To Young Readers
This story begins in a village called Garh Narikel. Its trees, river, ponds, children, women, workers and ancestors come together to make a living memory.
In this story, the “crocodile” is not merely an animal in the river. Sometimes greed becomes a crocodile. Sometimes lies, fear or injustice become crocodiles. Even a swindle hidden inside a phone can turn into one.
If you come across a difficult word while reading, try to understand it from the story around it. Ask questions. Read people’s names in full. Never share someone’s private information without permission. And stand beside those who are vulnerable. These are the lessons at the heart of this book.