In a magical evening filled with wonder, joy, and inspiration, Pachyderm Tales hosted a captivating book launch event on July 5, 2025, celebrating the powerful union of wildlife, storytelling, and environmental awareness. The event—attended by conservationists, educators, artists, and children—marked the debut of a stunning ten-book wildlife series designed especially for young readers, putting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at the heart of early education.
Led by the visionary Dr. R. Lakshmi Priya, Founder and CEO of Pachyderm Tales, the initiative aims to spark curiosity and cultivate empathy in children through immersive storytelling and breathtaking visual art. “Children are innately curious. Our mission is to fuel that curiosity with knowledge, imagination, and love for nature,” she said. The newly launched series uses wild animals as vibrant characters to teach children about anatomy, habitats, conservation, and coexistence in a format that is creative, educational, and emotionally resonant.
The books are visually enriched by renowned wildlife photographer Mr. V. Ananthakrishnan, whose commitment to capturing animals in their natural habitat across continents has resulted in some of the most captivating visuals seen in children’s publishing today. Speaking of his experience, Mr. Ananthakrishnan, now 74, shared, “Photographing these majestic beings isn’t just about beauty—it’s about showing children that these lives matter, that their future is tied to the health of the natural world.”
Each story in the series is penned by celebrated storyteller and academic Dr. Abdul Mohammed Ali Jinnah, who brings 25 years of teaching and storytelling experience to the table. The synergy between image and narrative brings these animals to life—turning abstract environmental concepts into tangible, relatable lessons for children.
The event featured an inspiring lineup of guest speakers who launched individual titles and reinforced the theme of nurturing environmental consciousness in children through creative learning. Esteemed guests included:
- Mr. Munish Palaniappan, celebrated photographer and mentor, who launched the series and spoke passionately about the role of visuals in sparking children’s interest.
- Ms. Suchithra Balasubramanian, singer and Harikatha exponent, who unveiled Rudra the Leopard.
- Mr. Ravi Srinivasan, educator with experience in Botswana, who launched Nyati the Buffalo.
- Ms. Jaisri Raju Sriram, storyteller, presenting HipHip the Hippo.
- Mr. Karthic Rangarajan, wildlife enthusiast, introducing Polka the Cheetah.
- Mr. Sridhar Bharathy, launching Tej the Tiger.
- Ms. Poornima Chandran Prabhu, presenting Cayla the Crocodile.
- Mr. A. Gregory, founder of Voice Trust, who launched Meenu the Giraffe.
- Ms. Subhasree Ravi and Ms. Janet Preeti, who shared insights into the importance of conservation through community education.
Special recognition was given to Dr. Shintu Dennis, who delivered a powerful message about the emotional and intellectual development of children through creative arts. “In today’s digital world, children are often distanced from nature. Books like these, filled with color, characters, and truth, reintroduce them to the wild in a way that’s playful yet profound,” she said. “By combining art with science, we create pathways that lead children not only to knowledge but to empathy and responsibility.”
The presence of children from Voice Trust’s shelter home in Siruganur added a deeply moving layer to the event. Their eager faces and engaged questions stood as living proof of how storytelling and visuals can open doors to understanding and transformation. For many of these children, it was their first glimpse into the world of wildlife and conservation—made accessible and exciting through the lens of creative STEAM learning.
Voice Trust, a long-time non-profit partner in Trichy working to uplift marginalized communities through education, co-organized the event. Founder Mr. A. Gregory, whose passion for agriculture and wildlife spans over four decades, emphasized the crucial role of children in the future of the planet: “We must prepare them to be not just students, but stewards of Earth.”