Chennai, India : Picture this: a roomful of
children who have never experienced interactive learning suddenly gasping in
wonder at books that make science come alive through storytelling. Their
fingers trace colorful pages while educators weave magic around each concept.
This is not fantasy but the educational reality created by Dr. R. Lakshmi
Priya, Founder of Pachyderm Tales, a global literature and arts foundation
transforming education through narrative and creativity.
Born during the isolated months of June 2020,
Pachyderm Tales has since nurtured over 750 books across 14 languages*,
reshaping the publishing landscape. What began as Dr. Priya’s answer to the
question, “What happens after the creative spark ignites?”, has grown into a
movement making complex subjects—from atoms to the universe—accessible through
storytelling, illustrations, and hands-on activities.
STEAM Education with a Narrative Twist
Dr. Priya’s methodology bridges science,
technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) with authentic
storytelling and research. Each book combines accuracy with wonder, ensuring
curiosity thrives alongside facts. Wildlife-focused works like the Ananth
series bring children closer to nature with real photography, fostering both
knowledge and empathy.
Educational Equity: The Prakrati Project
Her passion for inclusivity extends to
underserved communities. Through the *Prakrati Project*, 100 STEAM-focused
books will be distributed free of cost to tribal children in Pachamalai,
Kollimalai, and Sathyamangalam. Launching on November 14 (Children’s Day in
India), this initiative underscores her commitment to reaching the most
marginalized learners first.
Global Reach and Cultural Inclusivity
With books published in English, Tamil,
Bengali, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Gujarati, Nepali, Bahasa Indonesia,
and French**, Dr. Priya breaks linguistic barriers. Collaborations with
universities in Indonesia, technology institutes in Bangkok, and workshops in
Bhutan showcase the growing global footprint of Pachyderm Tales.
Recognition and Future Vision
Dr. Priya’s impact has been acknowledged
through honors such as the Sheminent Award 2025, Women Icon Award 2024, Yuva
Shakti Award 2023, Best Brand Award, and the International Social Worker
Award**. Yet, she views awards as milestones, not endpoints. Looking ahead, her
vision includes building a global creative sanctuary for artists, expanding
into OTT platforms, audiobooks, and forging partnerships with leading
international publishers.
“Education must spark curiosity while honoring
cultural roots,” says Dr. Priya. “Our books don’t just teach facts—they inspire
children to fall in love with learning, to think creatively, and to grow into
responsible global citizens.”
About Pachyderm Tales
Founded in 2020 by Dr. R. Lakshmi Priya,
Pachyderm Tales is a literature and arts foundation dedicated to
revolutionizing education through storytelling. With over 750 titles published
in 14 languages, the organization integrates STEAM education, cultural
preservation, and social responsibility, ensuring quality educational resources
reach learners worldwide, from urban classrooms to tribal villages.
