We don’t have enough stories that speak to children from diverse cultural backgrounds

Anuradha, a prolific creative writer, editor, and translator based in Kathmandu, champions the vital role of children's literature in development. With over 30 picture and chapter books to her name, including acclaimed works like ‘Mero Kathako Alien’ and ‘Yeti Bhetne Keti’, she has dedicated her career to writing for young audiences.

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We must accept that times are changing.

Her international recognition includes 'The Story of Babur: Prince, Emperor, Sage' (2022), which has been translated into eight languages and was lauded by The Guardian as one of the best new picture books and novels in 2022. Anuradha is also a lifelong member of the Nepalese Society for Children’s Literature (NESCHIL) and has received numerous honors for her contributions.

Reflecting on her journey, Anuradha shared that her love for reading was nurtured by her father, who read her comics like ‘Asterix’ and ‘Tintin’. Frequent school changes due to her father's job, while challenging as a child, later proved invaluable for her writing, allowing her to craft stories with diverse children in mind. A win in a writing competition, encouraged by her mother, was a pivotal moment that revealed her potential as a writer.

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Research demonstrates clear risks of brain rewiring and intense addiction to video games.

Addressing the modern challenge of children spending more time on screens, Anuradha rejects framing literature as a competition. She acknowledges the evolving times and expresses more concern about the risks of video game addiction and its potential impact on brain development. While reading offers unique benefits, she believes writers must adapt, incorporating digital realities into their work to resonate with today's children and match their developmental levels.

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It isn’t about competing with screens, but about incorporating digital realities into our writing to match their developmental level.