Swamy and Data

Data is often spoken of as something complex, technical, and distant from everyday life. For many, it brings to mind charts, numbers, computers, and unfamiliar terminology. Yet, in reality, data surrounds us constantly—in the choices we make, the patterns we observe, and the stories we tell ourselves about the world. This book was born from a simple belief: that data, when explained through familiar experiences and stories, can be understood by anyone, especially children.
Swamy and Data is not a textbook. It does not begin with definitions or formulas, nor does it expect the reader to memorize concepts. Instead, it invites readers into a gentle world of curiosity, observation, and everyday learning. Through Swamy’s experiences, the book shows that data thinking begins much earlier than we realize—when we count coconuts in a backyard, notice how fast a bicycle moves, observe rainfall patterns, or wonder why a motor switches off automatically.
The inspiration for this book comes from years spent working in the field of data science and digital transformation, where complex problems are solved through structured thinking and careful observation. Over time, it became clear that the most valuable skill in this field is not the ability to use advanced tools, but the ability to think clearly, ask the right questions, and understand patterns.
These skills are not taught in isolation. They are built slowly, often in childhood, through simple experiences and thoughtful guidance. Many of us learned them not in classrooms, but at home—through conversations with elders, through everyday responsibilities, and through stories that stayed with us long after we heard them.
This book draws inspiration from that tradition of storytelling, particularly the timeless charm of village narratives that make learning feel natural and meaningful. Much like the stories of RK Narayan’s Malgudi Days, the setting here is familiar, warm, and unhurried. The village is not just a place—it is a teacher.