When was the last time someone told you an interesting fact or trivia? Well, are we, in the first place, interested enough to listen to or observe the amazements around us? Arshad Hussain is a Kannada writer, based in Dubai, who has compiled a book full of amazing facts, events and places from all over the world, aptly titled Vismaya Plus.
The book is a comprehensive compilation of trivia, facts and out-of-the-box information accompanied by colour pictures, promising to be a definitive guide for both students and teachers. “The ‘plus’ in the title is because every chapter has been provided with media links that can be followed for more information,” says Hussain. The book comes with a CD that holds media links for more information on a particular place, event of fact. Staying in Dubai for 17 years now, Hussain’s Kannada can put to shame many Bangaloreans. “I visit my hometown Koppa once in two years. On each visit, I take with me bundles of books,” he says.
Present on the occasion of the book launch at Reliance Timeout was Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri. Astounded by the intense research that went into the book, he said, “This book comes at a time when the city is losing hold on Kannada language. It is a fantastic read for children, youngsters and adults. I am happy that it compliments my efforts as a minister,” he said, as he announced that his ministry is working on making libraries mandatory in higher primary schools across the state, in an effort to encourage the habit of reading.
It is typical of human curiosity to know beyond the obvious. To our minds, it seems interesting when someone tells us about a certain something we did not. For instance, did you know that there is a mysterious iron pillar in Kodachadri that does not rust? This iron pillar is believed to be several hundred years old.
Dr Naa Someshwara, the popular host of the Kannada quiz programme That Anta Heli, who is a close acquaintance to Hussain, applauded the author for his effort to spread knowledge in a manner that is worth everybody’s time. “Books are the most special gifts we can share with our children. We are often ignorant to look at these facts. Most times, we have no one to tell us. Vismaya Plus is perhaps the first Kannada book of its kind,” he said.
With recent trends showing a decline in Kannada readership, this book promises to woo Kannada readers. “There is a dearth of scientific writers in Kannada. Besides, we need to watch (TV) less and read more,” said B M Haneef, assistant editor, Sudha Kannada Weekly.
“I have enough material to write a couple of more editions. But that depends on how Vismaya Plus is received,” says an optimist Hussain. The book is priced at `290.