Something exciting is brewing—and I can finally share it. My very first book, a biography for children on Ganju Lama, is at the printers! If all goes well, it should be out by the end of this month, or next month. And I’m still processing the fact that I’ve just written a book.

This journey began with a conversation with Lekha, a storyteller, friend, and now publisher, who was setting up Foothills Publishing. I got to know her and her cafe through a common friend only a few years ago. But, after a few literary events and several fun camps for our kids–we both have two daughters each–we became really thick as thieves.

One day, she called me over for a “special talk.” It was an easy, unhurried afternoon—the kind that invites possibility. Over cups of chai and conversation, she shared that she was thinking of venturing into publishing. It wasn’t anything formal yet—more like an ideation session in its early bloom. She was looking for thoughts, suggestions… simply opening up the space. I suggested she consider creating children’s books rooted in our region. There’s very little available for young readers that speaks to their roots—stories of people they can relate to, people who’ve walked the same hills and valleys.

Lekha had been thinking along the same lines. She loves children, tells them stories, and had always wanted to do something meaningful for them—so we clicked instantly. And then it got really exciting. One by one, our friends–Sujatadi, Smriti and Priyanka–joined in with their own ideas and energy.

We met first at Sujatadi’s house to brainstorm. Her rented home had its entrance at the back—so we slipped in through the back door, laughing and whispering like we were on a clandestine mission. The air buzzed with ideas that had to stay secret for a while, and the whole thing gave us butterflies. There was a lot of food, of course—cookies, samosas, rasmalai, and Sujatadi’s legendary potato salad, bright with mint from the pot in her backyard. It was just what we needed to keep our spirits high as our plans took shape.

The second meeting was at Priyanka’s place. Our kids played in the background while we huddled over endless cups of tea and another glorious spread—more samosas, and Priyanka’s signature sandwiches that disappeared far too quickly. There was laughter, a little chaos, and that familiar hum of something quietly powerful taking root.

Somewhere between those late afternoon chats and the refills of chai, the idea of a series of illustrated biographies for children began to crystallise. And as things moved forward, I found myself writing the very first one.

To be honest, I’ve always wanted to write, but I never quite thought I could. I’ve been a journalist for years, and while I love reporting, I rarely liked what I wrote. I couldn’t write like the authors I admire. So, for the longest time, I never had the courage to try. But when this opportunity came along, I thought—why not?

Ganju Lama may seem like an unusual choice for someone like me, who identifies as a pacifist. He’s remembered as a war hero, after all. But as I began to research his life, I discovered a layered story. Yes, he fought in World War II. Yes, he was decorated for his bravery. But he never glorified war. In fact, he spoke against it. He had seen too much.

What moved me most was his commitment to peace—and his life after the war. He used his position and influence to fight for the rights of his people and remained deeply involved in his community. There’s so much to learn from a life like his, especially for young readers growing up in a world that often mistakes noise for leadership.

So here I am, tentatively stepping into the world of writing for children—with gratitude, nerves, and a lot of hope. I do hope the book lands well. More soon, once it’s out in the world.

Wish me luck.