Taniya

 

Cotton candy, Cadburys Gems, rose-coloured mint bricks, gold coin chocolates, all things simple and sweet come to our mind as we read Taniya, the story of a 'Tibetan' spaniel who travels from the foot of Bhutan hills to a border town in Assam, first lives with a little girl called Jilmil, then moves into the author’s family where she spends the rest of her life.

As pages turn, we see Arunabh, the author’s son, the author and her husband love and adore Taniya who is synonymous with joy and laughter. Kidnapped by a monkey, slapped by a cat, Taniya’s cute tales, her brave missions, ‘not so brave’ misadventures are many and pop up along the length of the book. Backed by beautiful illustrations, details of how she saves a new car from a gang of thieves, her ability to differentiate between the real ‘Britannia Marie’ biscuits and fake ones, how she matches her pitch and sings when Arunabh plays the mouth organ, her love for hilsa fish and rice, dried cow dung, all unfold jauntily. 

However, the book is not just about naughty tricks & shenanigans of a flurry, doll-like dog. Love and affection between man and animals, interpersonal relationships in family and community are explored with tenderness that take your heart to its melting point. 

Delicately woven into Taniya’s tale is a crisp picture of everyday life in this region, one that's led in harmony with nature. There is also a generous sprinkle of relationship terms (khura, khuri, pehi, bordeuta), flora and fauna terms (sewali tree, togor trees, night jasmine, star jasmine, tiger lilies) and the food people eat. 

The author is fondly referred to as a home sparrow (ghonsirika) for she flits from one subject to another while telling stories. And we love these little information pockets; they are like breads served on separate quarter plates but highly essential to complete a meal. By adopting a conversation-like style, asking us to protect her little secrets, the author makes this read really delectable. The questions she raises in between leaves us in silent contemplation for sometime. For instance, 'Have you ever been to a place which is at the border of a country? Do you know anything about areas that separate countries?' , now these aren't asked in a condescending manner, there's an earnest interest to share information and enlighten us readers, both young and old. 

The emotions, both light are profound are adroitly handled in Meenaxi Barkotoki’s translation. An introduction penned by author Jahnavi Barua, notes by the translator, author fact file and the endnotes are icing on the cake. 

Even as I began reading Taniya, Arupa Patangia Kalita’s stories The Half-burnt bus at Midnight, Arunima’s Motherland from her collection Written in Tears came rushing to my mind. Known for writing ‘real’ stories from the world she inhabits, from experiences - lived and observed, Taniya, the only book the author wrote for children, is no different. Mostly lively, also immensely moving, Taniya is a celebration of love and compassion, a perfect pick for the Christmas holiday season. Pet owner or not, one shouldn't miss out on this little book, an extremely cute and heartwarming read.