‘Katabita: The Hidden Doodleland’ celebrates imagination, inclusion in Ladakh

Book by Padma Angmo features original artwork by students of Munsel School; part of proceeds to support children with disabilities

LEH: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Sunday launched Katabita: The Hidden Doodleland, a book authored by Padma Angmo and published by Yige Publication, at Rang Thag in Leh.

The publication brings together storytelling and original artwork by students of Munsel School, a school for children with disabilities, celebrating their creativity and highlighting the importance of inclusion.

Speaking at the launch, Kundra emphasised the role of children’s imagination in interpreting mythology, spiritual narratives and the cultural heritage of a region. He described documenting children’s imaginative expressions as a fascinating process, particularly in exploring how spiritual stories and mythological themes connect with local landscapes and cultural identities.

Drawing parallels between Ladakh and the Northeast, Kundra described the two regions as significant frontier areas situated along India’s northern and eastern borders, respectively. While acknowledging their shared characteristics, he underlined their distinct histories, identities and cultural experiences.

Referring to his own published book on the Northeast, the Chief Secretary spoke about the role of literature in capturing changing landscapes and the lived experiences of people, including women and communities affected by conflict. He observed that Ladakh, too, possesses distinctive landscapes, people and cultural imagery that leave a lasting impression.

Author Padma Angmo explained that Katabita: The Hidden Doodleland emerged from a storytelling and art workshop conducted with students of Munsel School in Leh. The book’s narrative has been woven around original illustrations created by the students, placing their artistic expressions at the centre of the creative process.

The initiative seeks to demonstrate how children’s drawings can become the foundation of a larger literary work, allowing their ideas and perspectives to shape a shared story. By bringing the students’ artwork to a wider readership, the publication also highlights the creative potential of children with disabilities and the importance of providing inclusive platforms for artistic expression.

As part of the book’s journey, the author and the Yige Publications team organised a special celebration at Munsel School on September 28. The event brought together the student illustrators, their parents and school staff to acknowledge their contributions to the publication.

Certificates recognising the students’ artistic contributions were presented by the author and publisher. Copies of the book and honorariums were also given to the young illustrators in appreciation of their creativity and participation in the project.

Beyond its literary and artistic objectives, the publication carries a social commitment. Angmo said a portion of the proceeds from the book would be directed towards supporting the welfare of children with disabilities in Ladakh, linking the initiative’s commercial success with a broader effort to support the community. Members of the publishing team shared their experiences of bringing the book to readers, while Angmo reflected on the creative journey and the collaborative effort that shaped the final publication.

Encouraging people to read and share the book, Kundra expressed hope that it would reach a wider audience and extended his best wishes to the author and publishing team. He later felicitated Angmo, members of the team and the author’s family in recognition of their contribution to the initiative.

With children’s original artwork forming the basis of its narrative and a portion of its proceeds earmarked for their welfare, Katabita: The Hidden Doodleland seeks to connect literature, artistic expression and social inclusion in Ladakh.