Arrival Day reading in Rio Claro

AS part of its Indian Arrival Day celebrations, Rio Claro will receive a visit from Chennai-born writer Dr Padma Venkatraman.

Venkatraman’s visit will be hosted by the Fonrose Village Council and the Rio Claro Heritage Festival Committee. The American writer and oceanographer has written four young adult books: A Time to Dance, Climbing the Stairs and Island’s End, and the most recent, The Bridge Home. Some of her other titles include Double Stars and Women Mathematicians.

Venkatraman will read from her latest work when she visits. A release from the Rio Claro Festival Committee said a series of events will take place in the build-up to Indian Arrival Day celebrations. The events will begin with a May 19 reception and book signing at the Fonrose Village Recreational Facility, Rio Claro.

This is open to the public. Rushton Paray, Mayaro MP, and a representative of the High Commission of India are expected to attend. This event will feature a reading from The Bridge Home followed by a question-and-answer session with Venkatraman. Her latest book was selected as part of the 2019 Global Read Aloud (GRA) Programme.

This was started by American seventh-grade teacher, author and Blogger Pernille Ripp in 2010. Since then, a 2015 article on literacyworldwide.org says, the programme has united 500,000 students in 60 countries. Venkatraman will also visit the St Helena library on May 25 from 10 am and is also scheduled to visit the Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean, Tunapuna at 5 pm.

Venkatraman will also visit schools around TT. Her books will be on sale at the events.