Interview : Manorama Jafa - A living treasure of Indian children's literature

           Manorama Jafa is an award winning author of over 100 children’s books. She has written  hundreds of stories, articles and research papers on children’s literature. She is also the founding Secretary General of Association of Writers & Illustrators for Children (AWIC)/ the Indian Section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). She is editor of AWIC’s quarterly journal WRITER & ILLUSTRATOR since 1981. She has served as Consultant to the Children’s Book Trust, New Delhi for about 20 years. From 1976 she has continued to direct Writers’ Workshops on writing, for different age groups and for children with special needs, in English and Hindi, in New Delhi and several other cities in India. Kahani Takbak interviewed her after she recently won the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun award from the government of Japan.

        1.        You have had a long journey with books. What has changed for the better and worse in the past 40 years?

In earlier years stories for children were largely drawn from mythology, folk tales, etc. There was hardly any creative writing, or stories in contemporary setting to which children could relate. Of course, there used to be a few periodicals providing interesting reading material. A major landmark in the development of children’s literature is establishment of Children’s Book Trust (CBT) by eminent cartoonist late Shankar Pillai. They published interesting books for children with attractive illustrations. Another major event in this field is setting up of the Association of Writers and Illustrators for Children (AWIC ( in 1981, and the publication of its Quarterly Journal “Writer and Illustrator”. The Journal has completed 35 years of its publication.  These major events encouraged creative writing. Later, AWIC also served as the Indian National Section of the International Board on Books for Young People. Over the years awareness for providing good books to children has increased. There are libraries in many more schools to encourage reading habit. However, the availability of books is still an issue. Even in large cities only a few shops keep books for children and  in small cities there is hardly any book shop stocking children’s books (other than text books). It is also sad to see that many magazines of yester years have closed down. Besides, television and other electronic gadgets are a big attraction for children and leave little time for reading books. Writing in English has developed immensely in India and many authors from India have found place for their work in other countries. However other Indian languages have not been able to keep pace.

2.              Indian children’s literature owes a lot to you.  You have been at the epicentre of change for books, reading and promotions. A lot has been done with your voluntary contribution.  What motivates you?

Years ago, when my son was a toddler, I used to entertain him by telling stories.  I looked for books for children but there was hardly any for the very young. I started inventing stories on my own based on everyday life to which the child could relate. But my search for books continued and I would buy books whenever I visited a large city. Ever since, I have developed the habit of getting good children’s books. I have in my collection large number of books which have awards like USA’s Caldecot medal, Newbury Award or any other.  On reading these fine books, the only thought which comes to mind is, “why can’t we write such books in india?” And this has motivated me all through my long journey in this field.

3.              You have been stressing on the need for the recognition and inclusion of children’s literature in the national policy. What are the current challenges? What can children authors, illustrators, editors and publishers do to make it a reality?

I have all along pleaded that children’s literature should be treated as a special segment of literature and should be taught in colleges. And, that there should be guidance available to young writers to develop their potential. But I have not found any takers, except late Shankar Pillai who provided me an opportunity to organize writers’ workshops for developing new talent in creative writing. I do not see any effort by anyone to take this forward.

4.             From writing books on Japan to promoting children’s literature, Japan holds a special place in your heart.  Why?

I have visited Japan on several occasions for my professional engagements. Many fellow professionals in Japan are my friends. And some of them have also become members of our Association of Writers and Illustrators for Children (AWIC)and have been coming to India  to participate in Conferences on aspects of children’s literature which AWIC has organized over the years. In 1998,I visited Hiroshima, which made deep impact on my mind and I wrote a book titled “Sadako of Hiroshima” This book was later included in 40 best books on Peace in Travelling Exhibition set up by the International Youth Library (Munich, Germany). I think the reason for my close association with Japan is basically due to reciprocal exchanges with fellow professionals.

5.             What does winning the Japanese award, Order of The Rising Sun, Gold and silver rays mean to you?

I consider this as a great honour giving recognition to the importance of Literature for Children of both India and Japan.

6.              If you were granted three wishes to be used in the world of Indian’s children’s literature. What would they be?

Availability of good children’s books should be developed in all Indian languages; should be available in small cities and towns; and children’s literature should be taught in colleges.

7.             When you look back at all the things you have done in the past years. What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Creating awareness and developing new talent, and of course my writing...

8.             The book therapy project of the AWIC is currently limited to certain areas. What is the current status of the Book Therapy project? What support does the AWIC need from the various entities of the publishing industry to roll out and expand this project to other parts of the country?

AWIC has this project going and has published collection of stories to mitigate trauma of children in difficult circumstances. A selection of books published elsewhere has also been compiled. However since most of the publishers are in the area of school books, I would expect only a few of them to bring out books fitting in this project.

9.             From the role of an eager listener to your stories how has your daughter Navina Jafa evolved in your writing space?

 She is an accomplished writer herself, but not in children’s literature.

10.         With the closing of libraries, shrinking of space in bookstores and arrival of eBooks, what future do you foresee for Indian children books?

I think the future is bright but we have to develop more and more good and attractive books, in all languages, and books set in contemporary settings. Present day children are bright and their awareness level is much wider. They will read only if the books cater to their expectations.

 You can write to Manorama Jafa at vjafa@bol.net.in
To know more about AWIC log on to www.awic.in

(PS: This article has been written especially for the March, 2017 issue of Kahani Takbak, a newsletter for aspiring, newbie and established children authors. To subscribe to the free monthly newsletter, visit www.kahanitakbak.com)