The Mighty Tiny Tales of Gyatso and Tashi
Eight-year-old Gyatso lives in the Namyo Monastery, on the outskirts of the Hamni woods in Tibet. Yes, Gyatso is a monk, but just like other eight-year-olds, he is brimming with questions, and is always game for an adventure. Luckily for Gyatso, he has a wise friend in Tashi, an elderly Tibetan Mastiff, who always seems to have all the answers, and is always ready to join little Gyatso in his adventures. Immerse yourself in the enchanting tales of Gyatso and Tashi’s daily adventures – from their strolls to the village of Damdoi to order supplies for the monastery, to exploring the woods of Hamni for berries and herbs – as they interact with birds, beasts and insects, spirits and elements, simpletons and Masters, driven by Gyatso’s curiosity and Tashi’s wisdom. Together, they weave insightful tales of friendship, discovery and life-lessons for ages 8 to ∞.
The Mighty Tiny Tales of Gyatso and Tashi Promo
Author’s Note:
Gyatso’s journey began with a blank page. And, for a good measure, a blank mind, in the thick of the lockdown, with no indication of when life would come back on track. In fact, every passing day unleashed a new normal, whether we liked it or not. And listless evenings with nothing to look forward to was turning out to be a new normal for me. On one such evening, while facing my arch nemesis – the blank page – I let my fingers loose on the keyboard. Before I knew it, I was in a monastery in Tibet. There in a hut, sat Gyatso, an eight-year-old monk, ready to test his telekinetic powers.
Over the next few months, and years – even after the lockdown was lifted – I would sneak away to that monastery, to be with Gyatso and his wise companion, Tashi, the wise mastiff, to join them on their adventures. I never felt that I was writing the stories. I was actually reading them as they unfolded. It was only after it ended, that I realised that the story has answered a question, a doubt, a problem… that had always been lingering in my mind. When I shared these stories – with loved ones and strangers – I realized that there is a Gyatso in each of us, looking for answers… seeking their Tashi. And I knew, that these stories must be told to the world.
I’m immensely grateful to Ayesha for her stunning illustrations, Suromita for her publishing expertise, and my loved ones for their unwavering support. Together, we’ve brought Gyatso and Tashi’s world to life, and I can’t wait for you to join their journey.
Illustrator’s Note:
As an illustrator, I’ve always found solace in drawing – whether it’s aimless doodling or focused creation, the process is meditative for me. While bringing these stories to life, I immersed myself in each narrative, reading and rereading until the characters and their worlds became an integral part of my being. With each iteration, the stories revealed new depths, and illustrating them became a transcendent experience, like witnessing the scenes unfold before my eyes.
Every element, from the main characters to the subtlest details – an animal, a lamp – held significance, and I revelled in the journey of discovery. I hope you, dear reader, find as much joy in reading this book as I did illustrating it.
A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Sreekanth for inviting me to be a part of Gyatso and Tashi’s journey. It’s been an honour to contribute to their story.
Sreekanth Agneeaswaran
Author
My Story
Born in Varanasi, raised in Kolkata, and now calling Mumbai my home, my diverse upbringing in India has shaped my storytelling.
I began my career as a copywriter at Star TV, and have since written for television shows, documentary films, feature films and audio dramas.
The 2020 lockdown led me to create The Mighty Tiny Tales of Gyatso and Tashi, a series of adventures with an eight-year-old monk and his Tibetan Mastiff.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with my wife Beena, our daughter Aneesha, a budding zoologist, and Zorro, our six-year old Golden.
Let’s connect! Reach out to me at sreekanth@sreesukta.com
or
follow Gyatso and Tashi’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook @worldofgyatso.