Kozhikode: When the nation celebrated Children’s Day on Saturday, three children from another country 2,600 km away from Kozhikode have a reason to remember the day. A book dedicated to them was released on the day.
Though Heera, Onu and Noon cherish the day, they have no reason to feel happy about its content. The book describes the gruesome tales of sexual harassment their beloved mother faced in the city.
The book titled Njan Enna Murivu by the Bangladeshi women tells her mistreatment by the sex mafia and her escape from their clutches after she came to the city in search of a job. The book also portrays her life in rehabilitation homes in the city.
The 80-page book, containing 18 poems, a short story and 24 sketches along with the cover sketches, was released on Saturday in front of a huge gathering here at Town Hall. The book was published by Arm of Joy, an NGO based in the district. The girl scribbled the poems and stories during her stay in government shelter homes.
The NGO’s managing trustee Anoop G, who found the scribbling (originally in Bengali), translated into English first and then got it translated into Malayalam.
Journalist Anupama Mili has translated the poems. The girl was given pen name Saya in the book.
“She should always remember Malayalam as her tormentors had used the same language while torturing her. I hope that the publication will inspire her to write more,” said Anoop.
The book was released by social activist Ajitha by giving a copy to writer M.N Karassery. The foreword was written by Dr Sunitha Krishnan. An exhibition of Saya’s paintings was also held at Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery on the occasion.
The amount raised from the sale of the book will be reserved for her and other such victims.
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