Delhi Thaatha - A Great Grand Story

by Chitra Viraraghavan

Teachers Day Special. “Delhi Thaatha - A Great Grand Story” by Chitra Viraraghavan. Published by Seagull Books. A grand story indeed of an even grander personality. Well the Thaatha (which means grandfather) being referred to in this book is none other than the much loved Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

The book is written by his great granddaughter from the perspective of her seven year old self. Though he is a much loved teacher, a world famous philosopher and president of the country, for her he is just her great grandad. She talks about his childhood in a small town, how he ended up in Madras for his higher studies, how he became a well loved teacher due to his knack of simplifying things and explaining and ended up becoming the second president of India after independence. The book offers a rare glimpse into the man’s personality given that the author spent time with him during her childhood. 

The book has gorgeous illustrations and collages interspersed with real life photographs. Amazing work by P.Balasubramanian and Sunandini Banerjee for supporting the write up so well. This beautiful biography of the stalwart personality of Radhakrishnan works well for younger readers. I would say it is a MUST READ for all children. They will love to know more about the man in whose honour teachers day is celebrated every year. I enjoyed reading this book with my seven year old. Thank you Vidya Mani of Funky Rainbow for recommending this book! Apt for children aged 7+.

Where to buy from?

The publishers Seagull books here.