A few years ago, Harpreet Kaur was helping her son to learn Punjabi. This was the time when she first realised the importance of picture books for children.
Harpreet told that her hunt for storytelling Punjabi books led her to many disappointments.
“We shared all the folklore stories with our son. But there wasn’t much in form of illustration books. At that time, I decided to work on to publish theme based storytelling books,” said Mrs Kaur.
“Later, while teaching in a primary school in Wodonga, I was asked about my favourite childhood book. Do I‘ve one? I had no answer. ”
“I wanted our kids to bond with the Punjabi language...reading and storytelling not only helps promote language, literacy but also the brain development.”
Harpreet says that 'Virasti Bohar' is one such effort where the illustrations and easy language will attract children of Punjabi-origin.
Harpreet Kaur visited SBS's Melbourne studio with eminent poet Jaswant Singh Zafar (R) Source: Supplied
“It is important that we provide our children with the best literature in Punjabi.”
“I would encourage parents to spend time with children reading these type of books. It will not only promote bonding but will also help children develop social and communication skills.”
"This book is available in some of the libraries associated with Blackburn and Craigieburn based Gurdwara sahibs in Melbourne. Even I am happy to provide a copy to anyone interested."
