Entrancing children with his pen

Author G S Unnikrishnan Nair, who has been popularising science among children, released his latest book on the planet Mars. Published by TBS Books, the book , ‘Chuvanna Grahathil’, describes the scientific aspects, and the physical atmosphere of the planet, as well as the possibilities of exploring it. It also talks about terraforming, the process by which Mars can be occupied by humans. “Being a perpetual student of science, I felt a pressing need to spread the scientific concepts among the school students in an easy language,” says Unnikrishnan. “The mother-tongue is the best medium for this. Inspired by this thought, I published my first book, ‘Bheeman Onth Muthal Kangaru Eli Vare.’”

Published in 1989, the book introduces children to the wonderful world of animals. “Since then I have been writing books on topics like space, agriculture, physics, chemistry and more,” he said. Unnikrishnan has also published a children’s novel, ‘Ottakangal Paranja Kadha’, which won the Bheema Balasahithya Award in 2008 as well as a novel on science called, ‘Chimera’ in 2011. ‘Chimera’ is the first horror science fiction for children in Malayalam. Having published many books for students in the popular science category, the versatile writer is concentrating on writing fiction. “ The work on a novel has almost been completed,” he said. His next release in English is ‘The strange World of Animals’, which is being published by the National Book Trust of India.

An Assistant Director at the Department of Agriculture, Unnikrishnan has written hundreds of articles on agriculture and farming and has produced nearly 80 short films and documentaries on the subject. “Agriculture is one of my favourite subjects,” he said. “I would like to write more on it for children to instill in them the art of farming which has been losing its sheen in Kerala for the past several decades.” Unnikrishnan has won many honors and awards including the National Science Communications Award of the Central Government, and the National Science Photography Award of Prasar Bharathi.

A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism from Banaras Hindu University, he plans to share his know-how in the area of farm journalism among the people.

I would like to get involved in this, as in future, farming will demand greater attention,” said Unnikrishnan. Staying at Vanchiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, with his wife, Anjana, and two children, Unnikrishnan is happy with his achievements.

I feel a sense of fulfillment when I see some of my older writings pasted on the walls of some of the classrooms in Kerala,” he said.