Celebrating Diversity, Preserving Heritage, Bridging Cultures
Ritu Hemnani discusses her journey as an author, the influence of family history, writing in verse, cultural preservation, and inspiring younger generations through stories that bridge divides and celebrate shared humanity.
Ritu Hemnani stands as a beacon of literary brilliance, weaving stories that transcend borders and generations. An author, journalist, and educator, Ritu’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering empathy, preserving heritage, and celebrating diversity. Her historical middle-grade novel in verse, Lion of the Sky, published by HarperCollins in 2024, has already captured the hearts of readers with its poignant exploration of migration, resilience, and identity. Looking ahead, her forthcoming narrative non-fiction picture book, Their Story Is Our Story, set to be released by Chronicle Books in 2026, promises to further cement her reputation as a masterful storyteller who bridges the past and present with grace and insight.
Ritu’s ability to delve into the complexities of human experience, particularly through the lens of her own family’s history and cultural heritage, is both moving and inspiring. Her TEDx Talk, An Inheritance Worth Sharing, offers a glimpse into the profound personal journey that fuels her creative endeavours, while her contributions to the South China Morning Post reflect her commitment to amplifying diverse voices. A British national of Indian descent who calls Hong Kong home, Ritu’s multicultural perspective enriches her narratives, making them universally resonant yet deeply rooted in authenticity.
In this exclusive interview, Ritu shares the inspirations behind her works, the challenges and rewards of writing in verse, and her hopes for the younger generation. Her words are a call to embrace our shared humanity, honour our roots, and find strength in our stories. It is a privilege to feature such a remarkable voice in this issue of Reader’s House.
“Ritu Hemnani is a gifted storyteller whose works illuminate resilience, celebrate diversity, and inspire empathy across generations and cultures.“
Editor, – Reader’s House
Family history is a recurring theme in your work, particularly in Lion of the Sky. How has your own family’s history and cultural heritage influenced your writing journey and the stories you choose to tell?
My family’s history, rooted in the trauma of the Partition of India, has profoundly influenced my writing journey. The Partition displaced 14 million people and resulted in over a million deaths, creating a legacy of not just loss and longing but also courage and resilience that resonates deeply within me. This painful history compelled me to explore the emotions tied to migration and uprooting.
As I delved into our family’s past, I uncovered stories that many survivors often hesitate to share, revealing both the horrors of displacement and the remarkable bravery of those who endured it. By interviewing elders in my community, I learned about the rich tapestry of life in Hyderabad, Sindh, where diverse faiths coexisted until fear and anger tore them apart. Through my writing, I aim to convey these experiences, highlighting the hope that can emerge from even the darkest moments and emphasizing the importance of belonging and identity in our shared human experience.
“Through my writing, I aim to highlight the hope that can emerge from even the darkest moments.”
– Ritu Hemnani
Writing a verse novel requires a unique balance of narrative and poetic expression. What inspired you to choose this format for Lion of the Sky, and what challenges or rewards did you encounter during the process?
Writing Lion of the Sky as a verse novel allowed me to explore line breaks, punctuation, and rhythm, adding a musical quality that enhances the story. Inspired by how verse novels let readers step into the character’s skin, I wanted to use this format to inspire empathy and understanding. Poetic language conveys complex feelings and vivid details, making the characters’ pain and strength relatable.
While distilling historical events into concise lines was challenging, the rewards were substantial. The white space creates natural pauses, helping readers absorb the story’s importance. This structure is more accessible to reluctant readers, as shorter lines feel less daunting. Additionally, what is left unsaid in a verse novel can be as powerful as the words themselves, allowing for deeper emotional resonance. The visual layout emphasizes key moments and evokes rhythm, drawing readers in.
Your TED Talk about cultural preservation was highly impactful. How has the experience shaped your approach to storytelling, and how do you hope it resonates with younger generations?
My TEDx Talk about cultural preservation significantly shaped my storytelling approach, helping me recognize the importance of sharing diverse narratives. I learned that stories are vital for preserving cultural heritage and collective memories. By incorporating elements of my own background, I aim to help young people connect with their roots and foster empathy for others. I want my stories to resonate with young audiences, inspiring them to embrace their histories and appreciate the various cultures around them. By presenting complex themes in an accessible manner, I hope to spark curiosity and dialogue about identity and belonging. Ultimately, I want young readers to see themselves in these stories, understand the power of their voices, and feel empowered to share their own narratives, contributing to cultural preservation.
“Writing in verse allowed me to inspire empathy and understanding through poetic language and rhythm.”
– Ritu Hemnani
With a multicultural upbringing and global experiences, your work bridges cultural divides. How do you approach writing stories that appeal universally while staying true to your cultural roots?
With a multicultural upbringing and global experiences, I focus on universal themes—such as love, loss, and resilience—while honoring my cultural roots. I believe these shared human experiences resonate across cultures, allowing my stories to appeal to a broader audience. I enrich my narratives and celebrate diversity by incorporating specific cultural elements like language, customs, and historical contexts. I create relatable characters who face challenges many can identify with, such as dealing with loss or family expectations, enabling readers from different backgrounds to see themselves in the story. This blend of universal themes and culturally specific details fosters dialogue and connection among diverse audiences, ultimately highlighting the common threads that unite us all.
As someone who has explored various formats and platforms, from novels to TED Talks, what advice would you give to aspiring writers trying to find their unique voice in today’s diverse literary landscape?
Aspiring writers should embrace authenticity by drawing from their own experiences and cultural backgrounds, infusing their writing with sincerity and depth. Experimenting with different formats—such as poetry, essays, or multimedia storytelling—can help identify the best way to express ideas and spark innovation. Reading widely across genres and cultures also expands understanding of various narratives and styles, offering inspiration and new perspectives. Engaging with the writing community for feedback enhances growth. By blending authenticity, experimentation, and a dedication to continuous learning, writers can develop a unique voice that resonates powerfully in the literary world.