If there was a party in the universe, who would organise it? Well, that would be the constellation Virgo, who has a birthday party, attended by a bunch of comets, notoriously known for being party revellers.
At a time when interest in all things of space is at a high, thanks to Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan and the Philae comet lander, author Lana Mapri of Puducherry invites readers to take an exciting journey into the universe with his book, ‘ Armon, The Meteor Prince’ (published by Partridge India).
Released in mid-August, the illustrated book tells the adventures of Prince Armon, a meteor who traverses time, space and consciousness, and in the process also explains the story of creation from the time before the Big Bang to what the future holds.
The book mixes science and fantasy, giving names and human-like characteristics and form to celestial bodies. Thus, readers are introduced to a ‘space metro’ where every constellation is a station. Armon also comes across Pluto, who has been sulking ever since it has been kicked off its ‘planet’ title. And in outer space, the black hole is the ultimate villain. UFOs, a supernova and a binary star system are other beings the prince encounters. It was deliberate, says Mr. Mapri, “the whole idea being that even inert matter has a consciousness though dormant.”
Debut author Mr. Mapri, who has used a pen name, says his love for planets, stars, comets, black holes, warped time and space-influenced his work. “The spiritual influence imbibed in Puducherry also went into my writing this book,” he says.
While at first glance, the book looks like a children’s book, it is for everyone, says Mr. Mapri. He says he has recommended parents and teachers to read the book along with children, while explaining new concepts in the book to them. The full page illustrations will definitely appeal to children, he feels.
The book also makes note of ills that plague earth, from evil and carnage to the ‘Lords of Darkness.’ And it is during his encounter with Earth that Armon’s moment of epiphany arrives. Armon realises that he is invested with the ‘Power of Love’ to overcome hatred.
Readers are also introduced to the ‘Luminous Superman,’ an indication of the future of mankind, which strives towards a higher level of consciousness.
The author launched a YouTube promotional video recently, apart from a website on the book. The book is available with online retailers, while Puducherry bookshops are offering the book at a discounted price.