Loading...
Loading...
An incomparable writer of popular science for children, Prof. S. Sivadas is best defined by two of his own book titles; ‘Vaayichaalum Vaayichaalum Theeraaththa Pusthakam’ and ‘Sasthra Katha Saagaram’, viz. The Book That Never Ends and An Ocean of Science Stories.
Through his repertoire of over 200 books in a range of genres and topics, he has enthused innumerable readers into the magic of creative science literature for children. He took on the task of elucidating science, nature and environment fifty years ago. His pen still continues to persuade the young reader to approach reading with both the heart and brain.
Deeply devoted to popularizing science as literature among children, Prof. S. Sivadas exemplifies a rare commitment to both the art and craft of writing for children. Linguistic and stylistic attention makes his works exceptional, but never forgetting its intended reader.
His most remarkable contribution is perhaps as the editor of popular science magazines for children in Malayalam, in inculcating a scientific temper across multiple generations of children, through persistent and gentle editorial intervention. This rare raconteur has covered far ground by sheer story-telling. He writes simple, engaging stories which disseminate layers of invaluable awareness on significant topics. And this, in a linguistically subtle and scientifically structured style.
Prof. Sivadas’s work is hallmarked by a rare eco-spirituality, portraying the interdependence between nature and humans. He constantly reminds his reader that nature may be a perennial source or Kamadhenu, but requires to be protected. ‘Vaayichaalum Vayichaalum Theeraatha Pusthakam’ warns of the perils of a parochial attitude towards nature. ‘Kilimakalude Punyavaalan’, a one-of-its-kind account of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, narrated by a bird, is a green spiritual journey. ‘Keeyo Keeyo’ is a spellbinding coming-of-age story of two fledgling birds in the author’s garden. ‘Mathan Mannira Case’ is an engaging case made out by an earthworm for its farm-labourer pension. ‘Snehappuzha’ is an account of collective kinship at a relief camp during the 2018 Floods in Kerala. ‘Moolaka Prapancham’ is an ode to science at the centenary celebrations of the Periodic Table.
Prof. Sivadas’s writings entreat his young readers to be aware, empathetic, and universal citizens who are capable of fully tapping fully their inner potential, growing up as responsible humans, loving, respecting and conserving Nature. He achieves this without being didactic. Still actively writing for children, the untold stories from his pen are sure to engage and entertain children and adults alike in the days to come.
