Kannada Book release - World Environment Day Celebrations

 On 5th June, World Environment Day, PNLIT joined the celebrations at Government High School, Puttenahalli, marking the occasion with the release of "ಮಳೆ ಹಿಡಿದಿಡಲು ಕಲಿತ ನಗರ: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಕೆರೆಗಳ ಕತೆ", the Kannada translation of The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru's Lakes.

The school, which has over 1,300 students from LKG to Class 10 studying in both Kannada and English medium, had organised an impressive programme highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. Teachers and students had put together thoughtful presentations using posters, placards and live plants to demonstrate why protecting the environment matters and what each of us can do to contribute.

One of the teachers introduced PNLIT and its work to the students. Long-time well-wisher and volunteer Jagadeesh Maiya then spoke about the environment, Bengaluru's lakes and the role they continue to play in the city's ecology and water security. Referring to the book, he expressed the hope that it would help young readers understand why lakes remain vital to the city's future. It was particularly special that both the author, Arathi Manay, and the translator, Uma Rajanna, were present for the occasion, along with PNLIT trustees Nandhini, Nupur and Sangita, volunteer Prajna and a few other well-wishers. The Kannada edition of the book was formally released by Mr. Manjunath, Principal of the Primary and Middle School section.

Copies of the English and Kannada editions of the book were presented to the school for distribution among the children and for the library - so that students could continue exploring the story of Bengaluru's lakes and their importance to the city.

The school itself left a strong impression. Its airy classrooms, vibrant primary school spaces and confident students reflected a nurturing learning environment. Particularly noteworthy was the school's well-equipped science laboratory, where students have access to advanced tools such as a laser cutter and 3D printer under the guidance of full-time teachers. It was inspiring to see such facilities fostering curiosity, creativity and innovation among young learners.

World Environment Day provided a fitting occasion to engage with the next generation and share the story of Bengaluru's lakes, reinforcing the message that environmental stewardship begins with awareness, education and a connection with the natural world around us.

If you'd like a copy of the book (English or Kannada) - please check this link https://forms.gle/2u8yEBvNiMtX1EYc8 to find a pick up point or mail option. 

A Morning of Stories, Wings, and Water: Book Release at Puttenahalli Lake

 About the Book

The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru's Lakes 
is a small effort to help young readers connect with the ecology and community spirit that surround our urban water bodies. We hope the book finds its way into many hands and sparks curiosity, care, and conversation around our lakes. The book is being shared freely with the community.

Where to Pick Up a Copy (Please call before you go)

• Brigade Millennium, JP Nagar 7th Phase (Nupur: 98866 29769)
• South City, Arekere Mico Layout / Bannerghatta Road (Sangita: 98804 17654)
• JP Nagar 1st Phase (Anuradha: 91875 61553)
• Bookworm Book Store, Church Street (Kris: 98450 76757)
• Blossoms Book Store outlet next to Amoeba, Church Street (Mayi Gowda: 94482 20202)
• Richmond Town (Arathi: 86553 04429)
• Bellandur / Sarjapur Road (Bijoy: 98807 28674)
• Yelahanka (Sunitha: 90089 97450, Sangunni: 98450 63490)
• JP Nagar 8th Phase / anywhere in Bengaluru where they have a plog! (Plog Raja Nagaraj: 96860 95959) 
• EDIT: ADDED LOCATIONS 
• JP Nagar 2nd Phase - Beku Cafe (90087 98842)

Request a Copy

Alternatively, you can express your interest in receiving a copy, and we will see how to reach it to you: https://forms.gle/2u8yEBvNiMtX1EYc8

The Book Release event

On the Saturday morning of 4th April, as the city was beginning to stir, a small group of us gathered by the edges of Puttenahalli Lake. Around us, the lake was already awake - walkers, joggers, early exercisers easing into the day. Under an overcast sky, the morning felt cool, unhurried, and full of promise.

We began with a guided nature walk led by Jay Govind, whose keen eye and infectious enthusiasm opened up a new world for many of the participants. What might otherwise have been a simple walk around the lake became a journey of discovery.

We spotted nests of grey herons perched high and hidden, the neat nesting hollows of rose-ringed parakeets, and the intricate weaver ant nests stuck into trees. We paused to listen to bird calls we might have otherwise ignored and watched closely enough to notice snakes gliding through the water and the subtle movements of fish below the surface.

It was a reminder of how much life exists around us - quietly, patiently, waiting to be seen.

We were about 25 people, from varied backgrounds and across a wide age range from about 7 to 80+. One thing possibly connected everyone: a shared love for nature. There were just two young children - perhaps the early start and recent school closures made it harder for more to join, but it didn’t matter. The childlike curiosity in the group more than made up for the small number of little ones.

The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru's Lakes was released by young Mannu. There couldn’t have been a more fitting way to launch a children’s book about lakes - placed into the hands of a child, at the edge of a living, breathing lake.

This book comes from a place of hope. Hope that children and adults will notice, care, and ask questions about the lakes that dot Bengaluru. And perhaps, through that awareness, play a small part in protecting and restoring them.

One of the most heartening moments came through feedback we received that morning:

“We had the pleasure of picking up this book, The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain, directly from the author, Arathi Manay, this morning and it is a gem. While the illustrations are beautiful, the writing carries a depth that resonates just as much with adults. For those of us who grew up in older parts of Bangalore, remembering the lakes and gushing nallahs after heavy showers we were always warned to avoid, it is an evocative trip down memory lane.”

This captured exactly what we had hoped the book would do - bridge generations, memories, and experiences.

To everyone who joined us that morning, thank you. You made it memorable, meaningful, and full of life.

And to the lake, as always, thank you for being the quiet teacher at the centre of it all.

Jay’s photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKjHukrvCoHuUx1z9

ebird checklist  https://ebird.org/checklist/S316614555

Community Book Launch at Puttenahalli Lake

PNLIT warmly invites you to a special community morning for the release of our children’s book:

The City That Learnt to Catch the Rain: The Story of Bengaluru’s Lakes
Written by Arathi Manay

 What’s planned:
A guided nature walk around the lake
A fun nature activity for children
Community book release – pick up your free copy of the book

 The book is designed for readers aged 8–11 years, but works well as a read-aloud for younger children and a shared text for families. Everyone is welcome to join.

Come spend a refreshing morning by the lake, connect with nature, and learn about Bengaluru’s lake story with us.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Meeting place: Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar 7th Phase - Gazebo on the side of the Brigade Millennium arch near MLR convention Centre
Date: Saturday 4th April 2026
Timing: 7:30 a.m. - we will finish before the gates are locked at 10:00 a.m.

We hope to have related events in other parts of Bengaluru, but if you can't attend and would like a copy of the book, please fill the link (if you haven't already).  https://forms.gle/jLSd1i3DEPCrdELT8

Helping Children Discover Bengaluru’s Lakes – A New Book from PNLIT

We are happy to share that PNLIT will soon be bringing out an illustrated children’s book about Bengaluru’s lakes, authored by PNLIT trustee Arathi Manay.

Creating awareness about lakes and urban water is an important part of the Trust’s work, and this book has been supported using funds earmarked for awareness-building initiatives.

Aimed at children aged 8–11, it introduces young readers to how Bengaluru’s lakes were created, how they were connected to capture and store rainwater, and why they remain so important to the city even today. With simple explanations and engaging illustrations, it helps children understand and appreciate this remarkable water system. The book is possibly among the first children’s books to introduce Bengaluru’s historic lake network to young readers.

We plan to release the book in early April, and copies will be available shortly thereafter.

If you would like to receive a copy and/or know of a school, library, or group of children who may benefit from it, please fill in the link below.

https://forms.gle/5MA82jEyKpASToZL7

Do feel free to share this with schools, libraries or anyone else who may find it useful.