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Hoo wants to have fun?
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A child, left alone with the right book, will read. This belief has spurred the Malhotras into creating the ideal library-cum-adventure centre for youngsters.
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Hippocampus: getting children to relax — Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.
PART OF the backyard of the sprawling 5,600 sq. ft. area has a mango tree and a gooseberry tree — just the right kind of place where children can sit around and listen to a story. Or maybe put up a makeshift stage and enact a play. This is a meeting place for children below 12 years of age. There's more at Hippocampus, a library-cum-club started in Koramangala by 34-year-old Umesh Malhotra.
Umesh and his wife, Vimla, believe that a child left alone with the right book will read it. But a book isn't finished just because a child has finished reading it, its wonders can be passed on to bring excitement and education to thousands of children who can't afford to buy/borrow a book, they say. "Hippocampus was started to attract enough book donations that will help us build the world's longest bookshelf," says the couple, who, while living in the U.S. for some time, were fascinated by the library system there. "Each county there," recalls Umesh, "has full-fledged libraries occupying a space of 15,000-20,000 sq. ft. for a population of just 75,000."
In a country where a driver earns more than a schoolteacher, it is not surprising that an eight-year-old reads a book meant for a five-year-old. If by 2020, our country is to be governed by a knowledge-driven economy, one has to begin by creating an environment that facilitates reading. And that is the challenge taken on by Umesh at the Hippocampus. Having done well for himself in business and having had enough of the IT world, he decided to devote himself full-time to his pet project.
Books at Hippocampus are stacked with the height of children in mind, so that they can pick up what they see at eye level. There are book quizzes and book hunts, and a mascot called Hoo for fun. Those over 12 years of age can become volunteers and organise competitions and games of their choice. Importantly, there is no preaching and no teaching. If a child wants to know of a word that he wishes to use in his game of scrabble, he is gently asked to look into the dictionary.
However, Hippocampus is not about books alone. It aims at creating clubs for children so that those with similar interests can come together. So, there is adventure, art, music, cooking, nature, and journalism clubs that operate on weekends. They have a mentor, an expert in the field, who will initiate the children into relevant activities after which the children have to discover their own programmes. Those with the journalism club can choose to create a newsletter. Members of the adventure club have gone rock climbing, and nine-year-old Megha Harish, for instance, just cannot wait for the next weekend when she will be taught scuba diving.
There is also a provision made to inculcate the spirit of community service among the children. Hippocampus has tied up with social service organisations that will provide a platform for these children to tackle one of the city's civic or social problems. Recently, the youngsters cycled to several houses in Koramangala along with members of "Air" and spread awareness on ways of conserving water.
Five-year-old Vinamra sits in front of a board of Chinese Checkers, tinkling the marbles in her hand, wondering how to play the game, while eight-year-old Saurabh wonders if he can help her. Niven and Tejas, who go to two different schools, have met at the Hippocampus and become friends. Truly, a wonderful meeting ground for children. Are you curious to know what the word Hippocampus means? "Find out for yourself" is what Umesh would say. Those who wish to have details about the activities of this organisation can call Umesh at 98440- 34390/5630206.
MEENAKSHI SHIVRAM
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