‘Reading is a very civilised act that needs to be inculcated in people’. Adorning the interiors of the Goethe-Institut, the message is a fitting one for the finale of the Max Mueller Bhavan Reading Challenge.
Over the summer, the institute for German learning intricately curated and carried out a four-stage challenge. Akin to a book, the stages were called foreword, preface, chapters and afterword. Each stage consisted of particular challenges, aiming to push participants toward the art of reading.
Across global barriers
V Geetha, founder of Tara Books says, “We believe if children don’t read, it's because they haven’t found the right book yet.” A company that produces audio-visual books for young children, Tara Books has begun to foster cross-border relations, publishing literature in both English and Tamil. Having recently launched nine books in German as well, the company aims to foster a mutual understanding of cultures between the two nations. It also produces non-text pictorial books in an effort to bridge the pre-established language barrier. “Most of these books don’t have a lot of text. It’s a symbolic act of reaching out to the crowds” says Elena Rittinghausen, the bookmaker’s German translator.
With over 100 participants, the challenge ended on a high note, with a slew of dramatic readings. NS Yamuna of theatre group Madras Players, also performed a segment from Cornelia Funke’s Ghost Hunters . A clever play of lighting was used to add effect to the act, leaving the audience mesmerised. “I never knew German authors could be so humorous. I always assumed them to be serious,” Yamuna exclaimed after her performance.
The challenge also aimed to push visitors and students towards using the library liberally. “Most of our students only end up going towards the section of syllabus books” says Geeta Laxman, the head of information and library at the institute.
A peaceful zone to relax and unwind, the library is intended to allow people from all around the city immerse into all forms of English and German literature.
It also provides its readers with the opportunity to continue reading their books at home, through the institute’s free online library. “You could come and sit in our library for hours and just watch movies and no one will bother you,” Laxman laughs. Divided into various segments and color-coded according to levels of reading difficulty, the library caters to readers of all ages.
Laxman is hopeful that through initiatives like these, the world of literature in the city will blossom. “We want to continue to host events like these and include a wider repertoire of authors to raise awareness about global literature.”
