹60. You can find Chutti Yaanai at stall no. 288 at the Chennai Book Fair, YMCA Grounds, Nandanam or on Instagram @chutti.yaanai. For subscription details, visit chuttiyaanai.org
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