Anindith Gowda Kochi Baarike
Author, Recalling Amara Sulya

Reading is a portal to a thousand worlds and endless knowledge. For me, it's been a journey that began in the hushed tones of childhood comic books and blossomed ultimately into the birth of my own voice as a published author.

Journey of Joy, Discovery and Transformation

Imagine yourself transported. Not by a plane or a train, but by the mere turn of a page. That's the magic of reading, a power I've held close to my heart since childhood. It's not just about consuming words; it's about stepping into a different world, feeling the rush of emotions, and learning something new with the flip of each page.

From Comic Books to Cosmos: A Mother's Gift

My journey began with the simplest of things – comic books. My mother would hand me the colourful “Magic Pot” comic book boarding the bus back to our ancestral home, nestled amidst the lush greenery of Karnataka. Those vibrant illustrations filled with laughter were the first brushstrokes on the canvas of my love for reading.

Encyclopaedias to E-books: A Constant Companion

Our generation grew up with the wonder of encyclopaedias, their colourful pages filled with knowledge and captivating illustrations. And even as technology evolves, the essence of reading remains unchanged – the quiet thrill of discovery, the journey of exploration and the connection forged with the reader.

Beyond the Textbook

The education system, however, introduced a different kind of reading – academic, redundant, and often, frankly, dull. But reading soon transcended textbooks and tests. It became a quest for understanding that extended far beyond the classroom. But then, there were the libraries.

The Library's Embrace

The Lourdes Central School library in Mangaluru became my sanctuary. After the school hours, I'd seek refuge in the last seat by the window, drawn to the wisdom whispering from the shelves. Books on self-discovery introduced me to perspectives I never knew existed. I'd sit by the window in the golden afternoon light, and let the words wash over me, opening my teenage mind to possibilities beyond textbooks. It was here I met Robin Sharma's "Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.”

The Monk's Message: A Life-Changing Encounter

For me, Robin Sharma's "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" wasn't just a book; it was a symphony of revelation. The book's protagonist, Julian Mantle, a successful lawyer who finds solace in the Himalayas, showed me the transformative power of change, a lesson that continues to guide me

The School's Surprise

My love for words didn't go unnoticed. One day, during a school assembly, a surprising "Avid Reader" award was announced and my name was called along with it. This was the defining moment of recognition of a passion that has been burning within me. Little did I know then that it would birth a new dream – the dream of becoming an author myself.

From Reader to Author: Preserving History and Inspiring Future Generations

College opened my eyes to the bustling world of media, its diverse viewpoints, and the hidden gears that churned behind the newsroom doors. Yet, unknown to me, my own transformation was brewing. My journey, as a friend once aptly put it, became a "once-in-a-lifetime project." It led me to the heart of a historical incident, a rebellion against colonial injustice in my hometown.

Recalling Amara Sulya

My journey as a writer began with the story of my own ancestral village, a tale of courage and resilience against colonial oppression. The incident of 1837, where our ancestors defied the British East India Company, ignited a fire within me. I felt compelled to document this legacy, for our future generations to see and constantly remind them of the power of preserving our history. Witnessing traces of this legacy firsthand, I felt a deep responsibility to document the stories that shaped our past. Before I knew it, my own story began to unfold, a journey filled with experiences that humbled and enriched me.

The power of Visual Storytelling

My love for reading is not just a personal passion, but a mission to share the magic of words with others. Let the words dance on your tongue, paint pictures in your mind, and ignite your soul. I wish readers to discover the joy of silent conversations, the thrill of unexpected adventures, and the wisdom hidden within every page. As I look back, I realize it's not just about the stories I've read, but the person I've become along the way. Each page turned, each chapter encountered, has shaped my perspective, fueled my empathy, and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the magic of words. Words paint pictures in the mind, but visuals bring those pictures to life, creating an immersive experience. Words, though powerful, can be further amplified by the magic of imagery. My pursuit of a Master's in visual storytelling at Indian Institute of Photography is a way to amplify the impact of storytelling, to ensure that the stories that need to be told resonate in their full power.

SO, DEAR READER, PICK UP A BOOK. OPEN ITS PAGES. AND LET THE MAGIC OF WORDS ANDIMAGES BEGIN.