Stories and children are inseparable pair. The very word ‘story’ rekindles our memories as kids, joyfully lying in our granny's lap, rapt with attention, listening to her engrossing narration of an engrossing story.

Here comes PAPARA MITTAI, a collection of familiar stories, retold musically. The title reminds us the yester year’s attractive pink, sugary, stretching candy, which we could have relished during our childhood. The candy- seller blowing ‘pappara’ on his sound horn was a creative person who would make us a watch or a small puppet out of the candy, in a matter of seconds. The candy, now a rarity even in villages, is symbolic of the slowly vanishing art of story- telling to our children.

In an effort to tap up the dormant creative and imaginative skills in children, Kalanjiyam, a Chennai based NGO that works to make a difference among communities in need, has produced PAPARA MITTAI, using children. Narrated in a simple and clear style, by a child, these stories are both entertaining and educative. The use of animal characters and music makes the narration more interesting, to listen to. The songs, sung by children, have easy to follow lyrics and tunes.

Through PAPARA MITTAI, Kalanjiyam intend to stress the importance of a child developing its imaginative / creative mental abilities. Just as children relish the taste of the mittai, juicy sweet candy, Kalanjiyam hopes, they will listen, enact and relish the stories on this album.

Maithri Educational and Charitable Trust, T Nagar, Chennai has supported this current effort by sponsoring copies for distribution.

PAPPARA MITTAI, children music album is released today (March 22) by actor Dhanush and received by young music director G.V. Prakashkumar. Director Vetrimaaran, who directed ‘Polladhavan’, will also be present in the function to be held in T. Nagar, Chennai.

The album will be available free of cost to all children, through schools and organizations working with children in Tamil Nadu.