Meet Dr. Anderleen Diana Lazarus, a Professor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology who launched the book "Ripples of Imagination" from so-called "non-creative students" in unison with her students.
Meet Dr. Anderleen Diana Lazarus, A Professor,
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
1. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to have students pick up story writing and how you folded that into your teaching method?
I always make sure the TLP (Teaching Learning Process) is fruitful irrespective of the age group of my learners. I believe a classroom that doesn’t build in curiosity and taps talent will only produce mere memorizers. These students were all Literature students who were training to become teachers, I felt that instead of studying only what the syllabus recommends they should contribute to the already existing literature in their unique ways. I could vividly see creativity in many of their activities and this gave me the clue to roll out the proposal of writing stories for children. I repeatedly invited them to write, I enticed them that I would publish their stories as a book. I also told them to think about not just completing the B.Ed. course but also empowering themselves as writers.
2. How did you manage to make them write their stories? How long did it take?
I urged them to read fairy tales and short stories. I also recommended them to have a comparative style of the work they read about. As a class, we also had thought-provoking discussions that kindled their interests. I repeatedly gave them the required motivation but it did not move them to the action I was looking for. Then came modelling, I wrote the "Baby Tomato" story and asked them for reviews/feedback. Then progressively, I received their stories which broke the stereotype. As you know, most fairy tales bring in a prince to rescue the protagonist. This was one of the concepts that brought in serious thinking. If you read "Ripples of Imagination" you will notice that all the stories are based on pure imagination and predominantly talk about self-help and the realization of the self. We also have simple but provoking thoughts that lead to the realization of the self and a variety of poems. We almost took a semester to complete it.
3. Did you receive support in any form?
I am grateful to say I wasn’t stopped from doing it. I place on record my sincere thanks to Dr. N. Prema, HoD SRM School of Teacher Education and Research, SRMIST for such academic freedom. I felt my students had a voice and an ocean of creativity. I wanted it to be brought out and shown to the world. I wrapped them up warm enough under my care to break the myths and negative statements about themselves and enabled them to discover their potential as writers. Just as the tagline of our book "Cultivating Creativity through Literature" this was our drive and it kept us on the go. Today we have the White Falcon House who published our book which is by itself so special to me. I have a list of people to thank and that includes the Editors, Illustrators, Maecenates but I would like to especially mention the names of three of my students Kannan. B, Kripa Mary Johnson, and Anupama T.P. who have been so instrumental in bringing out this book. Their support is beyond words.
4. Why is it called “Ripples of Imagination”?
A few of my students of batch 2021 (Cherry Cherries) who had English as their specialization took the maiden step by coming out with fiction writing that would creatively address themes and experiences in a way that broke the stereotypes particularly to suit children and those young at heart. Gradually, the entire batch (Champ Champions) went on to compose taglines to bring out positivity through simple two-liners which would serve as "Thoughts for the Day". In due course, a few students of batch 2022 (Twinkling Stars) also joined the league with the vision of composing poems that connect to day-to-day life. Finally, all the students of batch 2022 (Exploring Wings) who had English as their specialization came out with a tribute to SRMIST. This book is purely out of a ripple effect. Collectively they chose to embrace a mindset of giving leads to a life rich in purpose and commitment. Hence the title "Ripples of Imagination".
5. What are these group names?
You all must be familiar with the film Manjummel Boys, a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language survival thriller that set several box-office records. I take the reference of this movie to bring out the significance of group names. The storyline moves on to an interesting phase after a few friends of the group decide to etch down their group name "Manjummel Boys" on the rocks within the cave and the rest is what makes the movie so special as it embraces friendship, brotherhood, bravery and the never-give-up attitude.
Whether you are part of a sports team, a group of co-workers, or just a bunch of friends who love to have a good time, a group name can add a lot of personality to the crew. From puns to pop culture references, there are endless possibilities for group names to make the group stand out, make them feel united, and also understand that they all are individually separate but one as a group. All this unfolded with each of them having their group names i.e. Cherry Cherries, Champ Champions, Twinkling Stars, and Exploring Wings.
6. Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of this project for you as an educator?
Absolutely, without a doubt. I feel empowered as an educator to empower my students who otherwise would not have used their creative intelligence in a way that could be part of children's literature today.
7. What advice would you give to other educators who wish to foster creativity in their students?
Many teachers are doing great in their unique ways. When students are taught to embrace creativity, explore their interests, and nurture talents, we as teachers are teaching them to own something that could be soul-satisfying to them, especially in the years of their adult life. We never know, such efforts may serve as an outlet from the pain or breakdown they may experience or it may give them a soul-quenching experience and, in some cases, a livelihood.
8. Do you think all this is worthwhile?
Yes, of course, we have left our footprint on the sands of time as authors, poets, and writers with creativity on the pinnacle. They say if you have great ideas, spread it and that’s what we did. This book is the result of the humble and noble efforts of my students (Juniors and Seniors) and myself. Hence this book will always remain close to my heart.
9. What kind of reception do you expect Ripples of Imagination to receive from the academic and literary communities?
"Ripples of Imagination" showcases a unique voice, narrative techniques, and a fresh literary style, it might be celebrated for its artistic merit. The literary community often values originality and creativity and hence I keep my fingers crossed having done our part.