This educational text discuses economic security, and indicators of air and water pollution

The cover offers a peek into the inside pages. A brief introduction by Yemuna Sunny introduces us to the varied landscape and diverse geography which can be attributed to natural factors such as rainfall, soil and climate, and some human actions, too. It’s especially comprehensive for non-natives. Sunny, who should be credited for the concept, methodology, cartography and geography in the text, mentions in her foreword that the book will nudge students to ask questions and seek solutions. As a pedagogic device, its intent varies from usual maps found in school textbooks.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

The nuggets of knowledge are complemented by instinctive queries. We learn why Marathwada is dry and drought-prone, how did the Warkari tradition come into being, and the context to the Dalit movement. And we are also prodded to think if dry regions can grow sugarcane, if mill workers and farmers can enjoy economic security, and if we witness caste and gender-based inequalities decreasing in our lives.

Couched on the consciousness that maps can transcend rigid physical boundaries and touch our social selves, we proceed to the most appealing part of the volume—the folded map. We gape at the intricacies; chappal-making is practised in Kolhapur, beedis are tied in Pune and Ahmednagar, Gondia is called the rice city, the Durgapur Rayyatwari Collieries are close to Tadoba National Park, and a bridge connects Sangli to Satara. There’s no doubt that the edition is a powerful resource for young children, but it also makes adults miss the possibilities of a kinder and more thoughtful education system.