Rakhi Singh's journey from Rajasthan to the UK has been inspiring. Over the past two decades, she has excelled in cultural promotion, community service, and entrepreneurship. As an author and publisher of over 50 children's books, including six bestsellers, she shares captivating Indian cultural stories and educational resources. Her publications, Earth Ras Publications and Festival Press, highlight Indian culture and festivals.
She also leads 5th Peak Media, a digital media agency, and collaborates with various not-for-profits on community projects. A passionate promoter of Hindi literature, Rakhi founded the digital platform 'Say a Poem.' She was honoured as an Outstanding Educational Role Model at the Houses of Parliament by IIW, London, for her innovative efforts in promoting Indian culture and enhancing children's literature.
In an interview with Asian Voice, She spoke about the inspiration behind creating children's books, the evolving cultural landscape in the UK and much more.
What motivated you to write children's books focusing on Indian culture and festivals?
I come from Rajasthan, India, and I've been living in the UK for over two decades. During my time here, I realised that we lack the cultural knowledge, awareness, and connection that come naturally in India. My children, along with many others, started missing that cultural touch. It felt like a gap that needed to be filled. As a responsible citizen from India, I felt it was my duty to pass on our cultural heritage and knowledge to my children and others.
This inspired me to start writing children's books. Although it may seem simple, writing for children is quite challenging. Children have their own perspectives, different from adults, so the books need to resonate with them. Besides cultural values, the books should have appealing presentations, engaging storylines, and relatable characters with names like Sonu or Raj, which can help form a connection with readers. It's not just about imparting information but also about how it’s presented and received.
How do you create children's books that blend Indian cultural festivals with engaging storytelling, appealing to both young readers and adults?
As an author immersed in showcasing Indian culture through children's literature, I continually face unique challenges and joys. Each festival or topic I select necessitates thorough research into its celebration nuances in India and translating these complexities into engaging narratives for young readers here in the UK. For instance, while exploring Holi, I not only highlight the joy of playing with colours but also delve into its deeper spiritual meanings, such as the tales of Radha and Krishna.
My collection of over 50 books spans themes like Diwali, Navratri, Sankranti, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan, tailored for various age groups up to twelve. These stories serve as windows into our rich cultural heritage, appreciated by parents and educators alike for their concise yet comprehensive insights. Through these books, I aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian traditions, bridging cultural gaps and enriching the literary landscape for children and adults alike.
How have you observed the evolving cultural landscape in the UK, especially regarding Indian traditions and community acceptance?
Over the past two decades, I've noticed positive changes in cultural awareness and acceptance in the UK. While Indians used to feel like a minority, there's now greater recognition of our community's customs, festivals, and family life. However, many Indian families here, spanning multiple generations, have become disconnected from their original culture. This challenge isn't just for younger generations but also for older ones who have adapted to their new surroundings. It's important to embrace and appreciate other cultures while preserving our own heritage. Fortunately, there's been progress—nowadays, there's more availability and acceptance of Indian cuisine, Jain, vegetarian, and vegan options in restaurants, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and appreciation within the broader community.
What upcoming projects or books are you working on, and what can your readers look forward to?
With over 50 books under my belt, writing has always been my passion since childhood. After rediscovering my love for writing, I realised many others share this dream but may need guidance. Now, I assist aspiring authors in crafting their books, drawing from my own learning and experience in book writing and digital media. My ongoing mission includes helping children and adults alike publish their works and market their books effectively. While I've covered many Indian festivals in my books, I'm also eager to explore and celebrate diverse cultures, such as Sikh festivals like Lohri and events like Baisakhi.
I have written bilingual books about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, in both Hindi and English. These books aim to strengthen connections that can sometimes be lost due to distance or busy lives. Inspired by this theme, I plan to explore more relationships in future projects, alongside continuing to celebrate diverse festivals and cultures across India and beyond.
