28/09/2022
In September 2021, I submitted a manuscript I had written to the ‘Pitch Your Book 2021,’ Competition organized by the Half Baked Beans Publishing House
(https://www.halfbakedbeans.in) (https://www.instagram.com/half_baked_beans)
I was delighted when my story won the first place in the competition and a paperback publishing deal, because this is a story that I identify so closely with – it was written straight from my heart. My story ‘Chotu Finds a Home,’ has just been published by Half Baked Beans
https://www.amazon.in/Chotu-finds-Home-Santhini-Govindan/dp/9384315834/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1662660482&refinements=p_27%3ASanthini+Govindan&s=books&sr=1-4
‘Chotu Finds a Home,’ is the story of a tiny, orphaned mongrel puppy who is left to fend for himself on the inhospitable streets of a busy city. Chotu persuades Lallu, an older mongrel dog, to accept him as a pack follower. As he trails behind Lallu, Chotu learns life lessons on the streets. Chotu learns how to hunt for food, look for ‘opportunity,’ make unlikely friends and allies, while always keeping his wits about him. Spunky Chotu adapts well to surviving on the streets, but he doesn’t really relish the tough life of a stray dog. Chotu has many adventures before he finally finds someone who wants to give him a forever home. Chotu’s story is the story of every mongrel on the street – it’s a story of hardship, struggle, and a fight for survival, but also a story of fun, laughter, and hope.
I have always been an animal lover, (this book is dedicated to my own pets and animal friends who have crossed the rainbow bridge) and I honestly believe that it is important to teach children to respect, and be kind to animals. The best way to do that is to show them the conditions under which animals have to exist and survive. I hope that after they read my story, readers will appreciate and understand the uncertainties and hardships that countless stray dogs like little Chotu have to face daily to find even basic necessities like clean water and a safe place to rest. Chotu’s story shows that stray dogs have unique personalities, distinct character traits, habits and eccentricities. They live by their wits as they associate with ordinary working folk like cobblers, watchmen, and roadside vendors. I hope that my realistic story of a little mongrel puppy Chotu (like most stray dogs, Chotu has several names, and this is his only first one!) will make children empathise with the plight of stray animals, and encourage kindness and compassion.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
