Ronav Chodankar
Author of ‘Jummy the Space Explorer,’ Ronav Chodankar became the youngest author in science fiction category in the India Book of Records when he was 8 years old. Now 11, along with his 7-year-old sister, Ariana, he made two platforms using technology, Ekatraa and iSMS, which won awards such as WSRO at national level, Codeavour at regional level and State innovation award.
“I wrote the book for Ariana who loves space and I thought this would be a fun way to tell her all about the space. Through Jummy the Space Explorer and his space ship JET-O. I will also be releasing by next book soon, which will be equally thrilling and exciting if not more,” informs Ronav.
Books provide Ronav with company through the characters in the books that he reads. “Every time I read a book, it takes me on a fascinating journey. Writing makes my world hypnotic and enthralling. I love to doodle as I put my thoughts on paper. It helps me to visualize my story. Through my writings, I hope I can make others as happy as it makes me,” says Ronav
Sistine Menezes
An inspiring young author, Sistine Menezes, is a talented girl hailing from the picturesque island of St Estevam in Goa. At just 11 years old, she has already made remarkable strides in her creative endeavours, having authored three books, ‘Bulbul’s Fables’, ‘Bulbul’s Verselettes’ and her latest fiction novel, ‘The Kingdom of Enchants.’ Currently residing with her parents and two brothers in Raia, Sistine balances her writing passion with her studies as a Class 6 student at The Kings’s School, Mugalli.
“I love reading because it is one of the best ways to get knowledge or learn more about things. Reading makes you get into another world of imagination and creativity. That's why it's said books are man's best friends,” says Sistine, who published three books within a span of a year.
In addition to her literary pursuit, she is committed to her musical training, working on solfeggio, vocals and clarinet, alongside classical dance. Sistine has demonstrated versatility through numerous achievements, winning awards in singing, dancing, badminton etc. Sistine loves travelling and wishes to travel the world. Speaking about her love for writing, she says, “It is a creative form of expressing ones thoughts, dreams, feelings or knowledge. Writing also improves your communication skills and shows how much you can speak that's how much you can write.”
Troy Dias
Nine-year-old Troy Dias is the author of ‘Bob The Robot.’ It is a story about a boy named James, who has no friends in school. So he builds a robot called Bob who becomes his friend and helps him to make friends in school. Eventually, Bob becomes a buddy to lonely kids at school and James a very popular child in school.
Troy Jose Dias is very passionate about environment and sustainability and is a Green Ambassador. He enjoys swimming and has won many medals in swimming competitions in UAE. He is also a budding cricket player. “I love reading because books gives me company when my parents are busy at work. I Reading keeps me busy in my free time. My bedroom has a library and it welcomes me to read whenever I want to. My parents love reading too. I have grown up seeing them read big fat books,” says Troy.
Troy prefers writing during his winter, spring or summer breaks. “I love writing because it is a part of my English subject in school. My school encourages kids to be imaginative in our creative writing. I like writing because it is fun to put my thoughts in words and make a simple story for all to read,” he explains.
Rachel Dias
Originally from Margao, Rachel Dias is now studying in a British school in Dubai and has her own foundation, Rachel Foundation, through which she supports underprivileged kids with educational resources. A Class 6 student, she is the author of ‘Rose Never Gives Up’. “It is a story about a girl who never gives up and keeps trying to be her best self. She explores new interests with confidence only because she never gives up,” says Rachel, whose book was released at the Sharjah International Book Fair, UAE.
“Books have interesting facts which give me knowledge. Some Books are funny and make me laugh. Some mystery books give me goosebumps. It enhances my spelling and I have a very rich vocabulary because I am a good reader. Reading is a great interest to have as books get me thinking,” adds Rachel emphasizing her love for reading.
‘Rose Never Gives Up’ was Rachel’s first book to be published but she continues to love writing. “I love writing because it is fun. My school encourages students to write in English class. I can write essays, stories, speeches with very little or no help. I have started illustrating my writing recently,” says Rachel with hope for a new literary adventure.