This is one of the few places at the WSF where you are required to take off your shoes. At times, you could be asked to maintain silence. Or you could suddenly find yourself tuned into an impromptu rocking horse. You could even be asked to arbitrate in a dispute as to whose drawing is better.
Carpeted with mats, with any number of mattresses rolled up against the wall, this is WSF's crèche - a much-needed resting space for parents with young children.
Dr C Satyamala was relaxing there with Alli, Arunima and Neelambari, who were busy sharing a sheet of white paper and a red sketch pen to make a combined drawing. While Delhiites Alli and Neelambari are four and six years old respectively, Chennai resident Arunima is four.
Dr Satyamala, who is a member of Delhi's Medico Friend Circle, believes the crèche is a really good idea, "Though it is very basic," she says, "as a medical person I would say this kind of place is needed. Parents can't be expected to leave their young children behind. A crèche like this allows both children and their parents a place where they can rest. Someone [a WSF volunteer] is in charge of the crèche, but is not around too much. Anyway, I don't think parents would be comfortable leaving a stranger in charge of their children."
Alli, Arunima and Neelambari have all skipped school to make it to the WSF. They think it is a huge fair and say they are having a lot of fun. They have been at the crèche since noon. Now, it is evening and they are impatiently waiting for their parents to return so they can go out and have some juice. "But no Pepsi," say Neelambari firmly, "because it is not available here."
Coverage of WSF | Also See: Another World Unfolds in Mumbai