Nurturing Ideas to Full Bloom
We’re a boutique studio, which is a polite way of saying we’re a little bit picky, not bound by rigid conventions, and we’re not here to churn titles, but to craft keepsakes.
While select projects are incubated in-house, we often partner with those who share our vision. What fuels us is the desire to honour your authentic voice. Think of us as your co-conspirators. We’re in it with you for the long haul – the structural tinkering, the tough edits, getting lost in the archives – because that’s where the magic lives.
Whether it is a memoir or oral histories, every endeavour is a precious plant that receives the right inputs, environment and patience to thrive.
Our work is often community-funded or self-supported which means zero compromise on the literary, aesthetic, research, production benchmarks. Readers get to access some unique content in print, sometimes augmented with audio visuals for an immersive reading experience.
Our Portfolio
Beyond Print
We believe these stories should feed more than just your bookshelf.
We extend our reach through heritage walks, workshops, participatory student research, giving a platform to culture keepers and community activities that keep our shared heritage alive and contemporary.
We use every medium at our disposal to preserve legacy. Because if we don’t know where we come from, how will we know where we are going?
This has led to scripting 2 online series of 10-episodes each on ancient India's knowledge leaders and yoga, and turning apparel into wearable history like our Kargil War T shirts that featured the names of all 527 Bravehearts.
Cultivating Concepts that Endure
We keep manuscripts we develop(ed) strictly under wraps until they hit the shelves; but to give you a taste of our world: we’ve worked on spiritual memoirs, stories of human triumph, a pioneering entrepreneur’s journey with artisans and craftspeople.
As a boutique studio, flexibility is our superpower. We adapt to what is needed - whether that means taking an idea from concept to production, shaping a manuscript, or designing a visual language for your words.
We don’t do cookie-cutter. A bespoke team is put together for every idea to ensure they’re the right fit for the creative vision.
Whether you are an expert with deep insights, an organization looking to showcase a legacy, or a family celebrating its lineage, we invite you to pull up a chair and co-create something timeless.
Conversations with Press
Books & More
Click on Image to expand
Aalolika The First Lullaby
Author Akanksha Damini Joshi transmutes complex philosophies into an accessible anthology that gently makes room for meditative contemplation.
The joyful storytelling is paired with timeless sutras from a mosaic of spiritual lineages, from the Bhakti movement to the Vedas and the Tantras. The visuals evoke the vernacular landscapes of India - from the steps of Kashi to the salt deserts of Kutch – reflecting the possibility of centeredness in our everyday lives.
Part elegant coffee table art, part personal spiritual guide, Aalolika is the ultimate refresh button for the soul in contemporary times.
144 Pages | Hardbound | English + Indic text | Photographs | Sutras
Click on Image to expand
Flashback: Pune
This isn’t a boring history book – there are no dry lists of battle dates or kings. Instead, you discover how ordinary people lived, worked, and played 300 years ago right where you stand today.
Discover why the peths are named after days of the week, decode the architectural marvels of waadas, and solve your way through the Pune of the 1700s. Scan QR codes to unlock mini audio-visual clips that show legacy that is still alive.
High on interactivity, this is a fun way for families to explore heritage together.
32 Pages | Paperback | English - Marathi | Colour Illustrations | Activities | Video clips
Click on Image to expand
Flashback: Cricket
Howzaat?!!! Was a legendary international batsman actually a cadet in India's National Defence Academy? Why did the nation miss seeing a historic catch on TV in 1983? What made Indians take up this colonial sport?
The nation’s favourite sport becomes an unusual lens to view two centuries of history, culture, socio-political shifts, and human stories. A literary hybrid, the book blends verse, prose, and illustrations with a vintage charm.
Whether you are a cricket lover or an afficionado of times gone by, turn the pages to step onto the pitch of history.
32 Pages | Paperback | English | Colour Illustrations
Click on Image to expand
Freddy
This is the remarkable tale of a young Parsi boy – “Freddy” – Pandit Firoz Dastur, who gave up being a silver screen star to become a celebrated singer in the Kirana gharana. Get inspired by his philosophy and devotion to his craft while you smile at his eccentricities.
An illustrated biography, with QR access to rare archival audio, including his iconic rendition of Gopala at the Sawai Gandharva Festival.
Peppered with anecdotes from senior disciples, this is a treat for music enthusiasts and young minds.
36 Pages | Paperback | English | Colour Illustrations | Photographs
Click on Image to expand
The Sandcastle
Usha Varkey’s reminiscences transport the reader to the Kerala of the1960s and ’70s capturing the simple joys of a young girl.
Illustrations by the author’s childhood friend, add a personal touch. The delicate mono-chromatic elements conjure the salty breeze of a family villa nestled near the seashores of Calicut.
The Sandcastle is an homage to the grounding presence of parents, siblings, and lasting friendships. Dip into the pages - see what an uncomplicated existence feels like.
Watering Can’s role was limited to anchoring the book design, layout, production & distribution.
66 Pages | Paperback | Black & White Illustrations | Photographs
Click on Image to expand
Letters to my Son
Meet Mr. Bubbles, born to an Indian dad and Chinese mom, who is growing up beneath vibrant African skies. Penned by Mr. Bubbles’ father, the endearing poems are sprinkled with goofiness and balanced by whimsical illustrations.
In everyday moments, Dad rediscovers curiosity that turns small things into adventures, honesty that strips away adult pretences, and empathy that heals without words.
The poems are a parent’s pause of gratitude. A relatable read for would-be parents, parents and nostalgic grandparents.
Watering Can’s role was limited to editing the poems and reviewing the illustration style. Available for sale in South Africa. Write to hello@thewateringcan.in for a copy.
36 Pages | Hardbound | Colour Illustrations
Click on Image to expand
The Global Story Project
A pathbreaking effort by James Knight, best-selling author, producer, and journalist from Australia and Watering Can Foundation, to gather stories by youth from 12 to 18 years from 11 countries.
Delve into a kaleidoscope of cultures and social realities: from a 14-year-old Argentinian steering a tractor on his farm, to traditions involving oxen in Burkina Faso and almonds in Denmark.
The theme – “Family”, included parents separating, being adopted, kinship with grandparents, community and friendships.
Laced with custom sketches and patchwork quilt design, this is an eye-opening read for educators, parents, cross-culturists and young explorers.
144 Pages | Hardbound | English | Black and White Illustrations
Click on Image to expand
Chronicles of the Long Table
What happens when history leaves the textbooks and occupies space at the dinner table?
A world-renowned initiative by acclaimed German artist Isabella Mamatis, Die Lange Tafel (The Long Table) honours oral histories of migration. Public spaces transform over a celebration of food, art, and performance to kindle an inter-cultural and inter-generational exchange.
The India event was spearheaded by The Orchid School, Pune. Illustrations, photographs, memorabilia, poems, personal letters, dramatized scenes from real life, were compiled into lush chronicles and released as souvenirs.
Edition 1 | 84 Pages | Hardbound | English | Colour Illustrations | Photographs
Edition 2 | 120 Pages | Paperback | English | Colour Illustrations | Photographs
Click on Image to expand
VeerYatra Merchandise
Over 500 Indians gained Veergati in the Kargil War of 1999.
Since his first visit to a fallen hero’s family in 1999, Vikas Manhas has made it his life mission to visit and assist VeerParivars who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
On the 25th Anniversary of the Kargil War, the “VeerYatra Merchandise” is our offering of gratitude to all our braveheart soldiers.
Jai Hind
VeerYatra 2024 Collection was a limited offering and is sold out.
Behind the Scenes
Tania Kamath is an ardent custodian of creative expression. Since 2008 she has been guiding people, including young adults on writing.
She collaborates with minds on a mission, to bring their stories to life. Books, scripts for online series, websites, articles, documentaries are the canvases she has worked on for over 20 years.
Her past assignments mostly in capacity building, behavioural change and business consulting gave her exposure to micro-finance, hospitality, tech product start-ups, cross cultural collaborations. This gives her a multi-dimensional perspective that shapes the projects she directs.
In 2016, she extended her book creation consultancy by establishing The Watering Can Foundation - a creative studio, to make heritage and culture relevant and engaging for all, especially for young minds.
In an other avatar, she has a health and well-being practice @ www.dissolvealignlive.com
The Watering Can Foundation is a Section 8 Not-for-Profit Company registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, India, dedicated to cultural preservation education, and publishing. We are located in Pune, India. Reach us as hello@thewateringcan.in