My Little Sikh Handbook by Artika Aurora Bakshi
Trying to explain religion, or the concept behind its rituals and what its prayers signify is a daunting task.
So how do you write about a religion in these sticky times of oversensitiveness? It is a tough thing, but one that Artika has navigated with simple ease!
Her book My Little Sikh Handbook is an engaging primer on Sikhism, its gurus, its core values and the meanings of things that are important to Sikhs.
From langar to miri-piri and the three cornerstones of Sikhi life,Vand Chakna, Kirat Karna and Naam Japna, Artika explains all the concepts in a fun way for kids (and adults).
What also makes this book incredible is the activities related to Sikhism and its gurus – patterns, quizzes, crossword puzzles and more to engage children as they learn about the incredible Sikh history.
Here is what Artika said about the book:
How did you think about this book?
I have no idea how the idea came up. I just woke up one day and felt this strong urge to write a children’s book on Sikhism. I am a proud Sikh and raising two boys in the Sikh way of life has been a cherished experience. The boys have grown up now, but every time I reminisced about their younger days, our interaction over the stories of the gurus and their questions on Sikhism, it made me smile.
Coming back to this book, I wanted other parents and children to experience what we had and for the children to connect with Sikhism in a way where they feel proud of their way of life.
I don’t like to use the word religion, because for me, Sikhism is a way of life. Its teachings are simple and if incorporated into our daily lives, they bring out the best in all of us. I wanted the format to be one that the children of today could relate to.
What did you want the book to do?
The book is meant to be a parent-child interactive thing. I have very fond memories of discussions and interactive sessions with my kids, talking about the gurus and the values of Sikhism. I wanted to write a book that would increase the engagement between parents and kids on Sikhism.
What next?
Another one with Himmat and Nanki. The theme will be Sikhism again, because for me, it’s a simple and beautiful way of life and I hope my books can make children feel proud of being Sikhs. When I say being a Sikh, I include everyone who follows the teachings of the gurus.
The book is available on Amazon, and in bookstores across India.
https://www.amazon.in/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Artika+aurora+bakshi
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