Indian Daddy's Blog

  Janhavi Samant is a children’s author, journalist, and content marketing professional with a deep passion for storytelling. Her love for tales began in childhood, listening to her grandma and parents share a variety of stories—funny, heroic, tragic, and even outright bizarre. These early experiences instilled in her a lifelong fascination with the power of stories to connect and entertain. As a mother, Samant has continued this storytelling tradition. She finds joy in retelling, recycling, and even creating new tales for her children at bedtime. For her, these moments are not just about entertainment; they are about building strong, enduring bonds between parents and kids. She believes stories are the simplest and most powerful way to foster imagination, empathy, and creativity. “Stories help us envision ourselves in different places and situations,” she says, “allowing us to grow our perspectives and dream bigger.” Janhavi Samant’s books resonate with humor, nostalgia, and the ...

Savie Karnel is a celebrated children’s author and accomplished journalist whose storytelling captivates young minds while instilling values of curiosity and resilience. Her ability to weave compelling narratives has made her a significant voice in children’s literature. One of her books, The Nameless God , was voted the most popular children’s book on Amazon India in 2021 and earned a place on the shortlist for the Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize the same year—an exceptional achievement. Further cementing its influence, it became the only children’s book shortlisted for the prestigious MAMI Mumbai Film Festival’s Words to Screen Options Market in 2023. Before finding her true calling in writing for children, Karnel built a strong foundation in journalism, contributing to prominent publications like The New Indian Express , Mid-Day , and Talk Magazine in Bengaluru. Her journalistic background enriches her storytelling, bringing authenticity and depth to her books. Karnel’s bo...

Zai Whitaker is a celebrated children’s author known for her engaging books that often explore themes of the environment, wildlife, and conservation. She has penned over 20 books that inspire young readers to connect with and appreciate the natural world. Her passion for wildlife and conservation was ignited during her childhood, which was surrounded by the influence of naturalists, including her grand-uncle, Salim Ali, famously known as the “Birdman of India.” This early exposure to the wonders of the natural environment profoundly shaped her interests and career. Beyond her writing, Whitaker is a dedicated conservationist. She is the managing trustee of the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and the Center for Herpetology, a well-known zoo and conservation center that she co-founded in 1976. This organization focuses on the preservation and study of reptiles, particularly crocodiles, and plays a crucial role in promoting herpetology and environmental education. Whitaker’s leadership and com...

To follow a minimalistic lifestyle, we need to have a good budget, save money for future expenses, and choose to buy what you think is best. If you have any subscriptions services, then try your best to manage them. If you have a lot of things that you never use, then remove all of that to clean your house, apartment or other living societies. Choose things you actually need to you use, and if you are in a small house a capsule wardrobe might be best to store your clothes and shoes. And if you have not a lot of space on your devices, then try minimalistic apps. If you have any other problems, just remember, “Figure what’s best for you.”. This story was contributed by my son -Dhrubaneel Dutta

Last week, my son and I embarked on an enchanting adventure to the eastern part of   Manas National Park, a haven of biodiversity nestled in the heart of nature's wonders. The air was thick with anticipation as we set foot into the lush wilderness, eager to explore the secrets it held. Our journey took an unexpected turn when, during one of our immersive tracking experiences, we stumbled upon a seemingly ordinary yet intriguing discovery – decayed wild elephant dung. Despite its humble appearance, this find sparked a cascade of curiosity in my son's inquisitive mind. As we examined the remnants of the gentle giants that roam these untamed lands, my son's questions flowed like a river. He observed, wide-eyed, and asked about the creature that left behind this natural artifact. With each inquiry, we delved into the fascinating world of elephants – their habits, their role in the ecosystem, and the intricate web of life they contribute to. Against the backdrop of the vib...

Pam Ayres is a British author, poet, broadcaster, and entertainer. Many of her poems are in school textbooks around the world, including the U.K. and the U.S.A. Ayres performs solo stage shows throughout the U.K. and has also toured Australia and New Zealand. She is one of a handful of comedians to have performed at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. She has appeared at many Literary and Arts festivals worldwide. Ayres appears regularly on TV and radio, especially BBC  Radio 4. Ayres was awarded the MBE in 2004 for service to literature and entertainment. Some of her popular books for children include Guess Why Pam Ayres on Animals I am Oliver the Otter  N.B. Courtesy to The Assam Tribune Planet Young Nov 16 2023

Canato Jimo   i s a designer, writer, and picture book creator from Nagaland. He is currently the Art Director for picture books at Pratham Book s, Delhi. He has designed worldless picture books for children and young people. His work includes themes like children's daily lives and fantasy monsters from Naga tribal folklore.  His stories, inspired by everyday life, are accompanied by detailed and vivid illustrations.   Some of his popular books for children include: Asamo, it that you Snip I love you Guy N.B. The above information collected from The Assam Tribue , Palnet Young (Dec 14, 2023)

  Father and son relationships are built on the foundation of love, support, and admiration. On this Valentine's Day, let us celebrate the bond between fathers and sons, a relationship that is as special as it is unique. From teaching us how to ride a bike to showing us how to be a man, fathers play an important role in shaping their sons' lives. They are there to offer guidance, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on during the ups and downs of life. Sons, in turn, look up to their fathers as role models, seeking their advice and emulating their behavior. They learn from their fathers' wisdom and experiences, growing into young men with their fathers' values and principles as their compass. So, to all the fathers and sons out there, take a moment this Valentine's Day to appreciate the special bond you share. Remember to cherish the moments spent together and continue to build a relationship based on love, respect, and mutual admiration. Happy Valentine's Day!

       Bush Wan World, Painted by my son 3 years old Imagination in children is a magical realm where mental images, stories, and scenarios unfold, untethered by the constraints of real-life experiences. It is a vital facet of child development, enabling them to explore thoughts, emotions, and the world around them. This narrative explores the significance of imagination in childhood, delving into the research-backed benefits and personal anecdotes of fostering imaginative conversations with a child, with a particular focus on the fascination with the horizon. Imagination in Child Development : Imagination serves as a cognitive playground for children, allowing them to transcend the boundaries of reality and embark on mental adventures. It is not merely the creation of fanciful tales but a dynamic process intertwined with cognitive and social development. Research consistently highlights the positive associations between imagination and cognitive abilities, social sk...

  Your child will learn to love reading when they see you reading books, magazines, or graphic novels. A child learns from what he or she observes. Your child will likely catch your enthusiasm for reading if you are enthusiastic about it.

              Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believes first. The foundation of a child's self-belief is often rooted in the unwavering support and belief of their parents. Behind every young individual who develops a strong sense of confidence and self-assurance stands a parent who, with conviction and encouragement, believed in their child's potential long before the child could grasp it themselves. This parental faith acts as a guiding force, nurturing a child's self-esteem and fostering an environment where dreams are not only cherished but also attainable. The power of a parent's belief becomes the scaffolding upon which a child constructs their own aspirations, laying the groundwork for a future where self-confidence and resilience can flourish.

Human beings are highly adaptive in nature so they can able to adapt to the most comfortable regions to a dangerous situation on the earth. As such we are adapting to any situation and children are likely to show more compatibility. We should be rational to engage our children in digital hours. Limit their time and make things more enjoyable.  Give them some attractive work so they can enjoy the moment within four walls.  All parents should give quality time to their children. Maybe you are busy with day-long online meetings keep some time for your children.  Do some run, play basketball, if you have an option then observe different nature creatures around your house.  Raise some potted plants and give request them to observe day to day and note down everything.  If you can sing or play some instruments then good if you don't then try to write some poem and encourage them to write.  Try to develop your own song and compose music.  There are many more o...

I am a father of 7 years son and trying to provide quality time in the midst of a busy work schedule. Professionally, I am a wildlife biologist as such I spend many days from my house inside the forest with no connectivity. But as I return home I am turned into a family man and a father. How can we (my son and me) spend time: Early morning : I am an early riser and always left my bed between 4:30–0500am. This is my me time. From 5:00 -7:00, I do my all work- walking for half an hour, meditation and daily journal, and reading. 7:30 I wake up my son with a kiss on his forehead. I open windows and softly request him to wake up. Every night we sleep at the same time and I give him suggestions to wake up as I request so there is no hindrance. He usually takes 10 minutes to freshen up. then I give him the first glass of water and two biscuits to start the day. Thereafter we read his books (either textbook or reference) and request him to read loudly. I correct his pronunciation and maintain ...

Let's connect nature from an early age.  We are a part of nature so this theme of the post is relevant- 1. Move somewhere near to your living place where you get natural coverage it may be a park, agricultural field or protected area or river, etc.  2. Set free your child to enjoy around you. 3. Tell them to do and don't s of the respective area. 4.  Show any special things of the particular area likewise flowers, butterflies, insects, animals,s and big trees, etc. 5. Allow them to enjoy sunshine and shadow or cloud 5. Allow them to touch the soil, leaves, fallen tree twigs, the base of a big tree 6. Allow them to interact with ownself (self-talking) 7. Guide them to touch the river water and sand. 8. Get some bird guide book to introduce birds and request them to mimick call without disturbing others and also to the bird. 9. Sleep both over grassland and look to the sky count bird or clouds. 10. Keep records of the first visit and follow a routine 

This is the last part of autumn. Nature has welcomed the winter here and this is indeed a very pleasant time. Many festivals happened during this year in India. Among them the Durga Puja, Diwali, Raas,  and many more. People are also in festive mode but due to the COVID19 situation restrictions prevail everywhere.  On the eve of this festive season, we went to visit a natural site near our residence. We spent a night and rekindled our love for nature after several months. Neel was excited to visit the location. He felt the first touch of winter, fog, campfire, etc. In this post,  I would like to share how we enjoyed touching cool river water. Neel and me wake up early in the morning and went away to wander on the lone village roads. We went to the bank of a river called Kasimdaha. It is a small river coming out from Manas national park. This is a perennial river as there are many rivers in this place are seasonal or rain fed.  The name  Kasimdaha  might get...

  The story I am going to share is from ten years ago. I was a full-time researcher then, doing my research on translocated rhinos at Manas National Park, Assam.  I and my team is commonly known in the nearby area as the IRV2020 team (Indian Rhino Vision 2020), a program designed by the Government of Assam for long time survival of the rhinos in the 7 protected areas of Assam.  I was fortunate enough to be part of it.  Every day, we used to venture out for the rhinos in the early morning and return during the late afternoon or evening from the jungle. There was no place for leisure or to hang out with my friends and families.  So, I often visited the evening market with my colleagues. It was a great pleasure to have piping hot milk tea with pakora and samosa. We did not have the refrigerator to preserve the vegetables so we had to buy them every day from the local market. One day, I brought some vegetables from a teenage boy. The boy easily persuaded us to buy h...

This is an interesting fun game anyone may try with their kids. Interested persons need some   odd shape pebbles ,   sand to give support,   and one   wooden or bamboo stick to draw or sketch on the floor.  Steps:  1. First, draw a bicycle on the floor with a wooden or bamboo stick.  2. On the concrete floor, you may draw with turmeric or wheat powder.  3.  Put same size pebbles one after another in the bicycle drawing. Guide the kid to put the pebbles on the drawing. 4. Finally, you clean up the area and take one photograph with your partner kid. 5. It hardly needs 1 hour to complete the  Pebble Art. You may invite your family member, friend to enjoy the activity or you can arrange one exhibition in your house with different types of pebble structures. 

I hope everyone is safe, and sound during this COVID-19 chaos. In India, we are in lockdown since 24th of March 2020. Today is the last day of the third phase of lockdown but the prevalence of COVID19 is yet to decrease. Besides my work from home stress, I spent quality time with my son, Neel. Every morning and evening, we are playing on the terrace and playing lots of games. We have started a youtube channel and Facebook page  and getting much response from our valuable audiences. We also received much applauded from different sections of society. Today I would like to place one of our episodes for your enjoyment. This episode is based on Assamese Poem and Neel tries to learn this one after another. Hope this crisis would be over soon. May almighty save everyone from this crisis and give a chance to enjoy a beautiful life.

Dear Neel I hope you are doing well. Today I am writing about a colorful and beautiful National Bird of India. I hope you feel great to know about our natural heritage.....About Peacock or Peafowl. The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India. Peacock is inordinately entangling with Indian culture & history. It is the resident of India, southeast Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan. They are long and slender with a long face that has black and white colors on it. They have a short and sharp bill. They tend to be very social and their groups are referred to as parties.   They will also do well isolated, but it is usually the older males that aren’t with a group. The Male has a blue neck and breast and spectacular glossy green train. Significantly, the long ‘tail’ of peacock known as a ‘train’. The train consist of highly elongated tail coverts. The train of it can take up more than 40% of the overall body. The females lack elongated upper tail coverts; has whit...

As the whole world is under the Corona Pandemic, this has been a desperate time for us. Corona is slowly breaking our economy and the future seems blank as of now. It has threatened the evolutionary traits of social relationships and keeping us inside our home. In India, 21 days lockdown has put all of us inside the four walls of the house. From morning to night our family members are spending time together.  Although we are accustomed to the gadgets, I and my son are trying to use this bleak time to bond with nature and finding time for creative works.  We are also exercising, running and utilizing time as much as possible. The following are five activities you can try with your kids during the lockdown. I hope it will help you engage your kids and they will enjoy it as much as our kid does. I will share more such activities over time with you.  1. Painting and drawing  Every day, Neel and I spend a couple of hours with pen and pencils...