A Proud day for India: Manorama Jafa – Expert on Children’s Literature is conferred ORDER OF THE RISING SUN – GOLD & SILVER RAY-

PadmaShree Children’s Literature Specialist & Author MRS MANORAMA JAFA Has Been CONFERRED THE HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD by Imperial Majesty of Japan for her distinguished achievement.  Japanese Emperor is the oldest reigning emperor in the history of our planet.

For what: Mrs. Manorama Jafa is more than an author of Children’s books, she is an academic and a practitioner on the science and art of Children’s literature. For over four decades, she supported by her husband Shri Virendra Singh Jafa have carved a compelling trajectory on promoting writing of creative writing for children, using children’s literature for tools to counter trauma as during Tsunami when she urged her team of volunteers in the NGO she started Association of Writers and Illustrators for Children in 1976.

Mrs. Jafa initiated an entire program on developing creative alphabet books in almost 8-9 Indian languages. For this the funding came from Japan. Free books in languages are being distributed. Mrs. Jafa developed conceptual books with minimal text and large attractive illustrations in Dari and Pashton, and she and her husband went to distribute the books investing their pension in Afghanistan.

Mrs. Jafa revived the Indian board of Books for Young Children  (IBBY) by creating the first World Congress on Peace through Children’s books where she invited Empress Michiko to read the keynote paper. Mrs. Jafa has trained large number of writers and provided guidance to artistes and publishers to produce innovative and creative children’s literature in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and several other countries through workshops, academic papers, seminars and conferences.

However, I as a daughter can say that this award is really in recognition for a team work with her husband Mr. Virendra Singh Jafa, who has worked, stood with her. We were formally informed by an email titled Autumn Imperial Decorations 2016 - by the Embassy of Japan through a letter by Foreign Minister Mr. Fumio Kishida.

The achievement of this team is somehow unbelievable, and humbling in an era where PR and loud noise takes precedence. Congratulations to all members of the Association of Writers and Illustrators for children the NGO which she started and has given directions since 1976

Her regret and hope remains that a department of Children’s Literature needs to be established in India. Most countries have not only University departments, but also special prizes instituted for Children’s Literature (publishing, writing, illustrating, and research) She hopes in her lifetime she actually see this happens, and hopes she can provide guidance in setting this.

We know a lot about the British and French civil honors. But it appears we are a bit hazy in India about Japanese honors and decorations.

The Order of the Rising Sun has various categories. Some Indians who have won include Dr. Ventakaraman Krishnamurthi (the Cambridge scientist) in 2009 and Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2014. They were awarded the Grand Cardon category of the Order of the Rising Sun.

Second Category:Gold and Silver Star. NK Singh ; E Shreedaran (Delhi Metro) in; Mrs. Manorama Jafa.