Neil Flory

Prodded by his son who asked him for a bedtime story, Neil Flory wrote his first picture book The Short Giraffe. His other books include Cactus Wants a Hug, When I’m Older, and Marvellously Mixed Up. Neil lives in Goa, where he divides his time between writing kids’ stories, adult novels, comics and screenplays; and making music, art and pottery. His sessions are fun, a delightful mix of words and music.

Having taken to children’s writing when his son asked him for a bedtime story, Neil Flory’s first picture book The Short Giraffe was nominated for Book of the Year at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards and was considered among the top 16 books for early childhood. He has published other picture books including Cactus Wants a Hug (illustrated by Simon Yeo), a delightful and heartwarming picture book that tells the story of a prickly cactus on a quest for a hug, Marvellously Mixed Up (illustrated by Maitri Bimbrahw-Marks), a universe of eye-popping creatures, and When I’m Older, a warm and funny book that explores the classic theme of childhood.

Neil now lives in Goa, where he divides his time between writing kids’ stories, adult novels, comics and screenplays; and making music, art and pottery. His sessions are fun, a delightful mix of words and music.

Margie-Sastry

Margie Sastry is a writer, editor, translator, researcher and teacher with over five decades of experience in the creative landscape. Her name is familiar to thousands of young Indians as a script writer and Associate Editor of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle comics. Story telling is her core skill especially the Indian folk style that goes on and on and on!

Margie Sastry is a writer, editor, translator, researcher and teacher with over five decades of experience in the creative landscape. A chance meeting with Editor “Uncle” Anant Pai led to the joy of writing for children, spending many moons as the Associate Editor and script writer for Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle comics and Partha, a magazine for adolescents. She also wrote TV Scripts for Surabhi, Khana Khazana, Musafir hoon Yaaron, Yatra and, Gurukul. At the Faculty of Journalism, MS University, Baroda she teaches visual communication and script writing to undergrad and postgrad students. Story telling is her core skill especially the Indian folk style that goes on and on and on!

Orijit Sen

Orijit Sen wrote River of Stories, considered India’s first graphic novel, and with it inspired a whole generation of graphic novelists in India. An extraordinary artist, storyteller, muralist, activist and social historian, Sen is the co-founder of People Tree, a collaborative studio and store for artists, designers and craftspeople.

Orijit Sen is an influential Indian graphic artist, designer, and storyteller, widely recognized as the creator of India’s first graphic novel, River of Stories, published in 1994. His artistic journey is marked by a commitment to social activism and storytelling through visual mediums. In 1990, he co-founded People Tree, a collaborative studio and store for artists, designers, and craftspeople. He is also a founding member of The Pao Collective of comic book artists and serves as the Mario Miranda Chair visiting professor at Goa University.

Sen’s diverse artistic portfolio includes public art works, murals, and graphic design, with exhibitions across India and internationally. Beyond his graphic art, Sen is recognized as an activist and social documentarian who uses art as a powerful tool for social change.

Emilie Anand

When Emilie’s son turned five, she looked for a book to discuss growing up in a multicultural environment, and she couldn’t find any. And so Bandati was born. Emilie is passionate about culture, including the one she grew up in (France) and the one she has been living in for almost two decades (India). She has also published an essay on love and marriage in India.

When Emilie’s son turned five, she looked for a book to discuss growing up in a multicultural environment, and she couldn’t find any. She took to her keyboard and pastels, and Bandati was born. Like her boy, Bandati has parents from different countries, with all that this entails: different languages, different food habits, different looks etc. Emilie is passionate about culture, including the one she grew up in (France) and the one she has been living in for almost two decades (India). She has also published an essay on love and marriage in India. More details can be found at www.emilieanand.com

Shabnam Minwalla

Shabnam’s books have won prestigious awards, and she is known for her ability to capture the nuances of Mumbai life and tackle serious themes in young adult fiction. Beyond writing novels, she continues to write food columns, book reviews, and features for newspapers and magazines.

Shabnam Minwalla is a Mumbai-based author and journalist who transitioned from a decade-long career at the Times of India to becoming a critically acclaimed children’s and young adult fiction writer. Born and raised in Mumbai, she completed her MA in Journalism at the University of Southern California and was a Chevening Scholar at Wolfson College in Cambridge. Her writing journey began when she was 10 years old, and after working as a journalist, she started writing books while raising her three daughters, initially surprising herself by writing children’s literature instead of the adult murder mystery she had originally planned.

Minwalla has authored 15 books for children and several picture books, with notable works including “The Six Spellmakers of Dorabji Street”, “Saira Zariwala is Afraid”, “What Maya Saw” and “Zen”. Her books have won prestigious awards, and she is known for her ability to capture the nuances of Mumbai life and tackle serious themes in young adult fiction. Beyond writing novels, she continues to write food columns, book reviews, and features for newspapers and magazines.

Lavanya Karthik

Lavanya’s books have won her awards, been translated into many languages and have travelled the world. Inclusivity and diversity are important themes in her books; she has also written and illustrated several books on environmental conservation. She is also a creator of comics, and her work has featured in magazines like Comix India, and the Go Wild anthology.

Lavanya Karthik is a writer by day, an illustrator post teatime and a ninja warrior by night (but only in her dreams). Her books have won her a few awards, been translated into many languages and have travelled the world. Lavanya herself can be found in the bylanes of Mumbai, looking for ideas for her next book. She is the author of over 35 books, including the popular Ninja Nani series of graphic novels for middle grade readers, as well as the acclaimed Dreamers, a series of short illustrated biographies of iconic Indians from diverse fields. She was the first winner of the Vani Foundation Fellowship for Children’s Authors and Illustrators, established in 2014, and has had her art exhibited at the Illustrators’ Gallery at the Asian Festival for Children’s Content in Singapore.

She is also a creator of comics, and her work has featured in magazines like Comix India, Crossed Genres, Rundown and the Go Wild anthology. Her speculative fiction has been featured in Crossed Genres, and in the Speculative Ramayana anthology published by Zubaan Books.

Inclusivity and diversity are important themes in her books; she has also written and illustrated several books on environmental conservation. Her books, When Adil Speaks, Words Dance and The Girl Who loved Words: Mahasweta Devi have been honoured by the Publishing Next Industry Awards and are on the Parag Honour List for 2021 and 2024. Neel on Wheels won the Children First award established by the Vidyasagar Trust, while her book The Girl Who Loved To Sing: Teejan Bai was judged Best Picture Book at the Bangalore Literature Festival in 2021. Ninja Nani and the Mad Mummy Mix-up won a Children’s Choice Award at the Peekabook Literature Festival in 2018.

Nirmal Kulkarni

Nirmal Kulkarni is a distinguished herpetologist and conservationist whose work transcends traditional scientific boundaries. Nirmal combines his scientific expertise with a passion for storytelling, using wildlife photography, research documentation, and narrative techniques to communicate ecological insights about the Western Ghats region.

Nirmal Kulkarni is a distinguished herpetologist and conservationist whose work transcends traditional scientific boundaries. Nirmal combines his scientific expertise with a passion for storytelling, using wildlife photography, research documentation, and narrative techniques to communicate ecological insights about the Western Ghats region.

As Chairman of the Mhadei Research Centre, Nirmal has made significant contributions to biodiversity research, including discovering multiple new amphibian species. His multidisciplinary background—with training in applied arts and environmental studies—enables him to bridge scientific research and public communication, making complex ecological narratives accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.

Arthy Muthanna Singh

Arthy Muthanna Singh is a prolific children’s author, journalist, and editor with a diverse career spanning various sectors of the publishing industry. She has authored over 35 books for renowned publishers like Penguin Random House and Scholastic.

Arthy Muthanna Singh is a prolific children’s author, journalist, and editor with a diverse career spanning various sectors of the publishing industry. She has authored over 35 books for renowned publishers like Penguin Random House and Scholastic. Her experience includes working at a playschool in Goa, conducting creative writing workshops, and managing the Limca Book of Records for Coca-Cola India. She has also contributed to esteemed publications like Verve magazine for over two decades.

Singh’s passion for children’s literature led her to establish SYLLABLES27, an independent publishing venture. This company focuses on creating diverse, inclusive, and colorful books for children up to the age of 14, collaborating with prominent organizations such as WWF and Room to Read. With 28 books already in the market, SYLLABLES27 continues to contribute significantly to the world of children’s literature.

Jerry Pinto

In addition to his acclaimed works for adults, Jerry Pinto has made significant contributions to children’s literature, crafting stories that blend humor, warmth, and insightful themes. Through his engaging stories, he continues to inspire a love for reading and storytelling in new generations.

Jerry Pinto is a celebrated Indian author, poet, and journalist known for his versatility across genres. In addition to his acclaimed works for adults, he has made significant contributions to children’s literature, crafting stories that blend humor, warmth, and insightful themes.

In 2013, Pinto published When Crows Are White, a delightful tale that encourages young readers to explore themes of curiosity and acceptance. This was followed by Monster Garden in 2016, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan, which invites children into a whimsical world where imagination knows no bounds. His 2022 release, What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up, is a joyful book of poetry that playfully addresses the age-old question posed to children.

Jerry’s children’s books are celebrated for their accessibility and depth, appealing to both young readers and the adults who read along with them. Through his engaging stories, he continues to inspire a love for reading and storytelling in new generations.

Dr. Tanvi Kamat Bambolkar

A winner of the Yuva Sahitya Akademi award (2023), Dr. Tanvi Kamat Bambolkar is a distinguished scholar, playwright, and advocate for Goan culture. She is known for her significant contributions to Konkani literature and folk theatre.

A winner of the Yuva Sahitya Akademi award (2023), Dr. Tanvi Kamat Bambolkar is a distinguished scholar, playwright, and advocate for Goan culture, known for her significant contributions to Konkani literature and folk theatre. With a PhD focused on folk theatre, she lectures at the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Quepem, Goa. Dr. Bambolkar has authored four books in Konkani, exploring complex themes such as relationships and cultural identity, while also delivering guest lectures on creative writing to inspire emerging writers.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Bambolkar actively promotes Goan culture through various initiatives that celebrate its rich traditions. Her engagement with local narratives in theatre fosters a deeper appreciation for Goan arts, positioning her as a important figure in contemporary Indian literature, particularly within the Konkani-speaking community.

Preeta Sukhtankar

Preeta Sukhtankar is a passionate storyteller who is now set to make her debut as an author. An adoptive parent, Preeta lives in Mumbai with her daughter and pet dog, spreading love and creativity through every chapter of life.

Preeta Sukhtankar is a passionate storyteller who has worn many hats—journalist, television producer, startup founder, and now a dedicated advisor to female entrepreneurs. An adoptive parent, she lives in Mumbai in a happy home filled with art, alongside her talkative creative daughter. Preeta is excited to return to her first love—writing—with her debut book, a heartfelt love letter to her child.

Pratiksha Sail

Pratiksha Sail is an Indian zoologist with a Master’s degree in Zoology from Goa University. She has worked on several biodiversity projects and is currently working as a researcher and wildlife illustrator. Her interests include natural history and conservation. Sail has experience in preparing biodiversity registers, and has previously worked on bats and shorebirds. During the Children’s Literature Festival, Pratiksha will conduct activity sessions/workshops around the themes of nature and art.

Pratiksha Sail is an Indian zoologist with a Master’s degree in Zoology from Goa University. She has worked on several biodiversity projects and is currently working as a researcher and wildlife illustrator. Her interests include natural history and conservation. Sail has experience in preparing biodiversity registers, and has previously worked on bats and shorebirds. During the Children’s Literature Festival, Pratiksha will conduct activity sessions/workshops around the themes of nature and art.

Vinitha

An award-winning author and editor, Vinitha paints and also writes poetry. An ex-journalist and columnist, Vinitha has written over 30 books-fiction, non-fiction, picture books-for children, many of which have made it to the Parag Honour’s List.

Vinitha is an award-winning author and editor who paints and also writes poetry. An ex-journalist and columnist, Vinitha has written over 30 books—fiction, non-fiction, picture books—for children.

Vinitha’s stories are part of CBSE and ICSE curriculum. Her book Jamini Roy’s Unbroken Lines is part of the Parag Honour’s List and had been shortlisted for the Publishing Next 2024, Best Children’s Printed Book of the Year (8+ category); while her book Ammu and the Sparrows won the Neev Literature Award 2021 and made it to the Parag Honour List and is being used by therapists in narrative healing. The scholarship she won at Hedgebrooke’s Writers in Residence Program that supports fully-funded residencies for selected women-identified writers has led her to write her first not-for-children book. It is a food memoir. You can find more about her work at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinitha and at http://vinithastories.com/

Arundhati

Arundhati Chattopadhyaya has been merging theatre and dance for many years, and has performed in off-Broadway, and off off-Broadway theatre in NY. Arundhati now lives in Goa, where she conducts theatre workshops using voice, body, imagination and space.

Arundhati Chattopadhyaya, born and raised in Bombay, learnt Bharata Natyam from Guru Raghavan Nair, founder of Nritya Bodhi Institute. In her teens, she followed her dream of acting and joined Aniket, an experimental theatre company in Bombay. Arundhati has been merging theatre and dance for many years, and has performed in off-Broadway, and off off-Broadway theatre in N.Y. Arundhati now lives in Goa, where she conducts theatre workshops using voice, body, imagination and space. Arundhati has worked for various organizations, such as Sunaparanta, the Architectural College, GIM, Serendipity Arts Festival, Mitsuko Trust and Goa open arts festival.

Ashok Rajagopalan

An illustrator since 1989 and author since 2006, Ashok Rajagopalan loves to tell stories and draw pictures that make people, especially little people, laugh. He loves reading, talking, laughing and walking in the rain and lives in a green, quiet part of Chennai with his noisy family and books.

Ashok Rajagopalan is an Indian writer and artist renowned for his significant contributions to children’s literature. Rajagopalan has been dedicated to making people laugh through his writing and illustrations in picture books, chapter books, comics, and magazine pages. He is the author and illustrator of the beloved children’s book “Gajapati Kulapati”. Besides his work as an author and illustrator, he has experience as a graphic designer and freelance cartoonist. He lives in Chennai with his family and books. His next book, 5 Fantastic Facts About the Indian Constitution, captures our democracy’s lively spirit with warm, humorous visuals.

Prashanti Talpankar

Prashanti Talpankar is a Goan writer, translator and actor, primarily known for her children’s stories. She was awarded the Sahitya Akadami award for translation into Konkani in 2017, and a national award for a story she wrote for neo-literates in 2002. In addition to writing for children, Talpankar is also an associate professor, social activist, playwright, and writes short stories and columns for newspapers.

Prashanti Talpankar is a Goan writer, translator and actor, primarily known for her children’s stories. She was awarded the Sahitya Akadami award for translation into Konkani in 2017, and a national award for a story she wrote for neo-literates in 2002. In addition to writing for children, Talpankar is also an associate professor, social activist, playwright, and writes short stories and columns for newspapers.

Fernanda

Brazilian-born and based in Goa, Fernanda is an avid reader, passionate about creative writing, and enjoys conducting engaging activities for children. A mother of two daughters, she is a dedicated Portuguese teacher, and serves as a facilitator for The Brazilian Book Club.

Brazilian-born and based in Goa, Fernanda is an avid reader, passionate about creative writing, and enjoys conducting engaging activities for children. A mother of two daughters, she is a dedicated Portuguese teacher with a background in hospitality. She assists her husband in the family real estate business and serves as a mediator for The Brazilian Book Club. Fernanda is also an active member of the Rotary Sunrise Margao, a vibrant all-ladies club.

Manisha Bhise

An engineer by qualification but a storyteller at heart, Manisha Bhise brings the magic of words to life through self-curated stories, folktales, and narratives inspired by STEM and nature. Through workshops, storytelling sessions, and hands-on activities, Manisha’s stories bridge the gap between knowledge and imagination, making learning an unforgettable experience.

An engineer by qualification but a storyteller at heart, Manisha Bhise brings the magic of words to life through self-curated stories, folktales, and narratives inspired by STEM and nature. Passionate about blending education with creativity, she crafts engaging tales that spark curiosity and wonder in young minds. Whether through workshops, storytelling sessions, or hands-on activities, Manisha’s stories bridge the gap between knowledge and imagination, making learning an unforgettable experience.

Shivranjana

Shivranjana is a writer and experimental maker-of-things, who began her creative practice writing for the internet, and eventually, words spilled out into a book, multiple comics and zines. She is currently working on a podcast and a short story, and enabling young writers.

Shivranjana (she/her) is a writer and experimental maker-of-things, interested in (sub)conscious meaning making and existential thought.

She began her creative practice writing for the internet, and eventually, words spilled out into a book, multiple comics and zines; eventually (spatially) expanding into mixed media installations, two of which were incubated during her engagement under the Sunaparanta Artist Initiator Lab.

Believing in the transformative power of making, @shivranjana also began facilitating workshops and community making sessions. She is currently working on a podcast and a short story, and enabling young writers.

Anwesha Singbal

Anwesha Singbal is an award- winning writer, storyteller, and creative entrepreneur. With four poetry books, the children’s book ‘Daant,’ and numerous children’s book translations to her name, Anwesha gracefully balances motherhood and her creative pursuits.

Anwesha Singbal is an award-winning writer, storyteller, and creative entrepreneur. Her passion for reading and writing comes to life through her venture, Abhinav Creationz, where she’s surrounded by books and children. Anwesha also created ‘Majja,’ an annual children’s festival that immerses young people in storytelling, poetry, drawing, theatre, music, and crafts. With four poetry books, the children’s book ‘Daant,’ and numerous children’s book translations to her name, Anwesha presently balances motherhood and her creative pursuits.

Varun Gwalani

Varun Gwalani is the author of six novels and has been a teacher of creative writing and English for several years now. He’s an advocate for mental health awareness, has given a TEDx talk and has written several articles on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Varun Gwalani is the author of six novels: Believe, The First Storyteller, The Story Circle, The Novel Year, Who Saves the Hero? and The Only Way Out is Death. Each book is a different genre, with his latest book “The Only Way Out is Death” being a murder mystery thriller. His next novel will be out in April.

In addition to being an author, Varun has been a teacher of creative writing and English for several years now. He’s an advocate for mental health awareness, having given a TEDx talk and written several articles on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Pragati Jalan Sureka

Pragati Jalan Sureka is an author, IIM Kolkata alumna, and a Harvard- accredited global mental health psychologist with significant experience in preventive mental healthcare. As a PhD scholar in emotional well-being, she is passionate about researching and developing practical tools for daily mental health and self-care.

Pragati Jalan Sureka is an author, IIM Kolkata alumna, and a Harvard-accredited global mental health psychologist with over a decade of experience in training, speaking, psychotherapy, and preventive mental healthcare. As a PhD scholar in emotional well-being, she is passionate about researching and developing practical tools for daily mental health and self-care. Her book, My First Book of Emotions, published by WonderHouse, introduces young readers to the world of feelings.

Pragati will conduct a workshop on Exploring Emotional Well-Being in Children at 3pm on Monday, 3rd March, during the forthcoming Goa Children’s Literature Festival, held together with the Goa Book Fair from 27th February to 3rd March, 2025, at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

Sonia Mehta

Sonia Mehta is a children’s author who can write stories on just about anything. Stories to learn from, stories to sleep to, stories to giggle along with and stories to just have fun.

Sonia Mehta is a children’s author with a secret superpower – A GINORMOUS IMAGINATION. She can write stories on just about anything. Stories to learn from, stories to sleep to, stories to giggle along with and stories to just have fun. She’s been doing it for years and years – and has written poems, songs, and stories for children all over the world, and sold lakhs of books. When she isn’t pounding away at her computer, or reading stories to kids, she’s busy playing with her grandkids and her dogs – her favourite beings in the world.

Remo Fernandes

Remo Fernandes is a pioneering singer, musician, and architect, who became India’s highest-selling original pop/rock star. Dubbed by the national press as the “rocker with a conscience” due to the socio-political causes he has espoused and battled for through his music, he is renowned for his unique musical style that blends multiple cultural influences including Goan, Portuguese, and Latin music.

Remo Fernandes is a pioneering singer, musician, and architect born in Goa on May 8, 1953, who became India’s highest-selling original pop/rock star. Dubbed by the national press as the “rocker with a conscience” due to the socio-political causes he has espoused and battled for through his music, he is renowned for his unique musical style that blends multiple cultural influences including Goan, Portuguese, and Latin music. He has been awarded the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to music.

In 2022, HarperCollins published his autobiography simply titled “Remo”, a comprehensive 480-page memoir that goes far beyond his musical career. The book candidly explores his multifaceted life, covering his upbringing in Portuguese Goa, hitchhiking adventures across Europe and North Africa, his musical journey, personal relationships, and significant life events such as the tragic road accident that killed his four band members. Written with wit and candor, the autobiography not only chronicles his rise as a musician but also delves into his personal struggles, creative endeavors like his opera about the life and work of Mother Teresa, and his eventual semi-retirement in Porto, Portugal, where he has been spending half the year since the last eleven years; the other half being spent in his native Goa where he resides in his centuries-old ancestral home in Siolim.

Shruti Narayan

Shruti Narayan is an artist and art mentor based in Goa. She works on commissioned artworks as well as conducts art workshops all over India, in addition to offline and online art sessions for children and adults.

Shruti Narayan is an artist and art mentor based in Goa. She works on commissioned artworks as well as conducts art workshops all over India, in addition to offline and online art sessions for children and adults.

Shruti will conduct sessions for the young ‘uns prodding them to imagine and craft to their imagination. She will also guide the kids through an imaginative and visual exercise. See our website for more details.

Joylan

A self-taught artist, graphic designer and art educator, Jolyan has explored art through various forms and mediums. She believes that Art is healing, soothing and her biggest stress buster!

A self-taught artist, graphic designer and art educator, Jolyan has explored art through various forms and mediums. She has displayed a keen interest in creating mandalas, doodles, face portraits, tattoos, murals and much more. She believes that Art is healing, soothing and her biggest stress buster!

Ragini Dhingra

Ragini Dhingra is a freelance artist who works out of her studio in South Goa, where she creates original art works, prints, and products in mixed media that portray Goa in its happy hues. Her most recent project SnailMail celebrates the joy of receiving personalized, physical mail in a digital age.

Ragini Dhingra is a freelance artist who works out of her studio in South Goa. At her studio (@studiopaddyfields), she creates original art works, prints, and products in mixed media that portray Goa in its happy hues.

Her most recent project SnailMail, combines art, community, and nostalgia to create a unique and meaningful experience and celebrates the joy of receiving personalized, physical mail in a digital age.

Ragini also occasionally conducts experiences for adults and creative workshops for children which not only teaches them a skill but also challenges their creative abilities.

Riah Rajani

Riah Rajani is our youngest writer this year, the author of the whimsical book Animal Academy. If Riah’s not happily reading books, she’s almost always walking her pup, travelling, sketching, listening to music, playing around with quirky photo filters, or hanging out with her friends and family.

Riah Rajani is a ten-year-old story writer, the author of the whimsical book Animal Academy. She lives in the vibrant, bustling city of Mumbai, with her family, her Shih Tzu puppy Tisa, and her cats Xena and Leo. Her love for these three spirited animals and the time she spends with them in the gardens and promenades next to her home led to the concept of Animal Academy. If Riah’s not happily reading books, she’s almost always walking her pup, travelling, sketching, listening to music, playing around with quirky photo filters, or hanging out with her friends and family.

Zahaan

Meet Zahaan, a 9-year old sweetheart. When he’s not day dreaming or listening to his favorite band Queen, you can find him cycling, reading, skateboarding and drumming.

Meet Zahaan, a 9-year old sweetheart. When he’s not day dreaming or listening to his favorite band Queen, you can find him cycling, reading, skateboarding and drumming.

Now here’s the fun part: Zahaan aspires to be an artist.
He loves to sketch YOU!
Spend a few fun minutes with him while he creates your portrait.

Mampy Dhar

A trained creative artist, Mampy Dhar meticulously curates each piece, infusing it with her unique vision and expertise.Her mission is simple: to enrich one’s life with beautiful, functional ceramics that enhance your everyday experiences.

A trained creative artist, Mampy Dhar meticulously curates each piece, infusing it with her unique vision and expertise.

Pottery tale by Mampy takes pride in commitment to quality and excellence. Her mission is simple: to enrich one’s life with beautiful, functional ceramics that enhance your everyday experiences. Experience the magic of artisanal craftsmanship and bring a touch of elegance to your home with her exceptional ceramic creations.