News and Events
PUBLISHER'S MARKETPLACE ANNOUNCEMENT!
JUNE 20TH, 2022
Here it is! The very exciting official Publisher's Marketplace announcement on World Refugee Day for Three Colors of Hope (with a few kites for effect!) So excited to work with Alessandra Balzer and the fabulous team at Balzer + Bray!
FUNDRAISER FOR AFGHANISTAN
WITH NADIA HASHIMI
AUGUST 26TH, 2022
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues to escalate with conflicts and political shifts in the country, pushing 24.4 million people into poverty and endangering the lives of 12.9 million children.
How can we help feed these children?
Join me, on 28th September, for a global fundraising Zoom discussion with International Best-Selling author Nadia Hashimi, in support of Aseel Afghanistan Child Relief Food Packages for severely malnourished children under 5 years old.
The event will take place at 9pm Hong Kong/Singapore, 6:30pm India, 9am EST, and 2pm London and promises to be both insightful and inspiring.
Please donate our minimal asking fee of $HK200/$US26/RS1980 to https://aseelapp.com/en_us/child-relief-grand-challenge.html and email your donation confirmation to shikhaslamba@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link for the event.
ANNOUNCEMENT!
JUNE 15TH, 2022
I am so UNBELIEVABLY thrilled and grateful to announce that Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has bought World English rights to my debut historical middle-grade novel-in-verse, THREE COLORS OF HOPE. It is my hope that this coming-of-age tale about Raj’s struggle to find himself in a broken world will change everything for at least one child, create empathy in at least 100 more and inspire a thirst for history’s truths that at least 1000 will never forget. I couldn’t ask for a better agent, better editor, or better community of supporters than all of you and I cannot wait to share this book of my heart with the world.
I GOT A BOOK DEAL!
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!
SAN WUI COMMERCIAL SOCIETY YMCA VISIT
APRIL 29TH, 2022
The perk of Zoom is that you can speak to 241 students without worrying about auditorium capacity! (And the need for social distancing!) Thanks once again to Bring Me A Book Hong Kong for organizing my wonderful visit this morning with Years 4, 5 and 6 at San Wui Commercial Society YMCA of Hong Kong Christian School. Such brilliant questions about the author’s journey, writer’s block, and strategies for writing. I’ve been promised signed copies of all their published works one day and look forward to that!
(And in case you’re wondering, it was banana and walnut muffins this morning for the workers upstairs!)
QUARRY BAY SCHOOL VISIT
APRIL 21ST, 2022
What do you do if you have a Zoom school visit and there's major construction work going on upstairs? Bribe the workmen with muffins! I got pin drop silence for an hour! Thank you to the very impressive Year 4's at Quarry Bay School for a wonderful morning!
LI SING TAI HANG SCHOOL VISIT
JANUARY 11TH, 2022
And just before all primary schools in Hong Kong halt in-person classes… a very big thank you to Pia Wong and Bring Me A Book Hong Kong for organizing my visit, this morning, with Li Sing Tai Hang School (LSTHS)l! (Though sadly, due to social distancing rules, a whole grade had to watch from their classrooms.) For a local school, I was surprised to meet so many international students, and many with their own migration stories – some similar, some very different, and each they are now inspired to write!
SCMP ARTICLE
DECEMBER 3RD, 2021
“What Matters Now?” is the theme for this year’s TEDxTinHauWomen event, on 10th December at the esteemed Xiqu Centre. I was truly inspired to speak with Rachel Moon, Arcadia Kim, and Viv Kan - three of the ten eclectic, diverse, and inspirational women, with ideas worth spreading about infertility, screen time, and the sex organs nobody talks about.
SHATIN JUNIOR SCHOOL VISIT
NOVEMBER 5TH, 2021
I will never get tired of hearing 150 kids gasp when I say, “Gope and Meera are actually my mum and dad,” and I will never get tired of the 150 questions that rapidly follow! Thank you to Shatin Junior School for having me back for the fourth year running!
ALKA JOSHI INTERVIEW
OCTOBER 22ND, 2021
"Can we please see MORE of your interview with Alka Joshi?" Yes, of course, you can! Here are some clips from that wonderful morning and the Coffee and Conversations link to the written interview again, for anyone who missed it:
CDNIS SCHOOL VISIT
SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2021
My first author visit of the year and it felt like I was going home… Such a wonderful afternoon sharing Gope and Meera – A Migration Story with the smart and savvy Grade 4’s at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong! (And so great seeing you DJ MacPherson!) We discussed the plight of migrants, what we would take if we had to leave our only home forever and at the end, a boy raised his hand to say his name was Tarun too, and that he’d never seen his name in a children’s book! I left with a full heart, so grateful for what I get to do.
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
JULY 30TH, 2021
“You’re not listening to me!” “This meeting clearly isn’t important to you!” “You just want to win this argument!” Sound familiar? This is what going ‘over-the-net’ sounds like, according to David Bradford and Carole Robin who explain that when instead, we speak from our own reality, we can encourage conflict resolution and happier, healthier relationships both at work and at home.
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
JULY 29TH, 2021
The ability to create strong relationships with others is crucial to living a full life and becoming more effective at work, but how can we do this? Two Stanford professors who teach Interpersonal Dynamics at Stanford Graduate School of Business offer their advice in a new book: Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues.
GRETCHEN RUBIN INTERVIEW
JUNE 18TH, 2021
So here's a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at some of the clips from my interview with the inspiring Gretchen Rubin! We could have talked about the Four Tendencies all day!
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
JUNE 16TH, 2021
Gretchen Rubin is a best-selling author, podcast host of the award-winning ‘Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and member of Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul 100, so you can imagine what a treat it was to interview her! In Gretchen Rubin’s best-selling book, ‘The Four Tendencies,’ she explains that based on our response to inner and outer expectations, we each fit into one of the four main personality types: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers and Rebels and that knowing your tendency can make both you and the people around you happier and more successful.
Of course, there are other personality traits to consider and exceptions to the rule, but I've learned a lot about myself and the people in my life from the Four Tendency framework and I hope you will too!
READING AT REBOOKED
JUNE 15TH, 2021
Thanks so much to the team at reBooked HK and Maureen Tai for hosting me in your wonderful new space! Saturday Tales is a treat for everyone so be sure to stop by at the next one - you'll go home with a great pile of books and a storytelling session to warm your heart.
KELLETT SCHOOL VISIT
MARCH 26TH, 2021
So thankful to Valina Moolchandani and Kellett School for hosting me for not one, not two, not even three, but EIGHT author visits across both campuses during BOOK WEEK! So impressed by the warm parent community and blown away by how engaged and curious the students were, even via Zoom! Grateful for the power of connection and the opportunity to share about issues that matter in this challenging time.
RANGAN CHATTERJEE INTERVIEW
MARCH 17TH, 2021
He interviews celebrities like Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington, Matthew McConaughey Priyanka Chopra and Jay Shetty and I got to interview HIM! So of course, I had to end my conversation with Dr Chatterjee, by asking him the very same question he asks all his guests. Have a listen to this simple, yet life transforming response from the man himself.
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
MARCH 15TH, 2021
“80% of the cases we see as doctors are related to our collective modern lifestyles because while genetics might load the gun, the environment pulls the trigger.”
Dr Chatterjee - Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, British physician, author, television presenter, and host of the No.1 podcast in the UK and Europe, Feel Better, Live More, shares his inspiring journey, insights, and mission to empower us all to become the architects of our own health.
COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
MARCH 5TH, 2021
Thank you to Jewelry by Shikha S. Lamba and Coffee and Conversations for shining a spotlight on The Zubin Foundation 小彬紀念基金會 Diversity List and the urgent need, now more than ever, for voices that represent minorities and the marginalized to be lifted and heard. Honored and humbled to stand for change with Angela Kaur Baura, Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed, and Resham Premchand among so many other dynamic and talented women.
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
JANUARY 29TH, 2021
This one’s extra close to my heart. It’s about the courageous fight of people I love, the power of vulnerability, and the family, friends, and Island School community that have had their backs through the journey.
Amanda Louise Schofield: this one’s for you.
"It’s been amazing to have Island School friends from all over offering their help, love and support through what they do. A physiotherapist advised me on exercise, an oncology nurse gave me guidance on medications and a writer offered to help tell my story…”
COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
JANUARY 27TH, 2021
Honoured to be featured in Coffee and Conversations, 'Best of 2020' first-anniversary issue among so many amazing articles and stories. These are the most read pieces from last year and it's easy to see why. Enjoy a good read with your cup of coffee today!
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PEAK SCHOOL VISIT
JANUARY 21ST, 2021
Last year, when Peak School invited me for my third visit and first-ever ZOOM author visit, we thought it would be a one-off - one to remember. We were wrong. Tuesday was my fourth and second ZOOM author visit, but with students bypassing the chat function in their eagerness to engage and call out, I truly left filled to the brim!
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
JANUARY 19TH, 2021
Teachers and parents have both reached out today to voice their frustrations about rampant technology addiction. It's a hard one, for all of us, but by putting new rules and habits in place to make disengaging easy and being mindful of the 'hooks that catch us,' let's hope we can move from being tech slaves to masters. Thanks Adam Alter.
WIPS PODCAST
JANUARY 13TH, 2021
I LOVE podcasts because they educate, energise and give me ideas while letting me use my eyes for something else! There are some great HK-based podcasts I listen to like Hong Kong Confidential, Hashtagimpact and Hong Kong Stories. And now, the Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society have launched their very own podcast and I was thrilled to be invited on as a guest! Thank you to WiPS president Suzanne Andrews for this fabulous initiative to inspire the literary and creative journey. Hope you get a chance to listen.
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
NOVEMBER 6TH, 2020
Is Sheena Melwani Music as bubbly in person? Is TRID really a cranky old goat? A resounding YES to both. He even gave me a hard time this morning, when I told him to keep his windows shut but it’s this banter we keep coming back for because in the midst of election struggle and pandemic uncertainty, it brings joy. It reminds us that it’s okay to goof around and not take life so seriously. And that’s a piece of news I’m glad to celebrate!
BEACON HILL SCHOOL VISIT
OCTOBER 7TH, 2020
Zooming from my bubble in the enchanted forest to whole classrooms with the Year 5’s at Beacon Hill School was such fun! No need for chat boxes or having to mute students and it was a real treat to visit with kids that were both charming and engaged.
KOWLOON JUNIOR SCHOOL VISIT
SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2020
I’m still beaming from my first visit to Kowloon Junior School via Zoom from another corner of the 'enchanted forest'. Was it the amazing librarian, Year 5 team and enthusiastic students? Partly. If I’m honest though, it was mostly because of what parents called to tell me after: that for the first time, their little girl or boy finally saw their history, their family, their life being represented. Whether Sindhi, Indian or from a different migration story, they saw mirrors and windows and were excited to realise that every story, especially theirs, matters. Now tell me, didn't that just put a smile on your face?
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2020
Mind the gap years: are the 20’s the new 30’s? What can our 20somethings do to make the most of their defining decade? Invest in identity capital, use the strength of weak ties, and pick your family well says clinical psychologist and Tedx Speaker, Dr. Meg Jay.
SHATIN JUNIOR SCHOOL VISIT
SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2020
Another wonderful afternoon with Shatin Junior School, though this time I visited all the way from the enchanted forest. (Zoom author visits call for a little extra creativity!) Thankfully the students were as curious and cordial as wood nymphs and fairies!
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
AUGUST 16TH, 2020
THE VALUE OF GIVING BACK: from setting up an online store for used children's books, to selling toys to raise funds for cancer treatment, to organising a ball as a performance platform for local students... Volunteerism is teaching youngsters lessons in altruism and empathy.
Another big shout out to @rebooked, Little Philanthropist and @debutantehk for the great work you're doing to be the change.
COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
AUGUST 6TH, 2020
Have you ever played the game 20 Questions? Well, in a recent interview, I was asked 20 INCREDIBLE QUESTIONS that made me stop, think, and learn a little more about who I really am. So, have a read and I challenge you to ask yourself the same 20 Questions. If you're honest, you'll learn something you didn't know and I'm hoping you'll share what it was! Congratulations to the very talented @shikhalamba and Coffee and Conversations for another fabulous issue!
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
AUGUST 3RD, 2020
So, my phone has been ringing and pinging with people asking, ‘what are they really like?’ The truth is, they’re awesome! Aparna Shewakramani is super friendly, and we’ve dm’d back and forth long since the interview, Pradhyuman Maloo's just as cool and both he and Sima Taparia are now whatsapp buddies, in case anyone needs a matchmaker! They’re just ordinary people, looking for love, and never expected Indian Matchmaking and their personal lives to explode across social media! Varkha Chulani is extremely wise. This might be her first time featured in the international news but I’m sure it won’t be the last. Their two reps from Netflix in New York, were equally amazing and given the time constraints, were so helpful in approving comments and giving permission to use photographs. Congratulations to creator Smriti Mundra, who by showcasing every regressive Indian custom and stereotype on screen, has created a cringefest and this is where Indian Matchmaking really scores, giving viewers a chance to react, reflect and truly question reality. All in all, I had ball with this one!
THE SINDHIAN
JULY 3RD, 2020
SINDH, THE UNFINISHED TALE: So excited to be featured in The Sindhian Magazine's July-September 2020 issue, out on both www.magzter.com and www.readwhere.com! Special thanks to @raajlalchandani, @sashalalchandani and Raveena Loungani.
HEART IN ART: PODCAST
JUNE 25TH, 2020
My very first CROSS-CONTINENTAL HK-LEEDS video/audio PODCAST with Heart in Art and former CDNIS teacher Dani Van De Broucke! Hope you enjoy our discussion on the POWER OF TRUTH in storytelling!
COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
JUNE 11TH, 2020
I didn't have an arranged marriage... but my mother did. And it was her mother who planted the seeds of belief in my father's goodness. My mother never doubted that she would raise her son to be just like her remarkable husband. And though she never had a son, I'm not sure which one of us is filled with more pride each time she says "you really are your father's daughter."
Delighted to have my poem 'Arranged' feature in the June issue of Coffee and Conversations. Thanks, Shikha Lamba, and congratulations on another wonderful issue!
TEDX TALK - 5000 VIEWS!
MAY 16TH, 2020
So excited to share that my Tedx Talk with TEDxtinhauwomen has broken 5000 VIEWS and is on TED GLOBAL! Thank you for your views, shares, and heartfelt messages – especially from people I have yet to meet. In the midst of a 2020 global pandemic, it’s incredible how the power of connection can make the world small enough to heal legacy wounds from 1947, give voice to the voiceless, and inspire hope for future generations.
HKWPS - BOOK SHOWCASE
MARCH 26TH, 2020
Thank you to the Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society for showcasing my children's book, 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story.' To enjoy the trailer, please go to:
PEAK SCHOOL VISIT
MARCH 4TH, 2020
My, how author visits have changed: 2018, 2019 and today! Thanks to the Year 6 classes at Peak School for having me as their first ever visiting author via google meet. I'd no idea that learning about the challenges, risks and opportunities of migration could be so much fun in cyberspace!
KGV SCHOOL VISIT
JANUARY 23RD, 2020
"Talking about it helps me empathise with what they went through, to give me the life I have today. I shouldn't take that for granted." I ALWAYS love going back to KGV School to visit with former colleagues but never more so, than when students give feedback like this! Thanks to Years 7 and 8 for having me in for some fabulous fun and deep reflection through interactive storytelling.
RENAISSANCE COLLEGE SCHOOL VISIT
JANUARY 22ND, 2020
"It's important to share migration stories, so we can understand what different people experience and take action." What a wonderful three sessions with mixed year groups at Renaissance College, Hong Kong! Thank you for your bubbling curiosity about Gope, Meera and the Partition of India and what a lovely surprise to meet an old friend in the library and make a new one too!
DISCOVERY COLLEGE SCHOOL VISIT
JANUARY 8TH, 2020
2020 author visits kicked off to a great start this morning at ESF Discovery College! A glorious day in sunny DB - it's a wonder anyone gets any work done in such a beautiful place. Special thanks to the Year 4 students for the warm welcome and I loved that when I asked if they had any questions, their first one was "can you come back next year?" Was thrilled to grab a hug from former Island School classmate Joanne Yates Grainger and the icing on my cake today was the golf cart 'escort sevice' via Roma Wadhwani Chandiramani and Geetu Daryanani both to and from the school!
HARROW SCHOOL VISIT
MAY 17TH, 2019
'GOPE AND MEERA - A MIGRATION STORY GOES TO Harrow International School Hong Kong! Thank you to Years 6, 7 and 8 for being willing to accept, build and empathise with the victims for forced migration.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VISIT
APRIL 11TH, 2019
Thanks to the awesome Grades 2, 3 and 4 at American International School for a full day of roaring laughter, interactive storytelling and reflections on migration through 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story.'
SHATIN JUNIOR SCHOOL VISIT
APRIL 2ND, 2019
"I'm Sindhi too. Thank you for telling my story." Thank YOU Ahana and the Year 4's at Shatin Junior School for the warm welcome back to share about the Partition through 'Gope and Meera - Amigration Story.'
KENNEDY SCHOOL VISIT
MARCH 28TH, 2019
Thank you to the Year 4's at Kennedy School for a wonderful afternoon, exploring the push and pull factors that impact migration. So much fun journeying through 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story' with you!
BEACON HILL SCHOOL VISIT
NOVEMBER 28TH, 2018
Thank you to Beacon Hill School for the warm welcome back! Such a pleasure to discuss the impact of migration on people and society with the example of the Sindhi journey in 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story.' The knowledge and insights of your Year 5's left me impressed to say the least!
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
OCTOBER 3RD, 2018
A person's IQ might get their foot in the door but it is their EQ that helps determine how far they will go. Thanks to Daniel Goleman, Chris Myers, Dr. Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. for their expert opinions on this important subject for educators and parents.
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2018
Very excited to share my article in the South China Morning Post SCMP Lifestyle about Managing Director of IMI, Benita Perch, ND, and how she discovered the power of natural medicine through her own journey to wellness. What makes Dr. Perch's approach unique, is her willingness to involve allopathic medicine in her treatment, should she feel it necessary for her patients. Look out for the print version on Tuesday!
AFCC BOOK LAUNCH
SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2018
Please join me for the AFCC book launch of Gope and Meera - A Migration Story in the Plaza on Friday, September 7th, 2018 from 4:30 - 5:30pm!
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST ARTICLE
AUGUST 20TH, 2018
Thrilled to share my first article for the SCMP Lifestyle about four talented professionals who fully deserve their day in the spotlight! Ali Ghorbani of Ali G Studios, Natasha Moor of Natasha Moor, Mashu Hemnani of Sarasa by Mashu and Rahul Idnani of Elite Entertainment - HK Thank you to these fabulous creative specialists for bringing our wildest dreams to life and thanks to Mira Uttamchandani for giving us the inside scoop on just how amazing they are!
Click the image to read the article!
KIANGSU AND CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL VISIT
MARCH 13TH, 2018
Thank you to Kiangsu and Chekiang Primary School for inviting me in for three Drama Workshop sessions - the learning and laughter was endless! So great to meet KCIS teachers Megha Lahori, (who I didn't realise was a student at KGV when I worked there,) and my friend, Daisy Samtani.
RTHK RADIO 3
MARCH 12TH, 2018
Many thanks to Noreen Mir on RTHK Radio 3 for having me on her show today! Check out her page to catch her interviews with all the fabulous authors and illustrators who are taking part in the Hong Kong International Young Reader's Festival Hong Kong International Literary Festival #HKIYRF2018
YOUNG READER'S FESTIVAL STORYTELLING EVENT
MARCH 11TH, 2018
So much fun at the Young Reader's Festival Storytelling Event today! Special thanks to the fantastic children and Hong Kong International Literary Festival team for making it an afternoon to remember! #HKIYRF2018
ROSEBUD PRIMARY SCHOOL
MARCH 8TH, 2018
What a creative afternoon at Rosebud Primary School! Thanks to the Year 3's and 4's for eagerly developing drama tableaus and improvisation based on 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story,' to gain a deeper understanding of the plight of refugees. Thank you to the Hong Kong International Young Reader's Festival and Hong Kong International Literary Festival for making this possible. #HKIYRF2018
YOUNG READER'S FESTIVAL 2018
MARCH 5TH, 2018
Honoured and excited to be a part of the 2018 Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival, from March 5-18, #HKIYRF2018 along with so many admired award-winning authors and illustrators. Hope to see you there!
ISLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SCHOOL VISIT
MARCH 2ND, 2018
WOW! What a welcome from Island Christian Academy! Such a surprise to be greeted by posters of me and my book around the school and an extremely thoughtful gift and card. Wonderful to engage with both lower and upper school students, who impressed me with their international mindedness. Delighted to also meet with my dear friend and ICA teacher, Becky Faubion Chau and now I know why she loves this school so much!
PEAK SCHOOL VISIT
THURSDAY, MARCH 1ST, 2018
A very big thank you to Peak School and especially the Peak School Library for welcoming me to their lovely campus for an interactive session with Year 6. What a wonderful morning of lively and reflective discussion!
QUARRY BAY SCHOOL VISIT
FEBRUARY 6TH, 2018
Thank you to the students of Quarry Bay School for the warm welcome this morning! Thanks especially for being so curious about and receptive towards 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story,' and for being such an engaging audience. I was sorry to miss my old school friend and QBS teacher, Emma Guest, but had a great time meeting her colleagues and having a picture taken with her class! Catch you on the next visit Em!
KIDS4KIDS JUDGING COMITEE
JANUARY 29TH, 2018
48 stories judged so far...!! Thrilled to see so many talented budding artists and illustrators across Hong Kong's primary schools! What a pleasure to join the judging committee for the 2018, Kids4Kids 'My Story Creation' territory wide competition - with the proceeds and sales of the treasury going towards local literacy development programs. Best of luck to all who entered!
BOOK LAUNCH AT MCKINLEY HILL
NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017
Thank you to the children of Manila for the warm welcome!
BOOK LAUNCH AT KASHMIR RESTAURANT
NOVEMBER 24TH, 2017
Thank you Manila for opening your arms and hearts to Gope and Meera - A Migration Story. Thanks especially to the Ambassador Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar and his lovely wife Parvati for attending.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #1
NOVEMBER 23RD, 2017
Day #1:
'The hatred isn't between people, its between governments.' 70 years ago, family members and friends were torn apart against their will. Religious lines were drawn in blood and homes were left behind forever. The pain and suffering was so horrific that it was too heart-breaking to put into words. I am so grateful that there is still time to listen to first hand accounts from those who experienced and survived it all. Truly humbled to have the opportunity to meet and hear from Dada Arjandas Gurnamal, Dada Hero Assandas and so many more respected pillars of the Manila Sindhi community at the book launches of 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story,' on 24th and 25th November. Manila friends and family, SEE YOU SOON!
Click the image to watch an interesting video!
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #2
NOVEMBER 22ND, 2017
Day #2:
So grateful to receive such encouragement from two people I have so much admiration for. Tracy Pattrick and Matthew Pattrick, THANK YOU for serving and blessing so many from Hong Kong's disabled community through the extended family at the Home of Loving Faithfulness. I can't wait to share more about you at my Manila launch! Tracy and Matthew warmly invite you all to their beautiful carol service on 8th December from 7:30-8:30pm.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #3
NOVEMBER 21ST, 2017
Thank you to a beautiful little girl named Amirah - the inspiration that led your mother to sit with you and read 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story,' and be moved so emotionally in the process of explaining your cultural heritage to you. Perhaps one day you'll be reading the same book with your own children.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #4
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2017
Day #4:
SO THRILLED to share that the Ambassador of India to the Republic of the Philippines, Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar and his lovely wife, Mrs. Parvati Mazumdar will be the guests of honour at my book launch and signing event on 24th November from 3-5pm at Kashmir Indian Restaurant, Makati Manila. See you all there!
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #5
NOVEMBER 19TH, 2017
5 DAY GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN
4 EXCITING DAYS IN MANILA
3RD LAUNCH FOR GOPE AND MEERA
2 BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING EVENTS
1 INCREDIBLE CITY
MANILA ARE YOU READY?!
Day #5:
Manila friends, please join me for my book launch and signing events on 24th and 25th November! 'Gope and Meera – A Migration Story,' is a tale about the cherished homeland reluctantly left behind following the Partition of India and why the Sindhi community is scattered across the world today. Join in the celebration of Indian culture, courage and community whilst enjoying mouthwatering Indian snacks and hear about my own inspiring writing journey.
SCBWI BOOKSTOP PAGES
OCTOBER 31ST, 2017
Delighted to have 'Gope and Meera - A Migration Story,' featured among so many excellent newly published titles of 2017 on the SCBWI BOOKSTOP PAGES! Do check out all the new book pages and my page too:
https://www.scbwi.org/scbwibookstop-display/?id=477457
MCKINLEY HILL: ANNOUNCEMENT
OCTOBER 28TH, 2017
Please join us for the Manila launch of ‘Gope and Meera - A Migration Story’ - at McKinley Hill and hear a tale about a cherished homeland reluctantly left behind and why the Sindhi community is scattered across the world today.
It is a story of tragic loss, determined hope, preserved culture, and spirited victory that will captivate readers of all ages.
KASHMIR RESTAURANT: ANNOUCEMENT
OCTOBER 28TH, 2017
Please join us for the Manila launch of ‘Gope and Meera - A Migration Story’ - at Kashmir Indian Restaurant and hear a tale about a cherished homeland reluctantly left behind and why the Sindhi community is scattered across the world today.
It is a story of tragic loss, determined hope, preserved culture, and spirited victory that will captivate readers of all ages.
GLENEALY SCHOOL VISIT
OCTOBER 26TH, 2017
A very big THANK YOU to the students and teachers of Years 4, 5 and 6 at Glenealy School for inviting me in to speak about why people migrate and for giving Gope and Meera - A Migration Story, such a warm reception!
BEACON HILL SCHOOL VISIT
OCTOBER 18TH, 2017
THANK YOU to Emily Jeves and the Year 5's at ESF Beacon Hill School for such a warm welcome this morning! It was a pleasure to share about the challenges, risks and opportunities involved in migration through the book Gope and Meera - A Migration Story.
KOWLOON JUNIOR SCHOOL VISIT
SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2017
Thank you to Kowloon Junior School for giving Gope and Meera A Migration Story, a cosy spot in your library's New Books section!
BOOK LAUNCH AT BOOKAZINE
SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2017
Thank you to all those who came to support the public launch of Gope and Meera - A Migration Story. Thanks to our vice-consul, Mrinalini Srivastava for attending.
BOOKAZINE: ANNOUNCEMENT
AUGUST 23RD, 2017
Book signing at BOOKaZINE - Exchange Square on September 9th, 4:00pm for Gope and Meera - A Migration Story.
Click the image for details
BOOK LAUNCH AT PARC PALAIS
AUGUST 19TH, 2017
GOPE + MEERA - A MIGRATION STORY LAUNCHED!
Thank you to everyone for making today's cultural celebration one to remember. Special thanks to out Consul General, Mr. Puneet Agrawal and Mr. Matthew Pattrick for inaugurating the book!
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #1
AUGUST 18TH, 2017
Day #1: My sun and moon, my parents: Gope and Meera, THANK YOU for giving me the wings to show what I can become and the roots to remind me of where I'm from. Grateful for all four parents in my life, Gope Melwani, Lavina Melwani, Meena Hemnani and Ashok Hemnani, who are our forever heroes. THANK YOU to you and all our parents for giving us a heritage so rich that it is an honour to pass down.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #2
AUGUST 17TH, 2017
Day #2: 'The secret to having it all is knowing that you already do.' THANK YOU to my incredible family for everything! From my 13 year old Anoushka Hemnani who built my website www.rituhemnani.com in 5 days, to Sunil who became my marketing manager overnight; from Jaya and Sonney Lalwani who alongside the amazing Marlo Garnsworthy Wordy Bird Studio-Marlo Garnsworthy edited my manuscript; from our cousin Kaveen Sujanani and Aidan Hilker, (who we've adopted) who helped me produce a fantastic trailer to every one of you whose voices are on the audiobook...for your time, effort and love, THANK YOU!
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #3
AUGUST 16TH, 2017
Day #3: THANK YOU to our esteemed Indian Consul General, Mr. Puneet Agrawal who will be inaugurating my book at the launch this Saturday. THANK YOU also to Mr. Notan Tolani, Mr. Lal Hardasani and the Sindhi Association of HK and China for all your encouragement and support.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #4
AUGUST 15TH, 2017
Day #4: THANK YOU to the heroes of our nation for 70 YEARS of INDEPENDENCE!
'Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action - Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.'
From 'Geetanjali' by Rabindranath Tagore
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #5
AUGUST 14TH, 2017
Day #5: When our forefathers had to leave their homes and build new roots, they not only assimilated into new communities but also blessed them. In their honour I chose to support the Home of Loving Faithfulness - HOLF. HOLF serves the mentally and physically handicapped of Hong Kong and every time you visit they bless you more than any amount you could give. THANK YOU HOLF for the love, care and hope you provide to souls who might otherwise be abandoned. If you would like to make a personal donation to this incredible charity, please make cheques payable to The Home Of Loving Faithfulness and present them to Matthew Pattrick on the day of the launch.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #6
AUGUST 13TH, 2017
Day #6: A huge THANK YOU to my incredible printers Deepa Nainani and Neerja Sujanani from Plus Group International Limited for going above and beyond in their attention to detail and commitment to quality. Thank you more importantly, for being my friends.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #7
AUGUST 12TH, 2017
Day #7: Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you. THANK YOU to my extremely talented illustrator Samidha Gunjal Mischievous Hoot for realising my vision so beautifully, despite never meeting face to face. I so look forward to that day!
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #8
AUGUST 11TH, 2017
Day #8: 'When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "ME TOO!" be sure to cherish them. Because those weirdos are your tribe!' THANK YOU to my TST critique crew from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for helpful insights, endless encouragement and laughter through each season! Rachel Jones Bhakti Mathur Fred Lechat Larry Baum Skye Cunningham Virginie Zurcher Irene Bennett Mio Debnam Kris Tsang Elizabeth Grobler and John Brennan
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #9
AUGUST 10TH, 2017
Day #9: THANK YOU so much to Carolynne Dear and 'the really useful magazine' - Expat Parent for the fantastic interview feature!
Click the image to read the full article.
GRATITUDE COUNTDOWN DAY #10
AUGUST 9TH, 2017
10 days to go before the book launch and so the 10 day gratitude countdown begins!
Day #10: Thank you to the fantastic team Priyanka Jain, Natasha Jain and Teacup Productions for inviting me onto your talk show today!
PARC PALAIS: ANNOUCEMENT
AUGUST 5TH, 2017
Announcing the official launch of Gope and Meera - A Migration Story. This story is set in Sindh during the Partition of India following its independence in 1947. It is a tale of friendship, loss and victory of the human spirit that will appeal to all ages. Thrilled to share that the Indian Consul General will be coming to inaugurate the book.
AUDIOBOOK RECORDING
JUNE 14TH, 2017
Coming to you live from the studio! Recording the audio book for Gope and Meera – A Migration Story!
